Croton membranaceus Root for Prostate Health: Tradition and Science Unite

Croton membranaceus is a medicinal shrub native to West Africa, where it has been traditionally used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary retention. Herbalists prepare extracts from the root to alleviate symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Longstanding use in traditional herbal medicine has reported minimal adverse effects, which has prompted scientific inquiry into its safety and efficacy.

Over the past 15 years, clinical and preclinical studies have validated the traditional claims. A pivotal open-label clinical trial in 2015 involved 33 men with BPH who took 60 mg/day of freeze-dried Croton membranaceus root extract for three months. Results showed a significant reduction in prostate volume—nearly 50% on average—as well as improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) and quality of life. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels also declined, and erectile function showed slight improvement. Importantly, no serious side effects were reported, and liver and kidney function remained stable.

Animal studies mirrored these findings. In testosterone-induced BPH models in rats, C. membranaceus extract reduced prostate weight and normalized glandular histology, similar to the pharmaceutical drug finasteride. It also demonstrated prostate-specific effects, with no adverse changes observed in other organs. In vitro studies have shown that the extract induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in hyperplastic prostate cells and may mildly inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT.

Toxicological evaluations in rats revealed a high safety margin. Even at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, the extract caused no mortality or major organ damage. Human safety data over a three-month course similarly confirmed good tolerability.

In summary, Croton membranaceus root combines traditional efficacy with scientific validation. It offers a promising natural therapy for managing BPH, with benefits comparable to conventional drugs but with a potentially superior safety profile. Further large-scale studies could help solidify its role in evidence-based prostate care.