The Benefits of Phytosterol & Beta Sitosterol

Phytosterols and their most common counterpart, beta-sitosterol, are naturally occurring plant compounds that share a structural similarity to cholesterol. Studies have shown them to have anti inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic actions [3,4,5]. The former which may help to alleviate symptoms of BPH.

Manplify

This comprehensive men’s health formula combines plant sterols (phytosterol & beta-sitosterol) for prostate support with pumpkin seed, zinc, and saw palmetto for healthy urinary function. Added lycopene, isoflavones, and garlic provide antioxidant protection, while vitamin D and selenium support overall well-being.

If you’re a man concerned about prostate health, urinary function, or maintaining healthy testosterone levels, this supplement offers a natural approach.

Pumpkin seed

A pilot study involving 12 weeks of supplementation with pumpkin seed extract showed significant improvements in overall benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms, quality of life, and nighttime urination. There were also positive effects on the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding. The study used various methods to measure these effects, and the results consistently showed improvements beyond what would be expected from a placebo. The findings suggest that this particular pumpkin seed extract could be a helpful natural option for men with BPH symptoms, potentially reducing the need for medical intervention [1].

Another study showed 12 months of treatment with pumpkin seed led to a clinically relevant reduction in international prostate symptom Score(IPSS)  compared with placebo [2].

Zinc 

Zinc plays a critical role in male reproductive health by supporting sperm production, maturation, and motility, as well as maintaining healthy ejaculate volume. Zinc deficiency can lead to reduced sperm quality and lower ejaculate volume, potentially affecting fertility. Zinc supplementation in deficient individuals has been shown to improve sperm quality and increase ejaculate volume in some studies. Overall, maintaining adequate zinc levels is important for optimal male reproductive function [6].

Isoflavones

Isoflavones Inhibit endothelial cell dysfunction [10] which may help prevent cardiovascular disease. A healthy cardiovascular system supports normal sexual function.

Lycopene

Saw Palmetto

Vitamin D

Selenium

Increased intake of selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids [hyperlink], CoenzymeQ10 [hyperlink] have been positively related to sperm quality [7,8]

Garlic extract

Allicin, the main active compound of garlic, has antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and antioxidant effects. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, suppress tumorigenesis, reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, and neutralize free radicals [9]. The plethora of beneficial effects from Allicin contribute to overall health which supports normal urinary and sexual function.

References

1. Leibbrand M, Siefer S, Schön C, Perrinjaquet-Moccetti T, Kompek A, Csernich A, Bucar F, Kreuter MH. 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. J Med Food. 2019 Jun;22(6):551-559. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0106. Epub 2019 Apr 24. PMID: 31017505; PMCID: PMC6590724.
2. Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int. 2015;94(3):286-95. doi: 10.1159/000362903. Epub 2014 Sep 5. PMID: 25196580.
3. Tolve R, Cela N, Condelli N, Di Cairano M, Caruso MC, Galgano F. Microencapsulation as a Tool for the Formulation of Functional Foods: The Phytosterols’ Case Study. Foods. 2020 Apr 9;9(4):470. doi: 10.3390/foods9040470. PMID: 32283860; PMCID: PMC7230576.
4. Tapiero H, Townsend DM, Tew KD. Phytosterols in the prevention of human pathologies. Biomed Pharmacother. 2003 Oct;57(8):321-5. doi: 10.1016/s0753-3322(03)00104-5. PMID: 14568225; PMCID: PMC6361126.
5. Shahzad N, Khan W, Md S, Ali A, Saluja SS, Sharma S, Al-Allaf FA, Abduljaleel Z, Ibrahim IAA, Abdel-Wahab AF, Afify MA, Al-Ghamdi SS. Phytosterols as a natural anticancer agent: Current status and future perspective. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Apr;88:786-794. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.068. Epub 2017 Jan 31. PMID: 28157655.
6. Osadchuk LV, Danilenko AD, Osadchuk AV. [An influence of zinc on male infertility]. Urologiia. 2021 Nov;(5):84-93. Russian. PMID: 34743439.
7. Salas-Huetos A, James ER, Aston KI, Jenkins TG, Carrell DT. Diet and sperm quality: Nutrients, foods and dietary patterns. Reprod Biol. 2019 Sep;19(3):219-224. doi: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.07.005. Epub 2019 Jul 30. PMID: 31375368.
8. Mintziori G, Mousiolis A, Duntas LH, Goulis DG. Evidence for a manifold role of selenium in infertility. Hormones (Athens). 2020 Mar;19(1):55-59. doi: 10.1007/s42000-019-00140-6. Epub 2019 Nov 7. PMID: 31701489.
9. Wlosinska M, Nilsson AC, Hlebowicz J, Hauggaard A, Kjellin M, Fakhro M, Lindstedt S. The effect of aged garlic extract on the atherosclerotic process – a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Apr 29;20(1):132. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-02932-5. PMID: 32349742; PMCID: PMC7191741.
10. Yamagata K. Soy Isoflavones Inhibit Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Prevent Cardiovascular Disease. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2019 Sep;74(3):201-209. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000708. PMID: 31356541.