Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), enlargement of the prostate gland, is common in older men. An enlarged prostate can interfere with urination, increasing the frequency and urge, or causing problems emptying the bladder.
Using herbal medicines to try to relieve the symptoms of BPH is becoming common. One popular herbal treatment for BPH contains active ingredients called beta-sitosterols. Beta-sitosterol treatments have been found to be well tolerated and improved urinary symptoms and flow measures in men with mild to moderate BPH.
Global natural supplements manufacturer Lycored has harnessed this knowledge to create Lycocomfort - a standardised tomato extract with carotenoid-rich oleoresin and added natural phytosterols.
The firm says the product's works via a naturally occurring synergy through lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, beta-carotene and vitamin E.
The extract’s bioavailable mix of tomato carotenoids is designed to support healthy ageing throughout all stages of life. Lycopene and other tomato phytonutrients can help combat oxidative stress and boost the body’s own coping mechanisms to enhance overall cellular calm in the urinary tract.
Pre-clinical studies also indicate that lycopene may control and balance prostate cell growth more effectively in synergy with phytoene and phytofluenev.
Improving sleep
Prostate health and comfort can greatly impact quality of life as men age. One commonly faced issue is oxidative stress, which can lead to interrupted sleep as the result of nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Lycored research shows that 85% of men who have experienced a prostate problem suffer from an increased need to urinate at night. In addition, 96% of survey respondents said they consider sleep to be important or very important to their quality of life.
As well as promoting better sleep, Lycocomfort can ease the anxiety caused by urinary concerns during everyday life, helping men achieve a feeling of ‘calm’.
Karin Hermoni, Head of Science and Nutrition at Lycored, said: “Prostate health can become a significant issue for men as they age and often has a real impact on quality of sleep. At Lycored, we know that true wellness requires a holistic approach, with healthy sleeping, eating, exercising, thoughts and emotions working in harmony. Lycocomfort was developed to support peaceful sleep and may help ensure we get the support we need to achieve a sense of overall calm.”