Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a common condition that affects most men over 60 years old to varying degrees. Although BPH is not harmful in itself, it makes urination difficult or uncomfortable. BPH can usually be treated successfully with medicines that shrink the prostate, but in some cases, surgery may be required. The herb saw palmetto is also sometimes used to alleviate BPH symptoms, although there is little evidence to show it is effective. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree, the fruit of which are used to prepare herbal preparations to alleviate prostate conditions including prostate cancer and BPH. Saw palmetto fruit contain fatty acids and phytosterols, which according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, may inhibit the growth of prostate cells and promote urination. It may work in a similar way to dutasteride and finasteride, both of which inhibit prostate growth by preventing testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone.
Administration
Saw palmetto may be taken as a tea or liquid tincture, and it is also available in capsules or tablets. UMMC notes that taking 320mg per day is sometimes used to alleviate BPH symptoms and recommends choosing a fat-soluble saw palmetto extract standardized to contain 85 percent to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Check with your doctor that this dosage is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Although saw palmetto is a commonly used alternative treatment for BPH, evidence to support its use is weak. The results of a double-blind clinical trial published in the February 2006 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine" show that saw palmetto did not improve symptoms of BPH. An analysis of data from nine clinical studies published in the April 2009 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" concludes that saw palmetto was no more effective than placebo in the treatment of BPH-associated urinary symptoms.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that saw palmetto is safe for most people but adds that it may cause side effects including dizziness, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. It may have anticoagulant effects so don't use it if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are scheduled for surgery within the next two weeks. Also avoid this herb if you are taking drugs that slow blood clotting, for example, aspirin or ibuprofen, as it may heighten their effects.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; S. Bent, et al.;
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Serenoa Repens for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; J. Tacklind, et al.; April 2009
- RxList: Saw Palmetto
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