Can Fluxonorm® food supplement improve the effectiveness of standard therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms?

This study assessed the effectiveness of Fluxonorm® herbal supplement when combined with standard therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The authors concluded that the effectiveness of standard therapy was improved by the addition of Fluxonorm® in patients with BPH.

LUTS due to BPH and inflammation of the prostate are often seen in men aged 50 and over. LUTS include urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, intermittent urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying and urinating during the night (nocturia). Although drug treatments such as α-blockers are most commonly prescribed, plant-derived medications (phytotherapy) may be effective. Furthermore, if prepared with water and hydroalcoholic solutions, phytotherapy may even have fewer side effects.

Fluxonorm® is a new plant-based supplement that contains water-soluble plant extracts (Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllantus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus, and Ononis spinosa) rich in catechins traditionally used for the management of inflammatory and infectious conditions of the urinary tract. Catechin is a phenolic compound found in plant extracts with the ability to reduce the effects of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that have an important role in inflammation. Since catechin is associated with anti-inflammatory effects based on preclinical studies, there is a need to explore the clinical effectiveness of Fluxonorm® in LUTS inflammation in relation to BPH.

This study included 30 patients with LUTS. Patients received 1200 mg of oral Fluxonorm daily for 30 days. Some patients also received standard therapy for LUTS, including an α-blocker, 5α-reductase inhibitor, or both. 

There was a significant reduction in the International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS) score after Fluxonorm treatment from 19.5 to 9.5. This translates into a reduction in urinary symptoms. The was also an improvement in patients' quality of life and an increase in the average urine flow from 12 ml/s to 14 ml/s.

The data showed improved effectiveness of standard therapy with the addition of Fluxonorm® in the management of LUTS.

The number of patients included in the study was small. Large, randomized, controlled trials are needed. This study was funded by Omega Pharma, the manufacturers of Fluxonorm.