The present invention discloses therapeutic natural products, in
particular plant extracts effective in treating and preventing urinary
tract disorders, and method for obtaining said extracts. In particular,
the present invention discloses a water-soluble alcoholic extract of
Opuntia ficus-indica flower (NABIA extract), a component thereof (NABIA
fraction) or any mixture of components thereof, which is substantially
free of non water-soluble residues, and exhibits an effective
alpha-1-adrenergic receptor blocking activity. Further are disclosed
methods of preparing this extract and methods of inhibiting
alpha-1-adrenergic receptors and/or 5-alpha-reductase, as well as of
treating medical conditions associated therewith, such as urinary tract
disorders.