4. Discussion
climacteric syndrome, prostate, dysuria, metabolic disease, voiding dysfunction
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, ADVERSE EVENTS, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, DISEASE, CLIMACTERIC SYNDROME, PROSTATE, METABOLIC DISEASE, BPH
This study is the first placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial to determine the effect of BRE on MCS and voiding dysfunction. Based on the preclinical investigation, the daily recommended intake of BRE for humans was estimated to be 4.8 g (as to BRE 3 g) per day. Safety-wise, no clinically significant adverse events or changes in the body were observed during this study. Therefore, BRE was considered safe for human consumption. In this trial, the consumption of 4.8 g BRE per day for 12 weeks in men with climacteric syndrome showed improved lipid profiles and voiding symptoms. BPH is a progressive disease prevalent in older men, and its occurrence increases with age [The significance of functional diets in the management of a variety of medical conditions has grown substantially. These specialty foods contain bioactive compounds offering therapeutic benefits beyond basic nutrition. Berries are rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which may assist in protecting testosterone-producing cells from damage and enhancing testosterone production [The BRE group experienced a significant reduction in the IPSS voiding sub-score at 12 weeks, with noticeable improvement seen as early as 6 weeks, whereas there was no significant difference between groups in terms of the IPSS storage sub-score. Specifically, the BRE group’s total IPSS score improved from moderate (11.4 ± 3.3 points) to mild (7.9 ± 6.4). These results suggest that continuous BRE consumption for 12 weeks markedly improved voiding symptoms and quality of life. Contrarily, these subjects exhibited potential risk factors for BPH, with complaints of moderate dysuria symptoms, and their IPSS scores, ranging from 8 to 19, indicated voiding dysfunction. Similarly, IPSS scores indicated that supplementation with pumpkin seed extract improved dysuria symptoms [The correlation between metabolic disease and prostate health has not been established conclusively until now. High cholesterol, a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is also a risk factor for BPH, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are expected to help reduce BPH [