Saw palmetto Information | Mount Sinai

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Andriole GL, McCullum-Hill C, Sandhu GS, Crawford ED, Barry MJ, Cantor A. The effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto fruit extract on serum prostate specific antigen: analysis of the CAMUS randomized trial. J Urol. 2013;189(2):486-492.

Avins AL, Lee JY, Meyers CM, Barry MJ. Safety and toxicity of saw palmetto in the CAMUS trial. J Urol. 2013;189(4):1415-1420.

Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, et. al. Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. NEJM. 2006;354:557-566.

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Boyle P, Robertson C, Lowe F, Roehrborn C. Updated meta-analysis of clinical trials of Serenoa repens extract in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU International. 2004;93(6):751-756.

Braeckman J. The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A multicenter open study. Curr Therapeut Res. 1994;55:776-785.

Carraro JC, Raynaud JP, Koch G, et al. Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1,098 patients. Prostate. 1996;29(4):231-242.

Dedhia RC, McVary KT. Phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2008;179(6):2119-2125.

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Ernst E. The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John’s Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136(1):42-53.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall with thorn-shaped leaves arranged like a fan. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicine.

Saw palmetto seems to lower the amount of pressure on the tubes that carry urine in males. Saw palmetto also might prevent testosterone from being converted to a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Reduced levels of DHT might help prevent some types of hair loss.

People commonly use saw palmetto for symptoms of an enlarged prostate called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). But it doesn’t seem to improve this condition. Saw palmetto is also used to prevent complications from prostate surgery and for treating other prostate conditions, male-pattern baldness, sexual dysfunction, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

• A type of prostate surgery (transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP). Taking 320 mg of saw palmetto by mouth daily for 2 months before prostate surgery can improve surgery outcomes.

Possibly Ineffective for

• Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking saw palmetto by mouth has little or no benefit for reducing BPH symptoms. Saw palmetto doesn’t seem to reduce the need to go to the bathroom at night or reduce painful urination.

There is interest in using saw palmetto for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is likely safe when used for up to 3 years. Side effects are usually mild and might include dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

When given rectally: Saw palmetto is possibly safe when used for up to 30 days. It’s unknown if it is safe to use for longer periods of time.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is likely safe when used for up to 3 years. Side effects are usually mild and might include dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

When given rectally: Saw palmetto is possibly safe when used for up to 30 days. It’s unknown if it is safe to use for longer periods of time. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Saw palmetto is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It acts like a hormone, and this could be dangerous. Don’t use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Surgery: Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting. Taking saw palmetto along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Saw palmetto might decrease the effects of estrogen in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with birth control pills might decrease their effects. If you take birth control pills along with saw palmetto, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.

• Saw palmetto seems to decrease estrogen levels in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with estrogen pills might decrease their effects.

Dosing

Saw palmetto has most often been used by adults in doses of 320-960 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 years. It’s also been used in lotion. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Description of SERENOA REPENS indications, dosages, contraindications of the active substance SERENOA REPENS

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Active substance AMERICAN Dwarf Palm* (SERENOA REPENS*)

• Pharmacological properties
• Indications AMERICAN Dwarf Palm *
• Application AMERICAN Dwarf Palm *
• Contraindications
• Side effects
• Special instructions
• Interactions
• Diagnosis
• Recommended alternatives
• Trade names

Medicinal preparations containing the active substance AMERICAN Dwarf Palm *

Prostaker

capsules 320 mg, no. 30

MEGA LIFESCIENCES

Pharmacy prices

Prostaplant

capsules 320 mg, no. 30

Alpen Pharma AG 9 0007

Pharmacy prices

American dwarf palm fruit extract is used to treat patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The clinical effect is due to antiandrogenic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, vasoprotective and antiestrogenic effects. The active substances of the extract affect the metabolism of testosterone in the prostate tissue, without affecting its level in blood plasma and the balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, therefore, they do not adversely affect libido and sexual potency. By inhibiting the 1st and 2nd isoenzymes of 5-α-reductase, it inhibits the conversion of testosterone into its active form – dihydrotestosterone (the main etiopathogenetic factor in benign prostatic hyperplasia), affects its metabolism, and also inhibits the fixation of dihydrotestosterone on cytoplasmic receptors, preventing the penetration of the hormone into the nucleus of the cell. As a result, protein synthesis decreases and the process of organ hyperplasia stops.

In addition, inhibiting phospholipase A ₂ inhibits the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives – leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation; blocks binding to specific prolactin receptors, which promotes increased permeability and proliferation of the prostate epithelium. Providing a local anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, reduces swelling of the body, reduces capillary permeability, improves tone and motility of the lower urinary tract. Inhibits translocation of androgen and estrogen receptors, inhibits fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF).

urinary disorders and inflammatory symptoms due to uncomplicated benign prostatic hyperplasia.

orally 320 mg/day in 1 or 2 divided doses. The duration of use is determined individually.

hypersensitivity to the extract.

rarely – nausea when taken on an empty stomach.