RESEARCH ARTICLE Inhibitory effect of Yukmij

hw ing a weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, nocturia, dysuria and bladder outlet obstruction [1,2]. [7]. In the development of BPH, 5α-reductase catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which induces Shin et al. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012, 12:48 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/12/48Lokumijio-to in Japanese), an oriental herbal formula, has483 Expo-ro, Yusung-gu, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea Full list of author information is available at the end of the articleThese symptoms associated with BPH are known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) [3]. Currently, the two main medications used for treatment of BPH are α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists and 5α-reductase inhibi-tors [4]. The α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, includ-ing doxazosin, terazosin and tamsulosin, are the initial an increase in the DHT level in the prostate. This accel-erates hyperplasia of the stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate, resulting in prostatic enlargement [8]. As mentioned above, α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists and 5α-reductase inhibitors are effective in treating men with BPH. However, these drugs are limited because of their side effects, including decreased libido, ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction, and nasal congestion [9,10]. Yukmijihwang-tang (Liu-wei-di-huang-tang in Chinese; * Correspondence