Phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is progressively demanded by patients and trusted by physicians. The aim was to assess the efficacy of a mix of pumpkin seed extract, soy germ isoflavonoids, and cranberry (Novex®) in the management of mild to moderate LUTS in BPH patients. Male patients aged ≥40 years, who had had mild to moderate LUTS for >6 months at screening, with no previous therapy or who are still symptomatic despite current use of alpha-blockers, were recruited. Exclusion criteria were an IPSS >19 and an age >80 years. The mixed compound was administered orally, daily, for 3 months. Patients were evaluated by means of IPSS, urological quality of life (uQoL) index, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) at 3 visits: baseline (visit 1), 30 days (visit 2), and 90 days after treatment (visit 3). Among 163 screened patients, 128 patients (61.8 ± 9.9 years) were recruited. IPSS improved from 15 (Q1 : 12-Q3 : 17) in visit 1, to 11 (Q1 : 8-Q3 : 14) in visit 2, and to 9 (Q1 : 6-Q3 : 12) in visit 3 (p < 0.001). uQoL improved from 4 (3-4) in visit 1, to 3 (2-3) in visit 2, and to 2 (1-2) in visit 3 (p < 0.001). The patients had an IIEF-5 score of 15 (12-18.7) in visit 1, 15 (12-18) in visit 2, and 17 (13-19) in visit 3 (p=0.99 visits 1 vs. 2, p=0.004 visits 2 vs. 3, and p=0.001 visits 1 vs. 3). Treating mild to moderate LUTS/BPH patients with Novex® might therefore relieve symptoms, improve the quality of life, and have a mild beneficial effect on erectile function.
Copyright © 2020 Elie Nemr et al.