Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study

Abstract

Purpose To assess the symptoms, quality of life and sexual well-being in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia LUTS/BPH treated with pumpkin seed soft extract (PSE) in routine practice. Methods This noninterventional study included 130 men treated for up to 24 months. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and related quality of life, Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale (AMS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were recorded. Descriptive statistical methods were applied. The mean with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the primary end point (change in IPSS after 12-month treatment). Results Analysis at 12 months included 83 patients [mean (SD) age 65.2 (8.7) years and IPSS (15.6 (3.4), IPSS-QoL 3.4 (0.9)]. AMS and IIEF-5 indicated mild or mild to moderate disorder regarding sexual well-being and erectile dysfunction, respectively. After 12 months, the mean IPSS change from baseline was − 4.7 (95% CI − 5.4 to − 3.9), with 83% (95% CI 65.3 to 84.1) and 53% (95% CI 42.3 to 63.7) of the patients achieving reductions by at least 3 and 5 points, respectively. The proportion of patients with IPSS-QoL below 3 points (mostly satisfied) was 11% (9/83) at baseline and rose to 62% (51/83) and 73% (40/55) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. AMS and IIEF-5 scores did not indicate a negative impact on sexual function during treatment. Conclusion In men with a moderate LUTS suggestive of BPH, a low progression risk and an active sex life, treatment with pumpkin seed soft extract provided symptomatic relief, improved IPSS-QoL, and maintained sexual well-being. Trial registration DRKS00010729, June 22, 2016.

Safety and Efficacy Assessment of Red Ginseng Oil (RXGIN) in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…However, further studies are needed to provide scientific evidence. [ 25 26 ]. Limitations of this study are that the duration of treatment was short by 12 weeks, the prostate size was not measured and urodynamic study was not performed in consideration of patient discomfort.…”

Overview of BPH: Symptom Relief with Dietary Polyphenols, Vitamins and Phytochemicals by Nutraceutical Supplements with Implications to the Prostate Microbiome

“…In 2022, Theil et al in a 24-month clinical study of 83 men (mean age 65.2 ± 8.7 years) with moderate LUTS/BPH symptoms, showed that pumpkin seed extract (500 mg capsules) taken twice per day significantly improved IPSS levels after 12 and 24 months in over 50% of the subjects [ 143 ]. The proportion of patients with QOL scores at baseline (mostly satisfied) was 11 percent that rose to 62 percent and 73 percent at 12 and 24 months, respectively.…”

“…The proportion of patients with QOL scores at baseline (mostly satisfied) was 11 percent that rose to 62 percent and 73 percent at 12 and 24 months, respectively. No adverse events were reported, and the AMS and International Index of Erectile Function (HEF-5) scores indicated no negative impact on function during the treatment interval [ 143 ]. The authors concluded that pumpkin seed extract provided significant relief in men with moderate LUTS/BPH symptoms without side effects.…”