It is common for the prostate gland to enlarge as a man ages. The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most men experience symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination, by age 60. BPH is not serious in itself but many men find its effects annoying and opt to undergo minimally invasive surgery to reduce prostate size and relieve symptoms. The herb saw palmetto may also help to alleviate BPH symptoms, but evidence to prove it works is inconclusive. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties
Saw palmetto, also known as American dwarf palm tree, is native to the east coast of the United States, and according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, was used as a medicinal aid by the Seminole tribe of Florida. Although it is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for decreased sex drive and hormone imbalances, it is primarily used to alleviate urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. It contains a number of compounds, including steroids, and may hinder the production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes prostate enlargement.
Administration
Saw palmetto is available in capsules or tablets, but you can take it as an herbal tincture or as a tea if you prefer. UMMC suggests taking 320 mg daily to alleviate symptoms of BPH. However, bear in mind that an appropriate dose may depend on other conditions you may have and the nature of any medicines you may be taking. Ask your doctor or dietitian for further advice.
Effectiveness
Evidence that saw palmetto is an effective BPH treatment in inconclusive. The results of a study published in the February 2011 issue of "Urologia Internationalis" show that long-term saw palmetto treatment helps to improve urinary flow and alleviate BPH symptoms. In contrast, an analysis of data from nine earlier clinical studies published in the April 2009 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," concludes that saw palmetto is no more effective than placebo in the treatment of BPH-associated urinary problems.
Safety Considerations
RxList notes that saw palmetto is likely safe for most people, but adds that it may cause side effects including dizziness, nausea and constipation. It may also have anticoagulant effects, so don't use it if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood thinning medicines. Stop taking it if you are scheduled for surgery within two weeks.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
- "Urologia Internationalis"; Long-Term Efficacy of Serenoa repens Treatment in Patients with Mild and Moderate Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; I Sinescu et al.; February 2011
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Serenoa Repens for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; J. Tacklind et al.; April 2009
- RxList: Saw Palmetto
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