The active component of Saw Palmetto is found in the fruit of the American dwarf palm tree. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of saw palmetto in reducing symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Saw palmetto appears to have efficacy similar to that of medications like finasteride, but it is better tolerated and less expensive.
Saw Palmetto Study
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 44 American men with symptomatic prostate enlargement took 320 mg of saw palmetto extract or a placebo for six months
Researchers tested the participants for International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate, residual urine volume, prostate volume, and prostate specific antigen (PSA, described below). Unlike previous research, this study included an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, allowing the scientists to assess changes in the participants’ prostate tissue. Biopsies were taken at baseline and after six months of treatment.
Saw Palmetto (SPE) suppressed swelling of the prostate epithelium, causing a contraction in the tissues in the epithelium of the prostate and the transitional zone. SPE produced this benefit without affecting the levels of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, which means that SPE works by an unidentified but non-hormonal mechanism. This is especially good news for men because conventional drug therapy for BPH frequently causes hormonal side effects, including reduced sex drive and performance. It should also be good news for doctors, because SPE did not affect the level of PSA in the blood. PSA tests are used to detect prostate cancer, and conventional therapy interferes with PSA testing by masking this early warning sign.
Conclusion
While numerous studies have confirmed the ability of saw palmetto extract (SPE) to reduce BPH symptoms, this is the first evidence that it actually shrinks enlarged prostate tissues
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