Hypoxis hemerocallidea--not merely a cure for benign prostate hyperplasia.

The use of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. and C.A. Mey. (Hypoxidaceae) extracts for ailments other than benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is now a reality. The whole extract, the phytosterols, as well as the major constituents it contains (hypoxoside, and its active derivative rooperol) are now finding new applications in the area of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, anti-diabetics, anti-convulsants, inhibitors of drug marker substances and new evidence is presented of activity against cancerous and premalignant cancer cells. In addition, the over-the-counter (OTC) trade has undergone enormous expansion.