Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 3, 02/05/2009

Question

How does saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) work to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is there any evidence to support its use?

Answer

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is derived from the berry of the American dwarf tree found in the southern part of the United States and is widely used all over the world for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms.(1)  In fact, a survey of men in a urology clinic revealed that one third of respondents utilized herbal medicinals for their BPH and that their use continues to rise.(1,2)  Another analysis conducted in Italy showed that nearly half of the medications dispensed for BPH were for herbal medicines and in Germany and Austria herbal medicinals make up >90% of the prescriptions for BPH symptoms.(3)  So is there any evidence to support its widespread use?......To read the full answer please LOGIN or SUBSCRIBE NOW.