Saw palmetto extract

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Saw palmetto extract is an extract of the fruit of the saw palmetto. It is marketed as a dietary supplement that may help with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but there is no clinical evidence that it is effective for this purpose. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Uses and research

Saw palmetto extract is commonly sold as a dietary supplement intended to improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—also called prostate gland enlargement—which is a common condition among men as they age. [1] [5] An enlarged prostate may cause increased frequency or urgency of urination, difficulty initiating urination, weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts, dribbling at the end of urination, and inability to completely empty the bladder. [5]

Saw palmetto extract has been studied in clinical trials as a possible treatment for people with prostate cancer and for men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. [1] [3] As of 2023, there is insufficient scientific evidence that saw palmetto extract is effective for treating cancer or BPH and its symptoms. [2] [3] A 2023 review found that saw palmetto extract "provides little to no benefits for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement." [4]

One 2016 review of clinical studies with a standardized extract of saw palmetto (called Permixon) found that the extract was safe and may be effective for relieving BPH-induced urinary symptoms compared with a placebo. [6]

Folk medicine

Saw palmetto was used in folk medicine to treat coughs or other disorders. [1]

Precautions and contraindications

Children

The use of saw palmetto extract is not recommended in children under 12 years old because it may affect the metabolism of androgen and estrogen hormones. [7]

Pregnancy and lactation

Saw palmetto extract should not be used during pregnancy because it may affect androgen and estrogen metabolism. [3] [7] As there is no rationale for using saw palmetto during pregnancy, it should be avoided when pregnant or while breastfeeding. [3]

PSA test interference

Saw palmetto has been shown to reduce the levels of PSA in the blood, a hormone produced by the prostate and used as a marker by healthcare providers to evaluate the presence of prostate cancer. Taking saw palmetto can artificially reduce the levels of PSA, interfering with test results. [8]

Interactions

Saw palmetto extract has interactions with other medications. [3] When used in combination with an anticoagulant or anti-platelet drug, saw palmetto extract can increase the risk of bleeding by enhancing the anticoagulation or anti-platelet effects. [3] Some examples of anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and warfarin. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benign prostatic hyperplasia</span> Noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate enlargement, is a noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland. Symptoms may include frequent urination, trouble starting to urinate, weak stream, inability to urinate, or loss of bladder control. Complications can include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and chronic kidney problems.

<i>Serenoa</i> Species of palm tree

Serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto, is a small palm, growing to a maximum height around 200–300 cm (6.6–9.8 ft).

Dysuria refers to painful or uncomfortable urination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urinary retention</span> Inability to completely empty the bladder

Urinary retention is an inability to completely empty the bladder. Onset can be sudden or gradual. When of sudden onset, symptoms include an inability to urinate and lower abdominal pain. When of gradual onset, symptoms may include loss of bladder control, mild lower abdominal pain, and a weak urine stream. Those with long-term problems are at risk of urinary tract infections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">5α-Reductase inhibitor</span> Class of medications

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Alpha-1 blockers constitute a variety of drugs that block the effect of catecholamines on alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. They are mainly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hypertension and post-traumatic stress disorder. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors are present in vascular smooth muscle, the central nervous system, and other tissues. When alpha blockers bind to these receptors in vascular smooth muscle, they cause vasodilation.

Nocturia is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as “the complaint that the individual has to wake at night one or more times for voiding .” The term is derived from Latin nox, night, and Greek [τα] ούρα, urine. Causes are varied and can be difficult to discern. Although not every patient needs treatment, most people seek treatment for severe nocturia, waking up to void more than 2–3 times per night.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamsulosin</span> Medication

Tamsulosin, sold under the brand name Flomax among others, is a medication used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis and to help with the passage of kidney stones. The evidence for benefit with a kidney stone is better when the stone is larger. Tamsulosin is taken by mouth.

Prostatic congestion is a medical condition of the prostate gland that happens when the prostate becomes swollen by excess fluid and can be caused by prostatosis. The condition often results in a person with prostatic congestion feeling the urge to urinate frequently. Prostatic congestion has been associated with prostate disease, which can progress due to age. Oftentimes, the prostate will grow in size which can lead to further problems, such as prostatitis, enlarged prostate, or prostate cancer.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostatic stent</span>

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Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is one of a number of effective and safe procedures used in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is an alternative treatment to pharmacotherapy such as alpha blockers, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, photoselective vaporization of the prostate and prostatic removal or prostatectomy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chronic bacterial prostatitis</span> Bacterial infection of the prostate gland

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostatic artery embolization</span> Non-surgical technique for treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy

Prostatic artery embolization is a non-surgical technique for treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

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If medical treatment is not effective, surgery may need to be performed for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Aquablation therapy (AquaBeam) is a surgical procedure for men with lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is in the early stages of study. It is not categorized as minimally invasive as general anesthesia is required. The procedure was developed by PROCEPT BioRobotics and combines real-time visualization through a cystoscope and a bi-plane ultrasound, while using a high-velocity sterile saline heat-free waterjet and autonomous robotics to remove prostate tissue.

Prostate steam treatment (Rezum), also called water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for men with lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from prostate enlargement. It uses injections of steam to remove obstructive prostate tissue from the inside of the organ without injuring the prostatic part of the urinary tube.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Saw palmetto". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  2. 1 2 "Spotlight on saw palmetto: What the science says". NCCIH Clinical Digest for Health Professionals, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Saw palmetto". Drugs.com. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  4. 1 2 Franco, Juan Va; Trivisonno, Leonel; Sgarbossa, Nadia J.; et al. (2023-06-22). "Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023 (6): CD001423. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001423.pub4. ISSN   1469-493X. PMC  10286776. PMID   37345871.
  5. 1 2 "Benign prostatic hyperplasia". Mayo Clinic. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  6. ↑ Novara, Giacomo; Giannarini, Gianluca; Alcaraz, Antonio; et al. (2016). "Efficacy and safety of hexanic lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials". European Urology Focus. 2 (5): 553–561. doi:10.1016/j.euf.2016.04.002. PMID   28723522. S2CID   19219564.
  7. 1 2 "Fructus Serenoae Repentis". WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. World Health Organization. Archived from the original on June 16, 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  8. ↑ Murugusundram, Sundaram (2009). "Serenoa Repens: Does It have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia?". Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2 (1): 31–32. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.53097 . ISSN   0974-2077. PMC   2840915 . PMID   20300369.
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