Abstract
A method for inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5.alpha.-reductase in a human subject is provided which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising the carotenoid astaxanthin.
Administration of the composition to inhibit the enzyme is useful to prevent and treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in human males.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5-.alpha.-reductase in a human subject which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising (a) from about 15% and about 35% by weight protein, (b) from about 15% to about 60% by weight carbohydrates, (c) from about 1% to about 30% by weight fatty acids, and (d) from about 0.1% to about 4.0% by weight of the carotenoid astaxanthin.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae meal.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises saw palmetto extract.
4. A method for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising (a) from about 15% to about 35% by weight protein, (b) from about 15% to about 60% by weight carbohydrates, (c) from about 1% to about 30% by weight fatty acids, and (d) from about 0.1% to about 4.0% by weight of the carotenoid astaxanthin.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the composition is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae meal.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the composition further comprises saw palmetto extract.
7. A method for treating prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising (a) from about 15% to about 35% by weight protein, (b) from about 15% to about 60% by weight carbohydrates, (c) from about 1% to about 30% by weight fatty acids, and (d) from about 0.1% to about 4.0% by weight of the carotenoid astaxanthin.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the composition is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae meal.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the composition further comprises saw palmetto extract.
Patent number: 6277417
Filing date: Apr 7, 2000
Issue date: Aug 21, 2001
Inventor: Mark Anderson
Assignee: Triarco Industries, Inc.
