Saw palmetto extract
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]
Uses and research
Saw palmetto
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[update], 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
References
- ^ a b c d "Saw palmetto". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Saw palmetto". Drugs.com. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ PMID 37345871.
- ^ a b "Benign prostatic hyperplasia". Mayo Clinic. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
- S2CID 19219564.
- ^ a b "Fructus Serenoae Repentis". WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. World Health Organization. Archived from the original on June 16, 2009. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
- PMID 20300369.