Saw Palmetto Shrinks Enlarged Prostate Tissue
Many European studies have shown that saw palmetto improves symptoms
of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate
that causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms as men get older. Now
the first American randomized clinical trial of saw palmetto shows
that the plant also reduces swelling in enlarged prostate tissue.
The study was published in the March issue of the peer-reviewed
journal Urology, followed by a presentation at the Annual
Meeting of the American Urological Association in Dallas, Texas
from May 1-6, 1999. The study was also chosen from among 1500
others as the feature article in the June issue of Urology
Times, a leading magazine for urologists.
During the six-month double-blind, placebo-controlled study,
researchers randomly assigned 44 men to take either 320 mg of
saw palmetto and nettle root or placebo daily. The herbal treatment
led to a modest reduction in symptoms of BPH, such as difficult
urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and a frequent
urge to urinate. The most novel finding in the study was saw palmetto's
effect on prostate swelling which improved to a statistically
significant degree. Using two different tests (Prostate MRI and
ultrasound-guided biopsy), researchers concluded that the most
marked effects were on the epithelial tissue, especially in the
inner part of the prostate. Although researchers have not determined
exactly how saw palmetto works, a hormonal action has been ruled
out. This is especially good news for men who have tried conventional
therapies for BPH and experienced a decline in sex drive and performance.
According to Dr. Leonard Marks, the study's lead investigator and clinical
associate professor in the Department of Urology with the University
of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, "The 21 participants
who supplemented their diet with saw palmetto were satisfied with the
results. In fact, 19 elected to continue supplementing after the study
concluded. I believe urologists may now consider saw palmetto a viable,
natural, alternative treatment for many men with BPH."
Krista Morien, Herb Research NewsSaw Palmetto Shrinks Enlarged
Prostate Tissue
|
