Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 07, 2025 3 hours, 40 minutes ago
Medical News: A Natural Remedy for a Common Men’s Health Problem
A new study by researchers from LMU University Hospital-Munich has revealed that a pine bark-derived compound called β-sitosterol, marketed as APOPROSTAT® forte, could be an effective natural solution for men suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These conditions affect hundreds of millions of aging men worldwide and are typically treated with pharmaceutical drugs that often come with unpleasant side effects.
β-Sitosterol from pine bark reduces prostate muscle contraction and cell growth without side effects
APOPROSTAT® forte is made from an ethanol extract of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and contains over 70% β-sitosterol, a plant-based phytosterol. This
Medical News report highlights findings showing that this natural compound helps relax the prostate’s smooth muscle and reduces prostate cell growth—without being toxic to cells.
Blocking Contractions and Controlling Growth
The German researchers tested APOPROSTAT® forte on human prostate tissues and prostate stromal cells. They found that the compound significantly reduced muscle contractions triggered by various stimuli, including nerve signals and hormone-like substances such as noradrenaline, thromboxane A2, and endothelin-1.
The degree of muscle relaxation was impressive, reaching up to 71% depending on the concentration used. Additionally, APOPROSTAT® forte curbed the growth of prostate stromal cells by up to 67% and disrupted the actin structures that support cellular shape and movement. This effect was time- and dose-dependent, and it occurred without harming healthy cell viability or inducing cell death.
A Safer Alternative to Traditional Drugs
Standard treatments for BPH, such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, often improve symptoms but can cause serious side effects like dizziness, low libido, or even psychological issues. Many men stop taking these drugs within a year. That’s why interest in phytotherapy—using plant-based remedies—is growing rapidly.
The study confirms that β-sitosterol offers a dual mechanism: it both eases muscle tension in the prostate and slows tissue growth. Clinical trials have already shown that men taking β-sitosterol experience fewer nightly bathroom visits, improved urine flow, and lower symptom scores. Importantly, side effects are rare and mild, mostly limited to minor digestive discomfort.
Insights Into How It Works
Researchers believe β-sitosterol might reduce prostate growth by indirectly increasing a hormone called TGF-β1, which slows down cell division. Unlike some prostate drugs, it doesn't shrink the prostate by killing cells but may instead maintain a stable, non-growing state. In lab tests, APOPROSTAT® forte reduced the formation of cell colonies by up to 6
8%, further demonstrating its potential to halt prostate enlargement.
The study also showed that this compound doesn’t damage cell structures, making it an ideal candidate for long-term use. It may even help avoid unnecessary surgeries or drug side effects for many older men.
Conclusion
The findings support the use of β-sitosterol-rich APOPROSTAT® forte as a safe and effective natural treatment for prostate-related urinary symptoms. It addresses the two main issues of BPH—muscle over-contraction and abnormal tissue growth—without the drawbacks of common prescription drugs. With an aging population and growing demand for safer therapies, this natural extract could be a game-changer in men’s health.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Pharmaceuticals
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/12/1864
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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