Saw Palmetto Vs. Beta Sitosterol For Bph

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common male disorder characterized by an enlargement of the prostate. As the disorder progresses, symptoms such as frequent urination, especially at night, as well as leaking, dribbling, weak stream and feelings of urgency, often appear. Clinical studies suggest that both saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol can help to reduce BPH symptoms; but as with any supplement, you should talk to your health care practitioner before attempting to self-medicate with them.

Beta-Sitosterol Basics

Beta-sitosterol is a plant compound with a chemical structure similar to cholesterol that has immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. It is found in foods such as vegetable oils, avocados, nuts, almonds and beans. However, less than 5 percent of beta-sitosterol is actually absorbed from dietary intake, and concentrated beta-sitosterol supplements are used for medicinal purposes.

Beta-Sitosterol and BPH

An article in the June 1995 issue of "Lancet" examined the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol for the treatment of BPH. The patients who took part in the placebo-controlled study were given 20 mg of beta-sitosterol three times per day for six months. The patients given the beta-sitosterol experienced a significant improvement in urinary symptoms, an increase in maximum urinary flow and a decrease in post-void residual volume. However, the beta-sitosterol did not affect prostate size.

Saw Palmetto Basics

Saw palmetto is a palm-like plant, and its berries are processed and sold as a dietary supplement for a variety of health-promoting purposes. Saw palmetto is a potent antioxidant; and similar to beta-sitosterol, it has immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Saw palmetto has been approved in Europe for the clinical treatment of BPH.

Saw Palmetto and BPH

Authors of a paper in the September 1984 issue of "Britain Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" reported a placebo-controlled investigation of 110 patients. The patients were given 320 mg per day of an extract of saw palmetto called PA109. At the end of the 30-day study, the patients given the saw palmetto extract experienced mild to moderate improvements in urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, hesitancy, urgency, nocturia and perineal heaviness. According to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database," multiple clinical studies lasting up to a year have shown similar results, and saw palmetto also appears to improve peak and mean urinary flow and lower residual urine volume in patients with BPH.

Conclusion

Beta-sitosterol appears to provide more significant relief of BPH symptoms than saw palmetto. However, a 1999 article in "Urology Times" reported that saw palmetto has the advantage of also reducing swelling and size of the prostate gland.