This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects approximately 70% among men over the age of 61 years, and 90% of men over the age of 80 years (Carbone). Typical BPH symptoms include increased nighttime and daytime urination (nocturia and frequency, respectively), decreased force of urine stream, delayed initiation of urination, blood in the urine, and lower abdominal discomfort. In severe cases, kidney failures can result. Currently accepted treatments for BPH include expectant management, alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and surgery. In addition, there is a considerable interest in natural and herbal agents. In this regard, pomegranate juice has been proposed as a potential natural agent for alleviating symptoms of BPH. Pomegranate juice contains a rich concentration of polyphenols, phytoestrogens, quercetin, caffeic acid, and kaempferol; all are potent inhbitiors of 5-alpha reductase which is a crucial enzyme required for prostatic growth. In this study, we plan to use juice from the company Pom Wonderful which has been used in previous studies examining positive health effects of pomegranate juice for reduction of atherosclerotic plaques in men.
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