Effects of Lycopene-enriched, Organic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Pilot Study

Epidemiological evidence has shown that lycopene consumption may be effective in both the prevention and treatment of various diseases, particularly prostate cancer. However, the influence of this dietary carotenoid on some of the most basic aspects of human health remains unknown.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of consumption of a lycopene-enriched commercial product of organic, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on prostate health, sleep quality, antioxidant status, and anxiety.

The research team designed a pilot study with two intervention groups.

The study took place in the city of Badajoz (Extremadura, Spain).

Participants were 20 men aged ≥50, some of whom were healthy and some of whom had received a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Participants were divided into a healthy-men (HM) group (n = 10) and a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) group (n = 10). Both groups consumed 20 ml of lycopene (0.4 mg/ml) daily in a lycopene-enriched commercial product of organic extra virgin olive oil, at breakfast and/or lunch, for 30 days.

Sleep quality, prostate markers-prostatic specific antigen and protein C reactive-and symptomatology, urine total antioxidant status, and emotional health were assessed at baseline and postintervention.

The level of prostatic specific antigen and symptomatology remarkably improved in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, although the changes wasn't statistically significant, and the total antioxidant status was significantly increased in healthy men (P < .05). Sleep quality in terms of nocturnal activity was significantly improved in both groups (P < .05). No adverse events were reported.

The consumption of a lycopene-enriched, organic, EVOO positively influenced prostate health and other physiological variables. These findings may help to advance the development of new preventive and/or chemotherapeutic strategies based on lycopene.