geniVida Reduces Prostate-Specific Antigen

OSLO, NorwayGenistein (as geniVida®, from DSM Nutritional Products), at 30 mg/d, reduced levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men with early prostate cancer, in a new study from the Oslo University Hospital, Norway (Nutr Cancer. 2011 Aug-Sep;63(6):889-98. DOI:10.1080/01635581.2011.582221). PSA is present in small quantities in the serum of men with healthy prostates, but the level tends to rise in the presence of prostate disorders, including prostate cancer.

In the placebo-controlled, block-randomized double-blind phase 2, PSA decreased by 7.8 percent in those who consumed genistein, but increased by 4.4 percent in the placebo arm (P=0.051).

The genistein also had positive effects on non-cancerous biomarkers. For instance, total cholesterol was significantly lower in the genistein arm (P=0.013) compared to the placebo group.

The study also showed the bioavailability of geniVida, as plasma concentrations of total genistein were on average 100-fold higher in the genistein arm after treatment (P<0.001).

The genistein showed no significant effects on thyroid or sex hormones. Adverse events were few and mild.

The study included 47 subjects who were recruited and randomized to treatment with genistein (n = 23) or placebo (n = 24) for three to six weeks prior to prostatectomy. The dose used in the study could also be achieved by consuming a soy-rich diet.

Genistein is an isoflavone found in soy, and geniVida has been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms and aid in dry eye syndrome.