Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens ) is a small, fan-shaped palm that grows along the South Atlantic coast of the United States. Seminole Indians once enjoyed its berries as an important part of their diet. About 50 years ago, researchers discovered the berries had medicinal value and started using them to treat urinary problems. Today saw palmetto is widely used in Europe as an alternative to conventional treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition that affects half of all men over age 50.

The prostate is a small, donut-shaped gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra in men. As the gland swells, it pinches the urethra, making it hard to urinate. Men with this condition need to urinate frequently and urgently but often find it difficult and painful to do so.

There is conflicting evidence that it can help relieve the symptoms of BPH. A government review of 18 studies involving 2,939 men published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that saw palmetto was as effective as a prescription drug in improving the symptoms of BPH. However, the report cautions that no long-term studies have been done, so we don't know what the benefits or side effects might be in the long run. A more recent, smaller study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that saw palmetto did not improve the symptoms of BPH.

The active ingredients are fatty acids found in the fat portion of saw palmetto berries. These substances don't actually shrink the prostate gland, but they seem to reduce inflammation and prevent or slow the growth of new prostate cells. In men with BPH, saw palmetto berry extract seems to have effects similar to the prescription drug Proscar (finasteride), but without side effects like decreased libido, ejaculatory problems, and loss of erection. Don't expect saw palmetto berry tea to work for BPH because the active ingredients in the berries don't dissolve well in water.

Saw palmetto doesn't seem to cause any serious side effects. Users sometimes experience stomachache, diarrhea or constipation. Studies have shown it to be safe and effective for up to one year. Men who suspect their prostates are enlarged should see a doctor to rule out cancer. Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking saw palmetto.

The daily dose for treating BPH is 1 to 2 grams of the dried berries or 160 milligrams twice daily of lipophilic (liposterolic) berry extract containing 80 to 90 percent fatty acids. Since the US government doesn't regulate herbal remedies as strictly as it does drugs, quality and potency can vary from product to product. In rare cases products may be contaminated with undesirable substances. Ask your pharmacist or naturopathic doctor to recommend a reputable brand.

-- Kate Lee is a former associate editor at Consumer Health Interactive and researcher at Time Inc. Health. She is currently a senior editor at BabyCenter.

Further Resources

Varro E. Tyler, PhD. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.

Andrew Weil, MD. Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Houghton Mifflin, 1995, 1998.

References

Last updated January 15, 2009
Copyright © 1998 Consumer Health Interactive and OneBody, Inc.

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