Epilobium is not a new herb. It has been celebrated for its health successes throughout Europe for decades, and has just recently been “rediscovered” as a potent treatment for a variety of male and female maladies. Attention was originally focused on epilobium for its beneficial effects regarding prostate health for men, and urinary tract health for women. The use of Epilobium (Family Onagraceae) was widespread in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in certain areas of North America for centuries to treat these maladies. Numerous Epilobium species have been used as remedies in folk medicine, particularly in Central Europe, for the treatment of prostate disorders and abnormal growths. This pleasant herb and lower tea were first highly recommended by Austrian herbalist, Maria Treben, for ailing men who were suffering with prostate abnormalities. Epilobium gas been and continues to be the subject of numerous studies throughout Europe. Upon further study, it was learned that it is far more potent than Saw Palmetto and has similar, yet more powerful effects for blocking dihydotestosterone (DHT), the common cause of englaged prostate and hair loss.

In traditional herbal medicine, epilobium had proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has been used successfully for bladder health maintenance, male health maintenance, hormonal imbalances, and urinary system health. Certain species have been identified as particularly beneficial in inhibiting the enzyme 5alpha-reductase and serving as an anti-inflammatory inhibitor.

In 2003, The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology published results of a epilobium-relevant study led by Annabella Vitalone, PhD. The study specifically addresses the use of epilobium in treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, BPH is generally considered to be a normal part of the male aging process with cell proliferation traced to age-related changes in hormone balance and cell-growth factors.
Recent biological testing by Ducrey and Hartmann proved that the tannins Oenothein A and Oenothein B are extremely potent inhibitors of 5-a-reductase (which metabolises testosterone into dihydrotestosterone ) and aromatase (which converts testosterone into 17-B-estradiol). In the case of Aromatase Oenothein A showed an inhibition of 70 % at 50 uM during in vitro testing. Against 5-a-reductase Oenothein A had a 50 % reduction at only 1.24 uM and Oenothein B a 50 % reduction at 0.44 uM. Finasteride shows the same result at 5 nM. This leads to the conclusion that Oenothein B is a potent 5-a-reductase inhibitor but not as strong as Finasteride.