Phytosterols in hull-less pumpkin seed oil, rich in 7-phytosterols, ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia by lowing 5-reductase and regulating balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis in rats

Background: Pumpkin seed oil is widely used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in elder men. However, its active components and mechanism have remained to be elucidated. Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the active components of pumpkin seed oil and its mechanism against BPH. Design: Total phytosterol (TPS) was isolated from hull-less pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. var. Styriaca) seed oil and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry...