Prostatitis is a condition that affects the prostate, the walnut-sized gland found at the base of the bladder in men. There are several different forms of prostatitis, all of which are characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland. Symptoms vary according to the type of prostatitis an individual has, but might include painful or frequent urination, pain in the groin and blood in the urine. The herb saw palmetto is sometimes used to help alleviate urinary problems associated with prostatitis, but should not be used in place of medical treatments. Get medical advice before using it..
Properties and Potential Benefits
Also known as Serenoa repens, saw palmetto is a type of palm native to the eastern coast of the United States. It produces fruits that are a rich source of steroids and fatty acids. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it is mainly used to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it might also help to promote urination and reduce inflammation.
Administration
Saw palmetto may be taken as a tea or in capsules or tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that 160 mg taken twice daily is sometimes used to alleviate prostatitis symptoms, and recommends using an extract standardized to contain 85 percent to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. However, this is only a guideline. Check with your doctor that this dose is suitable you.
Effectiveness
Saw palmetto has not been widely studied as a prostatitis treatment. However, the results of a clinical study published in the March 2010 issue of "Urologia Internationalis" show that saw palmetto helps to alleviate symptoms of chronic prostatitis. The researchers found that it was even more effective when combined with lycopene and selenium. Research findings published in the June 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents" show that saw palmetto might also enhance the effect of prulifloxacin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial prostatitis.
Safety Considerations
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that saw palmetto is generally well tolerated, but adds that it might cause stomach upset. It might also have a blood thinning effect, so do not use this herb if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking anticoagulants. If you experience any unusual effects while using this herb, discontinue its use and see your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostatitis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- "Urologia Internationalis"; Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Category IIIA With Serenoa Repens Plus Selenium and Lycopene (Profluss) Versus S. repens Alone: An Italian Randomized Multicenter-Controlled Study; G. Morgia, et al.; March 2010
- "International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents"; Serenoa repens Associated with Urtica dioica (ProstaMEV) and Curcumin and Quercitin (FlogMEV) Extracts Are Able to Improve the Efficacy of Prulifloxacin in Bacterial Prostatitis Patients: Results From a Prospective Randomised Study; T. Cai., June 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
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