A Resource Center for HCPs who want to learn more about AZO products

The benefits of pumpkin seed extract and soy isoflavone premix administration to post-menopausal women who complained of frequent nighttime urination (nocturia) was demonstrated in a study of 39 participants, aged 52 to 86 years old (mean=68.4 years old).  The blend of pumpkin seed extract and soy isoflavones decreased the frequency of urination during the day as well as at night.  Subjects also reported improved sleep satisfaction. The study consisted of a one-week pre-trial observation period followed by six weeks of supplement intake.  Subjects recorded the number of bathroom trips during the day and night and their degree of sleep satisfaction. Adverse events were objectively evaluated through the collection of vital signs and laboratory tests along with reports from the participants.  Researchers found that the frequency of urination during the day was significantly reduced at week 1, followed by continued improvement at week 2  and the benefit was sustained through week 6. Frequency of urination at night also significantly improved at week 1 , followed by continued improvement at week 2, 4 and 6. The degree of sleep satisfaction was also improved at week 1 with additional improvement at week 2 and beyond. Urinary incontinence was decreased significantly by week 2 and continued to improve at week 4 and week 6. No adverse events were attributed to the supplement and no participants’ symptoms worsened. A “global improvement rate” was derived by the investigators from reports of subjective symptoms and objective findings.  At week 2, 43.6% of participants had improved, 43.6% demonstrated no change and 12.8% had markedly improved (i.e. a total of 56.4% showed improvement).  By week 6, 43.6% of participants had improved, 25.6% demonstrated no change and 30.8% had markedly improved (i.e. a total of 74.4% showed improvement).  The pumpkin seed/soybean extract containing supplement significantly decreased episodes of urinary incontinence, trips to the bathroom during the day and during the night and improved sleep satisfaction.  The supplement also contributed to the significant “global improvement” in the majority (59% or greater) of participants.

To confirm the efficacy of the supplement containing pumpkin seed extract and soybean isoflavones, 45 males over the age of 65 suffering from nighttime urinary frequency (nocturia) were studied.  The supplement reduced nocturia and improved sleep satisfaction. The subjects were divided into two groups; those with concurrent use of therapeutic drugs for nocturia (group A) and those without the use of drugs (group B). The study consisted of a one-week pre-trial observation period, followed by 6 weeks of supplement intake. Subjects recorded the number of times they urinated during the day and night, any adverse symptoms as well as their sleep satisfaction. Adverse events were also objectively evaluated through collection of vital signs and laboratory tests.  Daytime urination frequency did not significantly change in either group.  For those already taking medication for LUTS symptoms, no significant change in nighttime urination frequency was observed either.  This may be an example of a ceiling effect where those men in Group A are already at their optimum given their conditions. The frequency of urination at night for those in group B (drug-free) started to decrease within the first week of taking the supplement and had decreased significantly, by approximately 40%, in this same group by 6 weeks.   The supplement was also found to increase sleep satisfaction in the drug-free group but no change was reported by the participants in Group A.  Through the use of the participants’ diaries and additional interviews, the investigators summarized each individual’s improvement level.  At week 2, two subjects (4.4%) were significantly improved while 28 (62.2%) were improved. Eight men were significantly improved at week 6 while 31 (68.9%) were improved.  With respect to adverse events that could possibly be related to the supplement, two participants reported abdominal distension and one presented with itchiness.  All three participants were in Group A; those concurrently using therapeutic drugs for pollikiuria.  Use of the supplement containing pumpkin seed extract and soybean extract helped to decrease urination frequency at night and improved sleep for the majority of men in this study; mostly for men who were not using other medications for the condition. 

Following the success of these earlier studies, a placebo-controlled study of Korean women with overactive bladder syndrome was performed by scientists which was further confirmed the functionality an ingredient blend containing pumpkin seed extract and soybean isoflavones, trademarked GoLess^®, for bladder health. The first time point in this study, week 4, confirmed the effect of this current blend of ingredients on urination and frequency of urgency as compared to baseline.  Statistically significant improvement in the average frequency of urination (27%) and the average frequency of urgency (31%) was observed at week 12 as compared to baseline.  Also at 12 weeks, the average frequency of daytime and nighttime urination was significantly reduced, 27% and 31% respectively, as compared to placebo.  Quality of life improved in the treatment group by 22%.  A high satisfaction level was reported by treated patients; 90.5% rated the supplement as helpful or very helpful as compared to placebo at 56.1%.  In the treatment group, 95.2% expressed interest in continuation of therapy versus 46.3% in the placebo group. No adverse effects were noted.  Urgency is a very distressing symptom of overactive bladder syndrome and as such relief of urgency is a key feature of the improvement of LUTS such as those involved in overactive bladder syndrome. The combination of the pumpkin seed extract and soybean germ extract demonstrated safe and fundamental assistance to women with lower urinary tract symptoms such as those associated with overactive bladder syndrome.
This dietary supplement, a mixture of pumpkin seed extract and soybean isoflavones, minimizes urinary incontinence, urination urgency and visits to the bathroom and in so doing helps manage the anxiety associated with finding bathroom facilities in a timely manner. By virtue of these findings, it has been demonstrated that the mixture helps to address the emotional and social consequences of LUTS with fewer adverse effects than many other effective interventions.  Given that even after years of supplementing with pumpkin seed extract and soy isoflavones, no serious adverse effects have been reported, the consumer assumes minimal risk and stands to benefit a great deal.