Benefits
Effective Prostate Support
Saw palmetto extract is one of the world's leading herbal products for
prostate support. Widely-cited clinical studies conducted over the last
fifteen years have clearly established the ability of Saw palmetto extract
to produce major improvements in prostate-related urinary function. Saw
Palmetto's key active ingredients help to normalize prostate gland
structure.
Discussion
As men pass through and beyond middle age, hormonal changes occur which can
impact the prostate gland. Levels of dihydrotestoterone (DHT), a normal
metabolite of testosterone, increase. This, plus an increased binding of DHT
to nuclear receptors in the prostate cell, results in growth of prostate
tissue. This tissue growth takes place in the part of the prostate which
surrounds the urethra, the tube for urine excretion. This can constrict the
urethra, resulting in urinary disturbances.
Saw palmetto extract has been shown to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase, an
enzyme that controls conversion of testosterone to DHT. Saw palmetto extract
also blocks the binding of DHT to prostate cells. These mechanisms are
believed to account for Saw palmetto extract's positive effect on prostate
gland structure.
In clinical studies, Saw palmetto extract has produced measurable
improvements in urinary functions and prostate size. Quality of life scores
have also improved.
The results with Saw palmetto extract have been duplicated in open trials
and controlled, double-blind studies.
Saw palmetto extract is safe and virtually free of side-effects.
Saw palmetto’s effectiveness comes from its content of natural fatty
acids and sterols. These include oleic acid, lauric acid, campasterol,
stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol and others. The standard of quality for Saw
palmetto extract products is a high concentration of fatty acids and
sterols, equaling 90%.
Safety
Suggested Adult Use: One to capsule daily with food.
Scientific References
1. Braeckman, J., 'The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign
prostatic hyperplasia: a multicenter open study,' Current Therapeutic
Research 1994: 55(7):776-85.
Abstract
Because prostatic surgery is not the treatment of choice for most patients
with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the therapeutic effect of a 160 mg,
twice daily, oral dose of Serenoa repens extract was studied during a
3-month open trial in 505 patients with mild to moderate symptoms of BPH.
The efficacy of the regimen was evaluated in 305 of these patients.
Traditional parameters for quantifying prostatism, such as the International
Prostate Symptom Score, the quality of life score, urinary flow rates,
residual urinary volume, and prostate size, were found to be significantly
improved after only 45 days of treatment. After 90 days of treatment, a
majority of patients (88%) and treating physicians (88%) considered the
therapy effective. In addition, the serum prostate-specific antigen
concentration was not modified by the drug, thus limiting the risk of
masking any possible development of prostate cancer during treatment. The
incidence of side effects (5%) was low and compares favorably with that
reported for existing therapies used in BPH patients. The extract of Serenoa
repens appears to be an effective and well-tolerated pharmacologic agent in
treating the mictional problems accompanying BPH.
2. Smith, H.R., et. al., 'The value of Permixon in benign prostatic
hypertrophy,' British Journal of Urology 1986; 58:36-40.
3. Tasca, A., et. al., 'Treatment of obstructive symptomatology caused by
prostatic adenoma with an extract of Serenoa repens. Double-blind clinical
study vs. placebo,' Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica 1985; 37:87-91.
4. Champault, G., Bonnard, A.M., Cauquil, J., Patel, J.C., 'Medical
treatment of prostatic adenoma. A controlled test of PA 109 vs. placebo in
110 patients,' Ann. Urol. 1984; 18(6):407-410.
5. Crimi, A., Russo, A., 'The use of Serenoa repens extract in the treatment
of functional disturbances caused by prostate hypertrophy,' Med. Praxis
1983; 4:47-51.
6. Sultan, C., et. al., 'Inhibition of androgen metabolism and binding of
liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens B in human foreskin fibroblasts,' J.
Steroid Biochem. 1984; 20(1):515-519.
7. El-Sheikh, M.M., Dakkak, M.R., Saddique, A., 'The effect of Permixon on
androgen receptors,' Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1988: 67:397-99.
*Above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.