Effectiveness Evidence of the effectiveness of saw palmetto is limited. Two studies done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that it was no more effective than a placebo in treating BPH symptoms. However, this also depends on the specific saw palmetto product used, since different compositions may have different outcomes. On the other hand, one study showed that the effects of finasteride and saw palmetto on BPH symptoms were comparable. Safety/Warnings/Toxicity ● Saw palmetto should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. ● Children younger than 12 years should not use saw palmetto. Adverse Effects/Side Effects ● Abdominal pain ● Constipation ● Decreased libido ● Headache Interactions ● Finasteride/Dutasteride: Since Saw Palmetto seems to work similarly to these medications, it may enhance their adverse/toxic effects. ● Anticoagulants (i.e., Warfarin): Saw Palmetto may enhance the effects of anticoagulants and the blood’s ability to clot. ● Estrogens/Contraceptive Drugs: Saw palmetto may decrease the effectiveness of estrogens and contraceptive drugs. Summary of Article In this study, the effectiveness of n-hexane lipido-sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia was analyzed. The levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were measured from patients’ BPH tissue samples after being treated with 320 mg LSESr/day for 3 months. The results showed a decrease of DHT and EGF and an increase in T in BPH tissue of patients. This confirmed that LSESr has the ability to inhibit 5α-reductase in human pathological prostate. The results were similar to those of finasteride, an FDA-approved 5α-reductase inhibitor. Personal/Professional Opinion From a woman's perspective, I would not buy this supplement since it doesn’t have many indications for women. If I was a consumer of this product, it would most likely be for a family member. In this case, I would refer to their primary care provider in order to make a decision. From a professional opinion, I wouldn’t encourage nor discourage a patient to buy this supplement. If they really wanted to try it, I would simply advise them to start on the lowest dose and monitor therapy. In general, I believe there is a growing responsibility to be knowledgeable about supplements. ~E Frey References
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Saw Palmetto (Natural Products Database). Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Accessed February 25, 2023. http://online.lexi.com
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Saw palmetto. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto#:~:text=Currently%2C%20saw%20palmetto%20is%20promoted,hair%20loss%2C%20and%20other%20conditions. Published May 2020. Accessed February 25, 2023. Saw Palmetto. Natural Medicines. Therapeutic Research Center. Accessed February 25, 2023. https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=971#effectiveness Snell C, Emilio DT, Gardiner L. Saw palmetto. Kew. https://www.kew.org/plants/saw-palmetto. Published July 5, 2021. Accessed February 25, 2023.
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