Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Equol is a nonsteroidal estrogen metabolite produced from the soy isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria in some individuals. It has garnered scientific interest for its potential role in managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) due to its selective binding to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in prostate enlargement. Several preclinical studies and small-scale clinical trials have suggested that equol can inhibit the effects of DHT on prostate tissue, potentially reducing prostate volume and improving urinary symptoms. A notable randomized controlled trial published in the journal Urology (2012) demonstrated that supplementation with S-equol significantly improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) and quality of life in men with BPH over a 12-week period compared to placebo. Mechanistically, equol acts as a potent DHT antagonist and also exhibits mild estrogenic activity, which may contribute to its effect on prostate tissue. However, the body of clinical evidence remains limited in scale and duration, with most studies involving small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. While preliminary findings are promising, larger, long-term studies are needed to firmly establish efficacy and safety. Thus, equol has a scientific basis for use in BPH, but current evidence is moderate and not yet definitive, warranting a score of 2 on the evidence scale.

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