Sexual safety and efficacy of a pollen extract and teupolioside-based supplement in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective observational study.
- 2025-09-30
- Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica 97(3)
- Matteo Vittori
- Valerio Iacovelli
- Marco Carilli
- Carlo Brocca
- Michele Antonucci
- Filomena Petta
- Beatrice Filippi
- Giulia Di Giovanni
- Marta Signoretti
- Francesco Maiorino
- Andrea Benedetto Galosi
- Pierluigi Bove
- PubMed: 41031780
- DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2025.14332
Study Design
- Type
- Observational
- Sample size
- n = 25
- Population
- 25 men with moderate LUTS due to BPH
- Methods
- prospective, single-arm observational study; daily pollen extract and teupolioside supplementation for 90 days
- Blinding
- Open-label
- Duration
- 90 days
Background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related condition that often results in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), reduced quality of life, and sexual dysfunction. Conventional pharmacotherapies, while effective, are frequently associated with adverse effects on sexual and ejaculatory function. This study evaluated the sexual safety and clinical efficacy of a dietary supplement containing pollen extract and teupolioside, in men with BPH.Methods
In this prospective, single-arm observational study, 25 men with moderate LUTS due to BPH received daily pollen extract and teupolioside supplementation for 90 days. The primary endpoints were sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function, IIEF-5), ejaculatory function (Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction, MSHQ-EjD), quality of life (IPSS-QoL), and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I). Secondary endpoints included changes in urinary flow (Qmax) and LUTS severity (International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.Results
Sexual and ejaculatory functions remained stable over the treatment period, with no statistically significant deterioration observed. QoL improved significantly by the 3-month mark (IPSS-QoL median score reduced from 3 to 2; p<0.008), and PGI-I scores reflected high patient satisfaction (median 2, IQR 1). Qmax significantly increased from 12.4 mL/s at baseline to 15.5 mL/s at 3 months (p<0.001), and IPSS scores significantly declined from 11 to 8 (p<0.008), indicating improved urinary function.Conclusions
The pollen extract and teupolioside supplementation was well tolerated and associated with improved QoL and urinary outcomes, without compromising sexual or ejaculatory function. These findings support its potential as a non-pharmacologic adjunct in the management of BPH, particularly in patients concerned about sexual side effects. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm these results.Research Insights
Sexual and ejaculatory functions remained stable over the treatment period, with no statistically significant deterioration observed.
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
PGI-I scores reflected high patient satisfaction (median 2, IQR 1)
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small
QoL improved significantly by the 3-month mark (IPSS-QoL median score reduced from 3 to 2; p<0.008)
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
Sexual and ejaculatory functions remained stable over the treatment period, with no statistically significant deterioration observed.
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
Qmax significantly increased from 12.4 mL/s at baseline to 15.5 mL/s at 3 months (p<0.001)
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
IPSS scores significantly declined from 11 to 8 (p<0.008)
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
Adverse Events Reported
The pollen extract and teupolioside supplementation was well tolerated
- Finding
- Reported
Sexual and ejaculatory functions remained stable over the treatment period, with no statistically significant deterioration observed.
- Finding
- Reported
- Significant
- No
Sexual and ejaculatory functions remained stable over the treatment period, with no statistically significant deterioration observed.
- Finding
- Reported
- Significant
- No