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What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto (S. repens) is a palm plant that grows in warm climates. Extracts from its berries are used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can cause pain when urinating, waking numerous times at night to urinate, or a weak urine stream.

Some studies have shown saw palmetto to be as effective as the prescription drug finasteride (brand name Proscar) in relieving the symptoms of BPH. Saw palmetto can noticeably reduce the symptoms of BPH in about half of the men who use it. It takes four to six weeks of therapy to see results. While saw palmetto helps relieve urinary symptoms, it does not appear to shrink the size of the prostate. More studies are needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of this herb in treating BPH.

The usual dose of saw palmetto is 100 mg to 400 mg taken twice daily by mouth.

Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement and hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating any medical condition. If you’re having problems with urination, you should see your doctor to find out the cause of your symptoms before taking saw palmetto.

Sources:
Marks, Leonard S. Effects of a Saw Palmetto Herbal Blend in Men with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,” The Journal of Urology 163 (2000).
Gerber, G. "Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Effects on Urodynamic Parameters and Voiding Symptoms," Urology 51 (1998).
Wilt, T. "Saw Palmetto Extracts for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," Journal of the American Medical Association 280 (1998).
Carraro, J.-C. "Comparison of Phytotherapy (Permixon) With Finasteride in the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Randomized international Study of 1098 Patients," The Prostate 29 (1996).
Braeckman, J. "The Extract of Serenoa Repens in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter Open Study," Current Therapeutic Research 55 (1994).
Foster, S., V.E. Tyler. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Products. The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 4/25/2001.
This information updated 1/22/2007.

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