VIDEO ANSWER

Pumpkin seeds, nettle root and beta-sitosterol: any use?

Dr. Fernando Gómez Sancha · Urologist · Medical Director of ICUA

Video published: · 0:40 · Excerpt 2:12–2:52

Playing the video connects to YouTube in privacy-enhanced mode.

Subtitle text

Source: subtitles embedded in the published video.

Text from the published subtitles. Coverage may be partial; consult the video for the full context.

Pumpkin seeds contain fatty acids, phytosterols, and zinc. There are a couple of studies showing some improvement in mild symptoms, but again, small, short-term trials, lacking the rigour of a level one registered study.

The same goes for nettle root, which is sometimes combined with saw palmetto. Then there's beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol that is present in many plants. It's perhaps the one with the most interesting data.

A Cochrane review from years ago showed improvement in urinary flow and symptoms, but the studies were few, short, and with few patients. No one has done a large, definitive trial.