Researchers tested a natural supplement made from pollen extract and a plant compound called teupolioside in 25 men with enlarged prostate glands. Men took the supplement daily for three months. The good news: their urinary symptoms improved, their quality of life got better, and importantly, their sexual function stayed the same—it didn’t get worse like some prescription medications can. This suggests the supplement could be a helpful option for men worried about sexual side effects from traditional prostate treatments.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural supplement containing pollen extract and teupolioside could help men with enlarged prostate problems without causing sexual side effects
  • Who participated: 25 men with moderate prostate symptoms who were concerned about sexual side effects from regular medications
  • Key finding: After 3 months, men’s urinary flow improved by about 25%, their prostate symptoms decreased, their quality of life improved, and their sexual function stayed stable—no negative changes
  • What it means for you: If you have an enlarged prostate and worry about sexual side effects from medications, this supplement may be worth discussing with your doctor as a possible option, though more research is needed to be certain

The Research Details

This was a prospective observational study, which means researchers followed the same group of men over time and recorded what happened. All 25 men received the same supplement for 90 days. Researchers measured their symptoms at the start, after 1 month, and after 3 months using standard questionnaires that doctors use to evaluate prostate health and sexual function. The men answered questions about how well they could urinate, how much their symptoms bothered them, how their quality of life was affected, and whether their sexual and ejaculatory function changed.

This type of study is useful for getting initial safety information about a new treatment. By following the same men over time and measuring multiple aspects of their health (urinary, sexual, and quality of life), researchers could see if the supplement helped without causing harm. This approach is often used before doing larger, more expensive studies.

This study has some important limitations to understand: it was small (only 25 men), had no comparison group (no men taking a placebo or different treatment to compare against), and was conducted at a single location. These factors mean the results are promising but not definitive. The researchers themselves noted that larger, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that sexual function remained stable throughout the study. Men’s erectile function scores and ejaculatory function scores did not get worse—they stayed about the same. This is significant because many common prostate medications can cause sexual problems, so maintaining sexual function is a major advantage. Quality of life improved noticeably by month 3, with men reporting fewer symptoms bothering them in daily life. Patient satisfaction was high, with most men saying they felt better overall. These improvements happened without any serious side effects reported.

Urinary flow improved significantly, increasing from 12.4 milliliters per second at the start to 15.5 milliliters per second after 3 months—about a 25% improvement. This means men could urinate more effectively. Overall prostate symptom scores also improved, dropping from 11 to 8 on the standard measurement scale. These improvements in urinary function are important because difficulty urinating is the main reason men seek treatment for enlarged prostate.

Previous research on pollen extracts for prostate health has shown mixed results, with some studies suggesting benefits but others showing minimal effects. This study adds to that body of evidence by specifically looking at whether the supplement is safe for sexual function—an important concern that hasn’t been thoroughly studied before. The combination of pollen extract with teupolioside (a compound from a plant used in traditional medicine) appears to be a newer approach that warrants further investigation.

The study was small with only 25 men, so results might not apply to all men with prostate problems. There was no control group (men taking a placebo pill) to compare against, so we can’t be completely sure the supplement caused the improvements rather than natural improvement over time. The study lasted only 3 months, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if any problems develop over time. Men in the study were specifically concerned about sexual side effects, so they may not represent all men with prostate problems. Finally, the study was published in a regional journal, and the research team didn’t report their funding source clearly.

The Bottom Line

This supplement may be worth considering if you have an enlarged prostate with moderate symptoms and are concerned about sexual side effects from prescription medications. However, this is preliminary evidence from a small study. Before starting any supplement, talk to your doctor about whether it’s appropriate for you, especially if you’re taking other medications. The evidence is moderate—promising but not yet definitive. You should not stop taking prescribed prostate medications without your doctor’s approval.

Men with enlarged prostate (BPH) who have moderate urinary symptoms and are specifically concerned about sexual side effects should pay attention to this research. Men with severe prostate symptoms may need prescription medication instead. Women don’t need to consider this supplement. Men with certain health conditions or taking blood thinners should check with their doctor first.

Based on this study, you might expect to notice improvements in urinary flow and symptom relief within 1-3 months of taking the supplement regularly. Sexual function should remain stable during this time. However, individual results vary, and some men may see benefits sooner or later than others.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your urinary stream strength and frequency daily using a simple 1-10 scale, plus note any changes in sexual function weekly. Record any side effects immediately.
  • Set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day, and log your intake in the app to ensure consistency. Also track water intake and note any patterns with symptom improvement.
  • Use the app to compare your baseline symptoms (week 1) with weeks 4, 8, and 12 to see if improvements match the study timeline. Create alerts to remind you to complete monthly symptom check-ins and share results with your doctor.

This research describes findings from a small study in 25 men and should not be considered definitive medical advice. The supplement discussed has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. If you have prostate symptoms, enlarged prostate, or sexual dysfunction, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Do not stop or replace prescribed medications without your doctor’s approval. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Individual results may vary, and supplements can interact with medications or health conditions.