Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto

(Serenoa repens)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia stages I and II. This relieves only the difficulties associated with an enlarged prostate and does not necessarily reduce the enlagement.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy: Plosker, 1996, Strauch, 1994, Braeckman, 1994

Standardized: 20-25% standardized extract containing Fatty Acids 90mg
1 capsule with water 3 x daily

Whole Herb: (Herb powder) 475mg
3 capsules with water 3 x daily

Summary:

Saw Palmetto is used in men to improve symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Several studies have reported that the effects of Saw Palmetto are comparable to symptomatic improvements which result from medications commonly used for this disorder.

Pharmacology:

Excessive formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to stimulate enlargement of the prostate (hyperplasia). Estrogen inhibits the elimination of DHT. There are three mechanisms by which Saw Palmetto alters the effects of DHT. It is reported to inhibit production, inhibition receptor binding, and to accelerate the metabolism of DHT. Saw Palmetto is reported to exert antiestrogenic effects, which may mediate some of the improvement in symptoms. Saw Palmetto has been reported to decrease prostate size, but does not alter PSA levels.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Use with caution in individuals receiving treatments for BPH (alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, finasteride). Individuals should have a prostatic exam and laboratory studies (PSA) to rule out cancer prior to use for symptoms of BPH. Use with caution in patients with hormone-dependent cancers because of its anti-estrogenic, estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects.

Theoretical Interactions:

Oral contraceptives, estrogen, alpha-adrenergic blockers, finasteride,and iron preparations.

References:

Braeckman J, "The Extract of Serenoa repens in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A MulticenterStudy," Curr Ther Res, 1994, 55(7): 76-84.

Plosker GL and Brogden RN, "Serenoa repens (Permixon). A Review of Its Pharmacology and Therapeutic Efficacy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," Drugs Aging, 1996, 9(5): 379-95.

Strauch G, Perles P, Vergult G, et al, "Comparison of Finasteride (Proscar) and Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the Inhibition of 5-Alpha Reductase in Healthy Male Volunteers," Eur Urol, 1994, 26(3): 247-52.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Saw Palmetto Standardized Herbal Supplement 17.99

Saw Palmetto Herbal Supplement 475 mg 10.99

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