The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the duct that receives urine from the bladder. The gland sometimes enlarges in older men, leading to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH can interfere with the flow of urine and cause strain on the bladder. Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy that may help improve the symptoms of BPH and reduce the size of the prostate gland. If you have symptoms of BPH, consult your doctor to rule out other, more serious conditions and to discuss whether taking saw palmetto is advisable for you.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant with leaves similar to those of palm trees. It produces berries that were used by Native Americans for food and for medicine. The active ingredients in saw palmetto are fatty acids and another type of fat called a sterol. Although the mechanism by which these compounds affect the prostate is not well understood, it may involve changes in metabolism of testosterone, which is the male sex hormone.
Effects on the Prostate
Saw palmetto may alter the activity of an enzyme, 5-alpha reductase, that converts testosterone into an active metabolite, which stimulates growth of prostatic cells. Saw palmetto may also interfere with receptors for testosterone and it may cause cells lining the prostate to decrease in number. Mayo Clinic says that saw palmetto may be as effective as a popular prescription medication for relieving the symptoms of BPH.
Clinical Trials
Many clinical trials have examined the possible effects of saw palmetto on subjects with BPH. In 2000, a comprehensive review of 11 clinical trials with permixon, an extract of saw palmetto, was published in the journal "Urology." The authors evaluated data on 2,859 subjects with BPH and concluded that those who consumed saw palmetto extract experienced significant improvement in symptoms, compared to other subjects who took a placebo.
How to Use
Commercially available saw palmetto extract usually contains 80 to 90 percent oil. The recommended dose of the extract is 320mg daily, either as a single dose or divided into two doses. Whole berries may also be consumed, at a dosage of 1 or 2g daily. Saw palmetto extract is generally considered safe, although it may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or other digestive problems in some people. Discuss with your doctor whether taking saw palmetto berries or extract is a good strategy for you.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Prostate Problems
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Saw Palmetto
- Mayo Clinic: Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens Bartram Small)
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- American Family Physician: Saw Palmetto for Prostate Disorders
- PubMed.gov: Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials of Permixon in the Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; P. Boyle et al; 2000
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