Saw Palmetto: Natural Health for the Prostate

Saw palmetto consists of the partially dried, ripe fruit of a low, bushy palm that grows from South Carolina to Florida. The saw palmetto tree grows only about two to four feet high, with fan-shaped serrated leaves and abundant berries. Native Americans used these berries for the treatment of various urinary problems in men. Later, European physicians began using it to relieve the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) by: * Increasing urinary flow * Increasing ease of urination * Facilitating a more complete emptying of the bladder * Decreasing frequency of urination* Though some recent studies report conflicting results, a review of 18 randomized trials conducted between 1983 and 1997 and involving approximately 3,000 participants concluded that saw palmetto herbal products provided some benefit in controlling lower urinary tract symptoms and flow measures in men with BPH.* The mechanism of action of saw palmetto is thought to be through its ability to block hormone (testosterone and estrogen) receptor sites and its anti-inflammatory effects. The recommended dose is one to two grams of the herb per day or 320 mg of an alcohol extract per day. It should be noted that while most researchers believe that saw palmetto is good for symptomatic relief of BPH only and that it does not shrink the size of the enlarged prostate, there is some research to suggest that saw palmetto may actually cause the prostate to shrink slightly, thereby retarding prostate enlargement.* The drug Proscar does this, too, and to a greater extent than saw palmetto, but other standard medications for BPH have no effect on prostate size. Saw palmetto may also play a role in the management of non-bacterial prostatitis, but it does NOT play a role in the treatment of prostate cancer.* Routine prostate screenings, including digital rectal exam (DRE) and blood tests for prostate specific antigen (PSA), should be conducted on a regular basis, as advised by a qualified physician. Due to its ability to block hormone receptor sites, it should not be taken by patients receiving hormone therapy, nor should it be taken by those receiving anticoagulant medication. *REFERENCES 1. Tyler VE. "Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals," Pharmaceutical Products Press, Binghamptom, NY, 1994. p. 82. 2. Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Rutks I et al. Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Public Health Nutr 2000;2(4a):459-472. 3. Braeckman J. The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a multicenter open study. Curr Ther Res. 1994;55:776-785. 4. Romics I, Schmitz H, Frang D. Experience in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy with Sabal serrulata for one year. Int Urol Nephrol. 1993;25:565-569. 5. Marks LS, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2000;163:1451-1456. 6. Kaplan SA, Volpe MA, Te AE. A prospective, 1-year trial using saw palmetto versus finasteride in the treatment of category III prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. J Urol. 2004;171:284-288.