The Synergistic Effects of Astragalus and Soybean: Research on UMOOZE® (Astragalus and Soybean Extract) as an Add-On Therapy in Males with BPH

The Synergistic Effects of Astragalus and Soybean: Research on UMOOZE® (Astragalus and Soybean Extract) as an Add-On Therapy in Males with BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men that is more likely to
occur the older one gets. After most men hit 40, the prostate gland is more likely to grow in size, leading to BPH and urinary tract symptoms that affect one's quality of life. When a man reaches his 80s, even more men become afflicted. However, the condition does not require treatment unless the symptoms require treatment. Enlargement of the prostate can lead to having difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, hesitation, frequency, weak flow, decreased void volume, dysuria, nocturia, straining, prolonged flow, and complete or partial urinary retention.

Diagnosing

It is important to diagnose BPH properly and rule out other conditions such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, prostatitis, overactive bladder, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis.  While BPH is often not life threatening, it can affect a man’s quality of life. It is important to diagnose BPH correctly and follow an effective treatment plan. The goal of such treatment should be to slow the progression of BPH while improving a man’s quality of life. Active observation is recommended for all men who experience any symptoms related to BPH. Treatment options should be discussed with a physician to meet an individual's specific needs.

Quality of Life

Lifestyle modifications can go a long way when initially dealing with symptoms.  Common recommendations include timed bladder voiding, double-voiding techniques, fluid restriction at night, regular exercise, treatments for constipation, and avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, all of which can help improve symptoms and prevent the progression of BPH.

UMOOZE®

UMOOZE® is an add-on therapy taken twice a day proven help improve the symptoms of BPH according to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) index.

UMOOZE

UMOOZE® contains two key ingredients, Astragalus radix extracts and soy isoflavones. Astragalus radix (AR) is a dried root commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine containing a wide range of health benefits. And, according to the National Cancer Institute of America, people who consume soybean products can reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer.

 Add-On Therapy

UMOOZE® is designed to help men with the symptoms of BPH.  In one particular study that I will briefly delve into, it was given as an add-on therapy to men with a history of BPH. They took two tablets- one in the morning with water and one in the evening-  for  56 consecutive days. Cornstarch was used as a placebo. Subjects who were diagnosed with BPH received the placebo in the morning and evening for 56 consecutive days, taken with water.

Astragalus radix and Soybean extracts are combined into one 500 mg UMOOZE® tablet and it is considered a food supplement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of UMOOZE® as an add-on therapy for BPH by evaluating the improvements in symptoms of BPH based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) index.  The IPSS is a validated 7-item urinary symptoms severity scale.

Each subject received UMOOZE® or a placebo and was evaluated at the baseline and subsequently on Day 28, Day 42, and Day 56 using the IPSS Index, QoL index, Qmax, PVR, prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.

Those who participated in this study met the following criteria:

• Male – 40 years of age or older
• Screened by inquiry and diagnosed with BPH based on the result of a digital rectal
  examination (DRE) or transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)
• Prostate volume ≥ 20 cm3
• Has complained of voiding symptoms related to BPH
• Has an IPSS ≥ 13 or an UFR measure of Qmax <= 15 ml/sec together with a voided volume ≥ 150 ml
• Serum PSA < 6.5 ng/ml
• Has been treated with medication for BPH
• Informed consent form signed

Men that were excluded from the study had the following criteria:

• Sensitivity to study product
• Had received prostatic surgery for BPH during the past 24 weeks
• Hard nodule found by DRE
• Ongoing neurogenic bladder, urinary tract infection, bladder stone, urethral
  stricture, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, severe liver dysfunction, severe renal
  dysfunction or severe cardiovascular disease.
• Patient has clinically significant physical disability or abnormal findings on
  physical examination or laboratory testing judged by the investigator or co-
• Participation in any clinical investigation during the last 30 days
• Individuals are judged by the investigators or co-investigator to be undesirable as
  subjects

Below is a detailed chart displaying the timeline of the study on UMOOZE®'s effects on BPH and the tests conducted.

Results

A detailed list of results were recorded during the study, but the main takeaways are that most if not all patients had an improvement compared to the baseline, quality of life, and reduced prostate volume. And this goes without saying, but UMOOZE® outdid the placebo in every test (see below).

Conclusion

In conclusion, UMOOZE® improved the overall IPSS for nocturia and LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) while improving the patient’s quality of life (QoL).  The Post-Void Residual (PVR) urine volume was decreased and the prostate volume in patients with BPH was reduced.  UMOOZE® has proven to be well tolerated and helpful as an add-on therapy and offers many health benefits in managing BPH successfully.

If you or someone you know might be dealing with BPH or symptoms associated with BPH, I hope that this study gave you some insight.