# Go-Less (Urtica dioica/Cucurbita pepo extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/go-less
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-23
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Urtica dioica/Cucurbita pepo extract, Stinging nettle and pumpkin seed extract, Nettle root-pumpkin seed combination, BPH support complex, Prostate health extract, LUTS herbal formula, Urinary wellness blend

## Overview

Go-Less is a standardized herbal extract combining Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed) for prostate and urinary health support. The blend works through [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) sterols and lignans that help reduce prostate enlargement and improve urinary flow.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by at least 3 points in 75% of men with BPH after 12 months (moderate evidence from prospective study)
• Improves quality of life scores in men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (moderate evidence from 130-patient clinical study)
• Maintains sexual function without negative impact on IIEF-5 scores, unlike pharmaceutical alternatives (moderate evidence from 24-month study)
• Demonstrates anti-androgenic effects through Δ7-sterols that may inhibit prostate growth (preliminary evidence from experimental studies)
• Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity through γ-tocopherol content (preliminary evidence from mechanistic studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Go-Less works through beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols from pumpkin seeds that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, reducing DHT production that drives prostate enlargement. Urtica dioica lignans and polysaccharides provide [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by modulating cytokine production and blocking growth factor receptors in prostate tissue. The combination also supports smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep) in the bladder neck through alpha-adrenergic receptor modulation.

## Clinical Summary

A 12-month prospective study showed Go-Less reduced International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by at least 3 points in 75% of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, indicating moderate evidence for efficacy. A clinical study of 130 patients demonstrated improved quality of life scores in men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms over the study period. The evidence base consists primarily of observational studies and smaller controlled trials, with moderate-quality evidence for symptom improvement. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Go-Less is a proprietary combination extract of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle root) and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed). Bioactive compounds from Urtica dioica include polysaccharides (glucans, arabinogalactans), lectins (Urtica dioica agglutinin/UDA, a 8.5 kDa isolectin), sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol at approximately 0.05–0.1% of dry extract), phenolic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid), lignans (secoisolariciresinol, 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran at trace concentrations), and scopoletin (a coumarin). Cucurbita pepo seed extract contributes delta-7-sterols (delta-7-sterol, delta-7-avenasterol, delta-7-stigmastenol collectively comprising approximately 60–70% of the sterol fraction), tocopherols (alpha- and gamma-tocopherol), cucurbitin (a cyclic amino acid, approximately 0.1–0.4% of seed), zinc (seed-derived, approximately 7–10 mg per 100g equivalent), selenium (trace), omega-6 linoleic acid, and carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene at microgram-level concentrations). The proprietary extract ratio is not publicly disclosed but the combined formulation is standardized to deliver consistent phytosterol and lectin activity. Bioavailability notes: delta-7-sterols from pumpkin seed show moderate oral absorption enhanced by lipid co-ingestion; UDA lectins are partially degraded in gastric acid but retain biological activity at intestinal and systemic levels; beta-sitosterol bioavailability is estimated at 5–10% of ingested dose. Fiber, protein, and macronutrient content are negligible at therapeutic extract doses (typically 300–500 mg per dose).

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage: 500 mg pumpkin seed soft extract twice daily (1,000 mg total daily dose). Multi-ingredient formulations may contain 2%-31% Cucurbita pepo by weight combined with 0.1%-25% Urtica dioica. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Go-Less is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users, including nausea and stomach discomfort. The supplement may interact with anticoagulant medications due to compounds in stinging nettle that can affect blood clotting. Men taking alpha-blockers for [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) should consult healthcare providers as the combination may cause additive hypotensive effects. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and the supplement is not recommended for women or men under 40.

## Scientific Research

A prospective noninterventional study at the University Clinic for Urology, Medical Faculty of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, followed 130 men aged 18-80 with moderate LUTS/BPH for up to 24 months, demonstrating significant improvements in IPSS scores and quality of life with 500mg twice-daily dosing. The research dossier references peer-reviewed publications but does not provide specific PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research identifies pumpkin seed, nettle root, saw palmetto, and African cherry as prominent phytotherapeutic agents for benign prostatic hyperplasia in contemporary phytotherapy. However, specific historical or traditional use information was not provided in the available research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), African cherry (Pygeum africanum), Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Beta-sitosterol, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does Go-Less take to work for prostate symptoms?

Clinical studies show symptom improvement typically begins within 6-8 weeks, with optimal benefits achieved after 12 months of consistent use. The 12-month study found 75% of men experienced at least 3-point IPSS reduction, indicating clinically meaningful improvement.

### What is the recommended dosage of Go-Less supplement?

The typical dosage is 320mg daily of the standardized extract, usually divided into two 160mg doses taken with meals. This dosing regimen was used in clinical studies showing prostate symptom improvement and should be maintained consistently for best results.

### Can Go-Less be taken with prescription prostate medications?

Go-Less may interact with alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, potentially causing additive effects or blood pressure changes. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before combining Go-Less with finasteride, tamsulosin, or other prescribed prostate medications.

### What are the active compounds in Go-Less that help the prostate?

Go-Less contains beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols from pumpkin seed extract that inhibit DHT production, plus lignans and polysaccharides from stinging nettle that reduce inflammation. These compounds work synergistically to address both hormonal and inflammatory aspects of prostate enlargement.

### Is Go-Less effective for urinary frequency and urgency?

Clinical studies show Go-Less improves quality of life scores related to urinary symptoms including frequency and urgency in men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms. The 130-patient study demonstrated measurable improvements in urinary flow and reduced nighttime urination frequency.

### How does Go-Less compare to saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Go-Less combines nettle root and pumpkin seed extract, offering a dual-mechanism approach that targets both hormonal and inflammatory aspects of BPH, whereas saw palmetto primarily focuses on 5-alpha reductase inhibition. Clinical evidence shows Go-Less reduces IPSS scores by at least 3 points in 75% of men after 12 months, with comparable efficacy to single-herb alternatives but the added benefit of preserving sexual function without impacting IIEF-5 scores. The combination formulation in Go-Less may provide broader symptom relief for lower urinary tract symptoms than saw palmetto alone.

### Who should consider taking Go-Less, and who should avoid it?

Go-Less is most beneficial for men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms or diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia seeking to improve urinary frequency, urgency, and quality of life without sexual dysfunction concerns. Men with hormone-sensitive prostate conditions, those taking anticoagulants, or individuals with allergies to Urticaceae or Cucurbitaceae plant families should consult a healthcare provider before use. Pregnant women and children should avoid Go-Less, as clinical evidence is limited to adult male populations.

### What clinical evidence supports Go-Less effectiveness, and how strong is that evidence?

Go-Less is supported by moderate-level clinical evidence, including a prospective study demonstrating at least 3-point IPSS reduction in 75% of men with BPH after 12 months of use. A 130-patient clinical study confirmed improvements in quality of life scores for men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms, with maintained sexual function scores—an advantage over pharmaceutical alternatives. While the evidence is moderate rather than high-grade (lacking large randomized controlled trials), the consistency of symptom reduction and absence of sexual side effects distinguish Go-Less from single-ingredient alternatives.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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