Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, BPH is a common condition and most men by age 60 will have some symptoms of the condition, such as a frequent urge to urinate or incomplete emptying of the bladder. If you suffer from BPH, your doctor will likely prescribe medicines to shrink prostate tissue, or you may require minimally invasive surgery. Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy sometimes used to treat BPH, but evidence that it is effective is inconclusive. Talk to your doctor before using it to alleviate BPH symptoms.
Properties and Administration
Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a small palm tree native to the southeastern region of the United States. It is used primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent and as an herbal remedy for ailments of the prostate including prostate cancer and BPH. It contains a number of biologically active compounds including fatty acids and steroids, and may have anti-androgenic activity. UMMC notes that it may work by preventing testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone needed for prostate growth, and suggests taking 320 milligrams daily to alleviate BPH symptoms. However, this is only a suggestion. Ask your doctor about the right dose for you.
Efficacy
Evidence showing that saw palmetto is an effective treatment for BPH is mixed. The results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study published in the February 2008 issue of the "Journal of Urology" show that saw palmetto may have short-term effects in improving BPH-associated urinary tract symptoms. In contrast, data from an earlier study published in the February 2006 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine" show that saw palmetto did not improve symptoms of BPH.
Side Effects and Contraindications
RxList notes that saw palmetto is safe for most people, but side effects may include dizziness, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. It may also cause liver or pancreas problems in some people, but these effects are uncommon. Do not use this herb if you are scheduled to undergo surgery as it may increase your risk of bleeding. Also avoid saw palmetto if you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, aspirin or dalteparin.
Other Herbal Options
UMMC notes that other herbs that may help to alleviate BPH symptoms include pygeum and grass pollen. Pygeum may improve urinary flow, while grass pollen may reduce the frequency of nighttime urination. Talk to your doctor before taking either of these herbs. Like saw palmetto, they may cause side effects or interact with other medicines you are taking.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- PubMed: Effect of Saw Palmetto Soft Gel Capsule on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Trial in Shanghai, China, R. Shi, et al
- PubMed: Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, S. Bent, et al
- RxList: Saw Palmetto
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