Lower urinary tract symptoms, including overactive bladder (OAB), impact over half of the global adult population. Pharmacological treatments, such as antimuscarinics and beta-3 agonists, are commonly used but often have side effects, leading many patients to seek alternative therapies. Increasing interest in herbal and natural remedies for OAB management has emerged due to their perceived lower toxicity and fewer side effects compared to synthetic medications. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other herbal practices have shown some efficacy in treating OAB symptoms.

Herbal medicines offer a range of potential benefits, acting through various mechanisms like muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved bladder function. Studies on herbs like Alpinia oxyphylla, Artemisia vulgaris, and Astragalus membranaceus demonstrate that plant-based therapies may help alleviate OAB symptoms. Moreover, some herbal combinations, rooted in TCM, like Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang and Ji-Sheng-Shen-Qi-Wan, have been studied for their synergistic effects in improving bladder function. More rigorous pharmacological and clinical studies on herbal treatments are necessary to validate their efficacy and integrate them into mainstream OAB management.

Reference: Chen H, Hoi MPM, Lee SMY. Medicinal plants and natural products for treating overactive bladder. Chin Med. 2024;19(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s13020-024-00884-3.