The Saw Palmetto extract has been traditionally used for
treating the symptoms of prostate enlargement. Clinical documentation
demonstrates significant improvement within three months, including
documented gland size reduction.(1-4)
Less well know is its use in women as a herbal treatment for breast
enlagement.(1) Many herbalists consider it to be an
aphrodisiac.(1)
Almost half of all men over 50 will experience some
degree of prostate enlargement, effecting the ability to maintain a normal
pattern of urination. The prostate gland is approximately shaped like a
doughnut, with the urethra passing through the "doughnut hole". When the
prostate gland enlarges, due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, it tends to
compress the urethra, narrowing its effective diameter and creating the
usual symptoms of restrictive urine flow. An enlarged prostate manifests
itself with a number of annoying symptoms, including reduced urinary flow,
frequent and sometimes painful urination, nighttime urination (nocturia),
difficulty in starting and stopping urination, inflammation as
prostatitis, and a feeling that the bladder is not really
empty.(1)
The research shows that Saw palmetto extract inhibits
the action on testosterone of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts
testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the culprit hormone in prostate
enlargement. Saw palmetto also competitively inhibits the binding of DHT
to cytosolic and nuclear androgen receptor sites.(1-3) The clinical action
of Sawpalmetto is attributed principally to the sterol fraction which is
thought to provide a competitive phytohormone action.
Proscar is
also a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, but Saw palmetto appears to be the
only treatment option that has the duel action of inhibiting DHT
generation and expression.(1,3) The table below is an indication of how
Saw palmetto compares to Proscar. Numerous studies on Saw palmetto have
shown it to be effective in 90% of users, usually in a period of 4 to 6
weeks. On the other hand, Proscar is effective in approximately 50% of men
using it, and often after 8 to12 months.(1)
There are no particular precautions associated with Saw palmetto extract
use. It can be used indefinitely without concern, as often is the case to
retain any benefit gained by a therapeutic course.(2) The results of
standard blood tests with use of Saw palmetto are normal.(3)
A cautionary note to the consumer to have a proper medical evaluation to
rule out prostate cancer is in order, since many men will self-medicate
before consulting their physician.
Contraindications
In men there are no particular
contraindications. In women, Saw palmetto is contraindicated with any
hormonal therapy or oral contraception due to its anti-androgenic and
phytoestrogenic activity.(3) Its use in pregnancy and lactation is also
contarindicated.(3)
At the moment, no adverse drug interactions are known.
Prostate enlargement should be co-treated with zinc, since zinc depletion
is a primary risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate
gland concentrates zinc more than any other tissue in the male body.(5)
Saw palmetto extract is well tolerated, even noted for
its freedom from adverse side effects. It has undergone detail toxicology
studies on mice, rats, and dogs without toxic effects being
noted.(1-3)
In humans, it has been used for centuries to manage
BPH without a history of noted toxic effect.
Men seeking symptomatic relief from BPH should use 320
milligrams daily in either 2 X 160 mg once per day or 160 mg BID. It is
essential that the extract be standardized to 85-95 percent of the Saw
palmetto fatty acids and sterols in order to conform to the clinical trial
conditions that have demonstrated clinical efficacy.(1-2)
There are no standard dosage recommendations for women based on clinical
or historical knowledge.
1. Murray, Michael T., The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1992
2. Brown, Donald J., Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health, Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996
3. Newall, Carol A., et al, Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-Care
Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1996
4. Tyler, Verro E., Herbs of Choice, Pharmaceutical products Press, New
York, 1994
5. Murray, Michael T., Pizzorno, Joseph, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,
Little, Brown and Company, London, 1998
6. Vahlensieck, W., "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Treatment with sabal
fruit extract, observational study on 1334 patients", Fortschr Med.,
111:323-326, 1993
7. Braeck, Johan, "The extract of serenoa repens in the treatment of
benign prostatic hyperplasia: A multicenter open study", Current
Therapeutic Research, 55(7):776-785, July, 1994
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
