Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Phytosterols

Abstract

In a randomised, double-blind study, the preparation Curbicin, obtained from pumpkin seeds and dwarf palm plants (Cucurbita pepo L. and Sabal serrulata), was compared with a placebo in the treatment of symptoms caused by prostatic hyperplasia; 53 patients took part in the study, which was carried out over a 3-month period. Urinary flow, micturition time, residual urine, frequency of micturition and a subjective assessment of the effect of treatment were all significantly improved in the treatment group. No untoward side effects were noted.

Review of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

“…The cubicin dose administered to 55 patients was of 160 mg of standardized extract from C. pepo (80 mg). After treatment with cubicin micturition time, frequency of micturition, urinary flow, and residual urine were significantly improvement [49].…”

Medical Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review of the Literature

“…In addition, Cernilton, a pollen extract [120], Cubicin, derived from pumpkin seeds [121], Mepartricin, a semi–synthetic streptomyces derivative [122]and extracts containing β–sitosterols [123, 124, 125]have all been reported to produce significant improvements in subjective symptoms and/or urinary flow. However, as most plant extract preparations have different components as a result of extraction processes used, it remains to be proven which agents are responsible for any clinical effects and how these effects may be mediated (there is no evidence for any phytotherapeutic agents reducing prostate volume).…”

Effectiveness of Hair Care Products Containing Placental Growth Factor for the Treatment of Postpartum Telogen Effluvium

“…Cho et al [8] suggested that pumpkin extract blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase and has antiandrogenic effects on rats [21,22]. In clinical trials, after 24 weeks of treatment, the self-rated improvement score in the pumpkin extract group was higher than in the placebo group.…”