In men, the prostate gland surrounds the urethra where it connects to the bladder. As men age, they sometimes experience a condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, which interferes with urination. Although the cause is not well understood, the male hormone testosterone may have a role in causing the problem. Saw palmetto extract contains compounds that may help ease this condition by interfering with the action of testosterone. Consult your doctor to determine if taking this herbal preparation is advisable for you.
BPH
The prostate gland produces fluid that becomes part of semen. In some men over the age of 40, the prostate gland enlarges, leading to narrowing of the urethra that passes through it. The resulting symptoms difficulty urinating and frequent urination because the bladder has difficulty emptying. Sometimes, urinary tract infections may develop as a result. Although the cause of BPH is poorly understood, testosterone may play a role through its metabolite dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which may accumulate in the prostate and cause it to grow.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant with yellow berries used by Native Americans as food. The berries contain several compounds called phytosterols, which are fats with significant biological activity. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, extracts of the berries reduce uptake of testosterone and DHT by the prostate and inhibit an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. A number of clinical trials with saw palmetto suggest that is may help relieve symptoms of BPH. For example, in 2000 Dr. P. Boyle et al. reported in "Urology" that permixon, a compound in saw palmetto extract, improved symptoms of BPH in studies of over 2,800 patients.
Other Benefits
Saw palmetto extract also inhibits the activity of several enzymes that cause inflammation, suggesting that it may help relieve pain of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In addition, it may also inhibit the growth of malignant cells, including cancerous prostate cells, and it may make these cells more susceptible to chemotherapy or radiation. However, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says that while these results are promising, more research is needed in this area.
How to Use Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto extract is available from health food stores as capsules or a liquid extract. The recommended dosage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is 160mg twice daily or 5 to 6mL of the liquid extract daily. Saw palmetto is generally considered safe with few side effects, although some people may experience headaches or stomach upset. Consult your doctor to determine if saw palmetto is appropriate for your situation.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Saw Palmetto
- University of Maryland Alternative Medicine Center: Saw Palmetto
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate Gland Enlargement
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatis Hyperplasia
- PubMed.gov: "Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials of Permixon in the Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," Boyle, P. et al. "Urology", 2000.
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