Seaweed Extract Supports Enlarged Prostate Symptoms: Study

Fucoidan, a naturally occurring compound in brown seaweed, was shown in a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to significantly improve symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The findings were published in Research and Reports in Urology.

BPH is a common issue affecting 50-60% of men in their 60s, increasing to 90% of men in their 80s. Urinary symptoms, including difficulty passing urine, a weak stream, and an increase in frequency of urination, often impact quality of life.

“To date, very few natural compounds have been clinically studied and shown to support prostate health effectively,” said Barbara Wimmer, PhD, lead author and research director at Marinova, a supplier of fucoidan ingredients. “The documented bioactives of fucoidan led us to embark on this groundbreaking trial.”

In the 90-day study, 88 men between the ages of 45 and 80 with moderate BPH received either a daily fucoidan supplement or a placebo.

Key Findings

Compared to the placebo, participants who took fucoidan showed:

• Clinically significant improvements in overall BPH symptoms
• More than a nine-fold improvement in voiding symptoms (encompassing emptying, intermittency, weak stream, and straining)
• A two-fold improvement in storage symptoms (encompassing symptoms of frequency, urgency, and nocturia)
• Significant improvements in perceived quality of life scores.

The study used the widely recognized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to assess changes in BPH symptoms.

“Importantly, the trial results were clinically significant and the fucoidan was shown to be safe throughout the study period,” said Wimmer. “We expect these findings will result in the commercialization of high purity fucoidan to help relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.”

An overview of the clinical study, published by Marinova, can be accessed here.