Serenoa repens was not more effective than placebo for treatment of urinary symptoms consistent with BPH
BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) , a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate , can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) .
The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs ( phytotherapy ) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH is common .
The extract of the berry of the American saw palmetto , or dwarf palm plant , Serenoa repens ( also known by its botanical name of Sabal serrulatum ) , is one of several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH .
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aim ed to assess the effects of Serenoa repens in the treatment of LUTS consistent with BPH .
Comparison of finasteride (Proscar) and Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase in healthy male volunteers.
A total of 32 healthy male volunteers ( age range 20 - 30 years ) were enrolled in a 1-week open , r and omized , placebo-controlled study comparing finasteride ( Proscar ) , a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor , with Permixon , the plant extract of Serenoa repens . The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of single and multiple doses of the drugs on the inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase as assessed by serum dihydrotestosterone level determination . Following baseline measurements on day 1 , the subjects were r and omized to finasteride 5 mg once a day ( n = 10 ) , Permixon 80 mg x 2 twice a day ( n = 11 ) , or to placebo once a day ( n = 11 ) for 7 days . Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels , were determined on day 1 ( baseline and 12 h ) and on days 2 ( 24 h ) , 3 ( 48 h ) , 4 ( 72 h ) , 6 ( 120 h ) , and 8 ( 168 h ) . After 12 h , a single dose of finasteride 5 mg reduced the serum dihydrotestosterone level by 65 % ( p < or = 0.01 ) . The decreases ranged from -52 to -60 % with multiple doses of finasteride 5 mg once a day ( p < or = 0.01 ) . As in the placebo group , there was no effect of Permixon on the serum dihydrotestosterone level . No significant difference was detected between finasteride and Permixon or between finasteride and placebo with respect to serum testosterone , except on days 3 and 6 , respectively ( p < or = 0.05 ) . However , the corresponding serum testosterone levels remained within the normal ranges . These data confirm the efficacy of finasteride as inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS
Serenoa repens was not more effective than placebo for treatment of urinary symptoms consistent with BPH
BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) , a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate , can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) .
The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs ( phytotherapy ) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH is common .
The extract of the berry of the American saw palmetto , or dwarf palm plant , Serenoa repens ( also known by its botanical name of Sabal serrulatum ) , is one of several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH .
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aim ed to assess the effects of Serenoa repens in the treatment of LUTS consistent with BPH .