Recently, a new open center study showed that pumpkin seeds have a positive effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related symptoms. The results of the study showed that the pumpkin seed product Go-Less Men (EFLA940) launched by Frutarom Health began to have a positive impact after only 4 weeks of ingestion. This effect was further enhanced during the remainder of the study.

Prostatic hyperplasia is an age-related disease that is enlarged by the prostate but not cancerous. According to the US Urological Care Foundation, prostate hyperplasia is particularly prevalent among men between the ages of 51 and 60, with half affected, and among men aged 80 and older, the proportion is as high as 90%. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause a large burden of disease and can have a major impact on quality of life.

The study, led by Martin Leibbrand et al., entitled “Effects of oil-free ethanol pumpkin seed extract on the frequency and severity of symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia” was published in the Journal of Medicine and Food in April 2019. . The study was conducted at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Austria, with a study of 60 men (mean age 62.3 years) who had moderate or severe BPH symptoms for at least 6 months.

Subjects were asked to take a tablet containing 500 mg Go-Less Men (EFLA 940) daily for three consecutive months. After 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, participants were monitored using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to track the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The results showed that daily administration of 500 mg Go-Less Men (EFLA 940) significantly reduced the total amount of IPSS and BPH-related symptoms in just four weeks: 35.7% of men reported a change from “moderate/severe” to “slightly ". After the intervention, the residual urine volume of nocturia and urine decreased significantly.

Moran Werner Saido, product manager at Frutarom Health, explained that as the prostate proliferates, the urethra becomes narrower and the bladder is clogged. This may eventually lead to worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms, including difficulty urinating, which may have a negative impact on quality of life. In most male cases with mild to moderate symptoms, BPH is not actively treated, but is monitored through an annual physical examination. At this stage, it may be appropriate to use phytotherapy, such as pumpkin seed extract to support bladder function.

The E-Committee, THMP and ESCOP of the German Federal Institute for Drug and Medical Treatment, monographs recognize the suitability of pumpkin seeds for the treatment of BPH-related dysuria and bladder allergy.

It is understood that Go-Less Men (EFLA 940) is a plant extract derived from defatted pumpkin seeds. It is obtained by a water-ethanol extraction solvent and a proprietary decontamination procedure (EFLA Hyperpure) to ensure it is free of grease to increase stability, purity and solubility, and to eliminate rancidity. The researchers found that it contains a unique combination of cucurbitacin and polyphenolic compounds that provide positive health benefits.

It is reported that this new study was performed in a previous study demonstrating the clinical efficacy of Go-Less Men (EFLA 940) in people who frequently urinate at night. Pumpkin seed extract EFLA 940 is conveniently used in dietary supplements and health supplements.