Effects of goshajinkigan on patients with prostatic hypertrophy

Abstract

To treat prostatic hypertrophy-related lower urinary tract symptoms, especially storage symptoms, α1-blockers and anticholinergic agents are mainly administered. However, some patients do not respond to these therapies. We administered goshajinkigan to 30 such patients with prostatic hypertrophy, and examined its effects. This treatment significantly reduced the frequency of urination during the daytime and at night. Parameters determined on uroflowmetry, the residual urine volume, IPSS, and IPSS QOL index were ameliorated. There were no significant differences in the effects on pollakisuria and nocturia between "Jitsu" and "Kyo" Sho patients. Various basic studies have investigated the mechanism by which this agent ameliorates pollakisuria, suggesting the involvement of κ-opioid receptors in the spinal cord and C fibers.