Enlarged Prostate & Saw Palmetto

An enlarged prostate, known medically as benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, occurs in the majority of American men as they age. According to the University of Michigan Health System, although usually not a serious health concern, about 50 percent of males over age 75 have some symptoms of the chronic condition. While further scientific research is needed to confirm its efficacy, saw palmetto may offer significant benefits in reducing urinary symptoms related to BPH. You should not, however, use saw palmetto to treat BPH without first seeking medical evaluation.

Enlarged Prostate

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system located beneath the bladder, produces and stores a clear substance needed to liquefy semen into seminal fluid. The gland works as a storage unit for the substance until sexual stimulation takes place. Upon stimulation, the prostate feeds the stored substance into the urethra to facilitate ejaculation.

BPH is the benign, or non-cancerous, overgrowth of cells within the prostate. As the cells build up and the prostate enlarges, it may squeeze or block the urethra. This can cause a variety of urinary problems, including weak stream, dribbling, retention, frequent urination and a sense that the bladder has not completely emptied. Over time, the progressive condition may lead to a wide range of additional health issues such as bladder stones, impaired kidney function and incontinence.

Saw Palmetto

Native to Texas and the sandy coastal regions of the Carolinas and the Gulf Coast states, saw palmetto reaches heights of 10 feet. It bears palm-like leaves, white flowers and dark purple berries used to treat a variety of ailments, including BPH.

Benefits

Saw palmetto may help ease prostate swelling by preventing the ability of hormones to cause the overgrowth of cells within the prostate. Deprived of a hormonal stimulus, cell division in prostate tissue decreases. Saw palmetto extracts also reduce BPH by inhibiting swelling caused by the buildup of fluid in prostate tissue.

According to the American Cancer Society, although evidence remains inconclusive, a 2002 review found that saw palmetto reduced frequent nighttime urination and weak urine stream caused by prostate enlargement. In addition, according to the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing" written by Phyllis A. Balch, "A study by British researchers found that 320 mg of saw palmetto extract daily was five times more effective than placebo in improving bladder emptying." The herb also eased discomfort in urinating and decreased frequency of nighttime urination.

Dosage

Saw palmetto is available as dried berries and in powdered capsule, tablet, liquid tincture and liposterolic extract form. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a dose of 160 mg liposterolic extract capsules twice daily for early stages of BPH, which includes symptoms such as frequent daytime urination and awakening at night to urinate.

Side Effects

Although the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that when taken as directed, saw palmetto is generally considered safe, according to "Prescription for Herbal Healing," saw palmetto berries commonly cause diarrhea. Stomach upset occurs occasionally from extract form. Whichever form of saw palmetto you use, it can take up to six weeks to see results.

Additionally, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions, "Because saw palmetto may work similarly to finasteride, you should not use this herb in combination with finasteride, or other medications used to treat BPH." Women should also avoid using saw palmetto.