Saw Palmetto and Prostate Cancer


 

ABSTRACT: Saw Palmetto (Seronoa repens) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: effects on urodynamic parameters and voiding symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of Saw Palmetto on voiding symptoms and urodynamic parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) presumed secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS: Fifty men with previously untreated LUTS and minimum International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 10 or greater were treated with a commercially available form of Saw Palmetto (160 mg twice per day) for 6 months. The initial evaluation included measurement of peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, pressure-flow study, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Patients completed an IPSS, serum PSA was determined, and flow rate was measured every 2 months during the course of the study. A urodynamic evaluation was repeated at the completion of the 6-month trial.

RESULTS: The mean IPSS (+/-SD) improved from 19.5 +/-5.5 to 12.5+/-7.0 (P<0.001) among the 46 men who completed the study. Significant improvement in the symptom score of 50% or greater after treatment with Saw Palmetto for 2, 4, and 6 months was noted in 21% (10 of 48), 30% (14 of 47), and 46% (21 of 46) of patients, respectively. There was no significant change in peak urinary flow rate, post void residual urine volume, or detrusor pressure

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