Proprietary pumpkin seed extract supports symptoms of BPH, says recent study

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A pilot study published in the Journal of Medical Food found that an oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract (EFLA 940 by Frutarom Health; Haifa,Israel) may support symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the study, 58 male subjects between the ages of 50 and 75 suffering from symptoms of BPH for at least six months before screening were given 500 mg of pumpkin seed extract daily for three months. Subjects were monitored every four weeks, using the International Prostate Symptom Score to track symptoms of BPH.

At baseline 76.8% of subjects showed moderate symptoms while 23.2% showed severe symptoms. Results showed that there was a highly significant reduction of symptoms after 12 weeks of intervention with the pumpkin seed extract. Significant reductions were already apparent at four weeks, and strengthened over the course of the study. On average, symptoms reduction over time was 17.1% at four weeks, 27.5% at eight weeks, and 30.1% at 12 weeks. Symptom alleviation of greater than four points was experienced by 55.4% of subjects, a reduction of 1-4 points was experienced by 28.6% of subjects, while 12.5% experienced a slight worsening of symptoms, and 3.6% did not show any chance. In the end, 35.7% of subjects had symptoms that could be categorized at mild.
 

References:

1. M. Leibbrand et al. “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 Medical Food, Published online ahead of print April 24, 2019