Finrozole is a nonsteroidal competitive aromatase inhibitor that is being evaluated in Phase II trials for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with reduced androgen/estrogen ratio in aging males associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. But this research was discontinued in 2005. In dimethylbenzanthracene-induced rat mammary carcinoma model, Finrozole causes regression of more than 80% of the established tumors. The hormone-dependent mammary tumors are inhibited to a level seen in ovariectomised animals.

EQUOL, (-)- is the (S)-enantiomer of the naturally-occurring isoflavandiol estrogen, equol. EQUOL, (-)- (US-131), is a first-in-class, nonsteroidal, nonhormonal, small molecule (S-equol) that has higher selectivity toward estrogen receptor β (ERβ) than to estrogen receptor α (ERα). S-equol is the exclusive product of human intestinal bacterial synthesis from soy isoflavones. Two-Phase 1 studies have seen completed and published; AUS-131 was safe and well-tolerated in humans. A Phase 2a trial in menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms (VMS) has recently been completed (169 patients). A second Phase 2a trial in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is on track.

Gisadenafil is a phosphodiesterase V inhibitor in clinical development at Pfizer. It had been in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Erectile dysfunction; Overactive bladder. Treatment-emergent adverse events were: headache, myalgia, dyspepsia, back pain.

Diosgenin is a major bioactive constituent of various edible pulses and roots, well characterized in the seeds of fenugreek as well as in the root tubers of wild yams. The findings from pre-clinical and mechanistic studies strongly implicate the use of diosgenin as a novel multi-target based chemo preventive or therapeutic agent against several chronic diseases. Diosgenin has been shown to increase cholesterol secretion fiveto seven-fold in the bile of rats without altering the output of bile salts and phospholipids (Kosters et al., 2005; Nervi et al., 1988; Nibbering et al., 2001). Recently, it was shown that the biliary cholesterol secretion stimulated by diosgenin and leading to fecal cholesterol excretion is independent of intestinal cholesterol absorption. The anti-cancer effects of diosgenin in vitro through different mechanisms was investigated and was shown that it could use in the treatment Colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and some others. Also was investigates the effect of diosgenin on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and was shown that compound can inhibits HCV replication at low µM concentrations. Diosgenin was able to protect the kidney from morphological changes associated with ovariectomy. The mechanism is responsible for this protection was the conversion of diosgenin to progesterone. The extensive pre-clinical and clinical research should be carried out prior to advocating the safe and efficacious use of diosgenin and diosgenin-rich plant extracts against the prevention and control of diseases.

Beta-sitosterol is one of the main dietary phytosterols found in plants which have a similar skeleton as cholesterol. In human clinical trials, beta-sitosterol has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects and to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. There has been a large amount of basic research conducted for potential applications of beta-sitosterol in a diverse range of conditions including cervical cancer, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and others. Beta-sitosterol is available over the counter as a natural health supplement and is marketed for a wide range of applications including headaches, tuberculosis, allergies, cancers, fibromyalgia, lupus, asthma, hair loss and many others.

Atamestane is a new, competitive, and irreversible inhibitor of estrogen biosynthesis. It is an aromatase inhibitor. Atamestane lacks other intrinsic hormonal or antihormonal activities and shows no inhibition of other cytochrome-P450 dependent enzymes of adrenal steroidogenesis. It had been in phase III clinical trial for the treatment of breast cancer and phase II for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It was discontinued from development after an 865-patient trial in breast cancer showed no improvement in efficacy over letrozole.

Gestonorone is a progesterone analogue indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. The drug is approved in many countries and used under the names Primostat and Depostat.

Indoramin is an alpha-1 selective antagonist of adrenergic receptor, sold under trade names Baratol and Doralese, and now available as a generic. It has no reflex tachycardia and direct myocardial depression action and is used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (as 20 mg tablets) or reduce blood pressure (as 25 mg strength tablets). It was also investigated as a treatment of a migraine and congestive heart failure.

Alfuzosin is a quinazoline-derivative alpha-adrenergic blocking agent used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Alfuzosin is marketed in the United States by Sanofi Aventis under the brand name Uroxatral. UROXATRAL (alfuzosin HCl extended-release tablets) is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. UROXATRAL is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Alfuzosin is a non-subtype specific alpha(1)-adrenergic blocking agent that exhibits selectivity for alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors in the lower urinary tract. Inhibition of these adrenoreceptors leads to the relaxation of smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, resulting in the improvement in urine flow and a reduction in symptoms in benign prostate hyperplasia. Alfuzosin also inhibits the vasoconstrictor effect of circulating and locally released catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), resulting in peripheral vasodilation.

Tamsulosin, a sulfamoylphenethylamine-derivative alpha-adrenoceptor blocker with enhanced specificity for the alpha-adrenoceptors of the prostate, is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The drug is commercially available in a racemic mixture of 2 isomers, and is pharmacologically related to doxazocin, prazosin, and terazosin. However, unlike these drugs, tamsulosin has a higher affinity for the alpha-1A- adrenergic receptors, which are located in vascular smooth muscle. Studies show that tamsulosin has about 12 times greater affinity for alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in the prostate than those in the aorta, which may result in a reduced incidence of adverse cardiovascular effects. Tamsulosin is sold under the trade name Flomax.