Human ration does not alter weight and body composition, but improves the lipid profile of overweight woman.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, a mixture of cereals known as "Human Ration" (HR) has been consumed as a substitute for meals due to effects in satiation and weight loss. METHODS: This paper evaluated the effect of HR consumption for 45 days as a breakfast replacement, on body composition, biochemical profile and eating behavior in women (n = 20) between 18-45 years old and with BMI between 27-35 kg/m². RESULTS: The intake of HR did not promote significant changes in the body composition as well as in the mean serum values of glucose, HDL, VLDL, TC/HDL, AST and ALT. However, a significant change was noticed in the levels of TC, LDL and triglycerides (p < 0.05). Average daily intake of calories and macronutrients of the volunteers during the period of HR consumption did not differ from their habitual ingestion (p > 0.05). Regarding the consumption of total fibers, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in intake at breakfast during the period of HR consumption when compared to the usual intake. The consumption of HR did not intervene in the sensations of satiation, hunger and prospective intake among the subjects, presenting only instantaneous significant alterations throughout the study. CONCLUSION: The results are clinically relevant, since they may contribute to the reduction of risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1,098 patients.

BACKGROUND: Controversy regarding the relative efficacy of treatments for the relief of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: This was a 6-month double-blind randomized equivalence study that compared the effects of a plant extract (320 mg Permixon) with those of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (5 mg finasteride) in 1,098 men with moderate BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as the primary end-point. RESULTS: Both Permixon and finasteride decreased the IPSS (-37% and -39%, respectively), improved quality of life (by 38 and 41%), and increased peak urinary flow rate (+25% and +30%, P = 0.035), with no statistical difference in the percent of responders with a 3 ml/sec improvement. Finasteride markedly decreased prostate volume (-18%) and serum PSA levels (-41%); Permixon improved symptoms with little effect on volume (-6%) and no change in PSA levels. Permixon fared better than finasteride in a sexual function questionnaire and gave rise to less complaints of decreased libido and impotence. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments relieve the symptoms of BPH in about two-thirds of patients but, unlike finasteride, Permixon has little effect on so-called androgen-dependent parameters. This suggests that other pathways might also be involved in the symptomatology of BPH.