Method of inhibiting 5.alpha.-reductase with astaxanthin

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.