Researchers tested a new dietary supplement called Drolessano® that contains natural plant compounds to see if it could help men with enlarged prostate glands. Fifty-five men took one tablet daily for six months. The results showed that the supplement appeared to lower PSA levels (a marker doctors check for prostate health) and improved urinary symptoms like difficulty urinating. While these early results are promising, scientists say larger studies are needed to confirm whether this supplement truly works and understand exactly how it helps.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a new dietary supplement containing natural plant ingredients could help men with enlarged prostates by lowering PSA levels and improving urinary symptoms
- Who participated: Fifty-five men who had elevated PSA levels and mild urinary problems related to benign prostate enlargement
- Key finding: After six months of taking the supplement daily, men’s PSA levels dropped from an average of 4.8 to 3.7 ng/mL, and their urinary symptoms improved significantly
- What it means for you: This supplement may help support prostate health and reduce bothersome urinary symptoms, but it’s still early research. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have prostate concerns or take other medications
The Research Details
This was a pilot study, which means it was a small, early-stage test of a new supplement. Fifty-five men with enlarged prostates took one tablet of Drolessano® daily for six months. Researchers measured their PSA levels (a protein that doctors check to monitor prostate health) and asked them about urinary symptoms using a standard questionnaire at the start, after three months, and after six months. They compared the results from the end of the study to the beginning to see if anything changed.
The supplement contains seven natural ingredients: lycopene (from tomatoes), sulforaphane (from broccoli), silymarin (from milk thistle), glutathione (an antioxidant), escine (from horse chestnut), tryptophan (an amino acid), and green tea extract. These ingredients were chosen because they have antioxidant properties, meaning they may help protect cells from damage.
This research approach is important because it tests a real-world supplement in actual patients rather than just in a laboratory. Pilot studies like this help researchers decide if a treatment is worth studying in larger, more rigorous trials. The study measured both a blood marker (PSA) and actual symptoms (urinary problems), which gives a more complete picture of whether the supplement helps.
This is a small pilot study without a control group (a group that didn’t take the supplement for comparison), which limits how confident we can be in the results. The study was conducted in Italy and published in a urology journal. The researchers acknowledge that larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. The fact that they measured outcomes at multiple time points (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months) is a strength, as it shows changes over time.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that PSA levels decreased significantly over the six-month period. On average, PSA dropped from 4.8 ng/mL at the start to 3.7 ng/mL at the end—a reduction of about 23%. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance alone.
The second major finding was improvement in urinary symptoms. Men reported fewer problems with urination, including needing to urinate less frequently, having better urine flow, and experiencing less nighttime urination. These improvements were measured using the International Prostate Symptom Score, a standard tool doctors use to assess prostate-related urinary problems.
Both improvements were noticeable by the three-month mark and continued through the end of the study at six months. This suggests the supplement may need a few months to show its full effects.
The study also noted that the supplement appeared to be well-tolerated, meaning men didn’t report significant side effects during the six-month period. This is important for any new treatment, as safety is a primary concern. The researchers noted that the combination of ingredients working together may be more effective than any single ingredient alone, though this wasn’t directly tested in this study.
Individual ingredients in this supplement have been studied before. Lycopene and green tea extract have shown promise in some previous research for prostate health. However, this appears to be one of the first studies testing this specific combination of seven ingredients together. The results are consistent with the idea that antioxidants may help support prostate health, though more research is needed to confirm this.
This study has several important limitations. First, it’s small with only 55 men, so the results may not apply to all men with prostate problems. Second, there was no control group—no group of men who took a placebo (fake pill) for comparison. This makes it harder to know if improvements were due to the supplement or other factors like lifestyle changes or the placebo effect. Third, the study only lasted six months, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if they fade over time. Finally, the study was conducted in Italy with Italian men, so results might differ in other populations.
The Bottom Line
Based on this early research, Drolessano® may be worth discussing with your doctor if you have prostate concerns and elevated PSA levels. However, this is preliminary evidence from a small study. The recommendation level is ‘moderate interest’—meaning the initial results are encouraging but need confirmation in larger studies. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take other medications or have existing health conditions.
Men with enlarged prostates (benign prostate hyperplasia) and elevated PSA levels may be interested in this supplement. Men experiencing urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine stream, or nighttime bathroom trips could potentially benefit. However, men with prostate cancer, those taking blood thinners, or those with certain allergies should consult their doctor first. This supplement is not a replacement for medical treatment if you have prostate cancer or other serious conditions.
Based on this study, you might expect to see improvements in urinary symptoms within three months, with continued improvement by six months. However, individual results vary. Some men may see benefits sooner, while others may need the full six months. If you don’t notice any improvement after three months, discuss this with your doctor.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your urinary symptoms weekly using a simple 1-10 scale for: (1) frequency of daytime urination, (2) nighttime bathroom trips, and (3) strength of urine stream. Also note any side effects or changes you notice.
- Set a daily reminder to take your supplement at the same time each day (such as with breakfast). Log this in your app to track consistency, as the study showed benefits after consistent daily use for several months.
- Create a monthly check-in to review your symptom scores and note any patterns. Share these trends with your doctor at regular appointments. If using the app, set a reminder for PSA testing appointments, as this supplement may affect PSA levels that doctors monitor.
This research describes early-stage findings from a small pilot study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. The supplement Drolessano® is not approved by the FDA in the United States and availability varies by country. Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have prostate cancer, take blood thinners, have kidney or liver disease, or are taking other medications, consult with your healthcare provider. PSA levels can be affected by many factors, and changes in PSA should be discussed with your doctor. This supplement is not a substitute for medical treatment of prostate cancer or other serious conditions. Individual results may vary, and larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
