Written By: GMI Reporter

A new clinical trial published in the Journal of Medicinal Food demonstrates that supplementation with an oil-free pumpkin seed extract significantly reduces urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).1

BPH involves prostate enlargement obstructing urine flow, causing frequent and urgent urination, straining and retention issues. Phytotherapies like pumpkin seeds are often used, but limited quality evidence exists validating traditional use.  

In this rigorously designed 12-week study, 60 men with moderate-severe BPH symptoms took either a pumpkin seed extract tablet or nothing daily. Multiple metrics assessed outcomes including urinary flow, frequency and discomfort questionnaires. 

Remarkably, the pumpkin seed extract reduced overall symptoms by 30%, increased quality of life by over 60%, and noticeably decreased nighttime bathroom visits. It also shrank participants’ post-urination retained bladder volume indicating improved emptying. Benefits started within 4 weeks, strengthening over the 12 weeks.

No negative changes occurred in clinical safety markers, with the extract demonstrating excellent tolerability. The majority of men conveyed an overall reduction in BPH issues, particularly less frequent and urgent urination. 

Unlike prior studies investigating pumpkin seed powders or oils, this novel extract uniquely excludes fats and utilizes hydroethanol to capture water-soluble bioactive compounds. Researchers suggest anti-inflammatory, hormone regulating and muscle relaxing actions likely contribute to symptom relief without side effects.

For prostate sufferers wishing to avoid medications, this rigorous data validates pumpkin seed extracts as an effective option providing rapid respite. While follow-up placebo-controlled studies are warranted, the profound benefits and safety revealed solidify this phytotherapy’s substantial therapeutic promise.

This adds to previous successes with pumpkin seeds improving overactive bladder and hormone imbalances in women. As a clinically-verified source of prostate support for men, pumpkin seed extracts enable expanding integrative care as a first-line approach before conventional treatments.

References

[1] Leibbrand M, Siefer S, Schön C, Tania Perrinjaquet-Moccetti A, Kompek A, Csernich A, Bucar F, Matthias Heinrich Kreuter. Effects of an Oil-Free Hydroethanolic Pumpkin Seed Extract on Symptom Frequency and Severity in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Pilot Study in Humans. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2019 Jun 1;22(6):551-9.

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