Two Extracts May Help Ease Feeling of Urgency and Frequent Urination

Urgency is the biggest inconvenience factor for people suffering from overactive bladder. A recent study suggests that pumpkin seed extract combined with soy germ may reduce the feeling of urgency in women with overactive bladders and improve their quality of life.

Participants in the study included 120 women between the ages of 25 and 70 who suffered from overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction. The participants took either one gram of the extracts or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.

At the conclusion of the study, the supplement group had significant reductions in the average urgency score. They also had a decrease in average frequency of nocturia (the technical name for frequently needing to urinate at night) of approximately 30%. Additionally, 90% of the supplement group said they found the product helpful and would continue taking it, while only 50% of the placebo group said the same.

Researchers from Ehwa Woman’s University in South Korea conducted the study. It was published in the May 2014 issue of Journal of Functional Foods.

Previous studies have linked pumpkin seed extract with easing the symptoms of kidney infections and providing anti-inflammatory effects. It is high in magnesium, zinc, and ALA omega-3 fatty acids.

Soy germ is rich in soy isoflavones, which previous studies have found may result in the widening of blood vessels and improvement in artery function. Additionally, soy isoflavones have been associated with reduced menopause symptoms, reduced bone loss, decreased risk of prostate cancer, improved bone health, cancer prevention and slowing down the aging process.