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 .
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of saw palmetto in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of saw palmetto on urinary symptoms , sexual function , and urinary flow rate in men with lower urinary tract symptoms using a double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial . METHODS The eligible patients were 45 years of age or older and had an International Prostate Symptom Score of 8 or greater . After a 1-month placebo run-in period , 85 men were r and omized to receive saw palmetto or placebo for 6 months . Patients were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score , a sexual function question naire , and by measurement of the urinary flow rate . RESULTS The mean symptom score decreased from 16.7 to 12.3 in the saw palmetto group compared with 15.8 to 13.6 in the placebo group ( P = 0.038 ) . The quality -of-life score improved to a greater degree in the saw palmetto group , but this difference was not statistically significant . No change occurred in the sexual function question naire results in either group . The peak flow rate increased by 1.0 mL/s and 1.4 mL/s in the saw palmetto and placebo groups , respectively ( P = 0.73 ) . CONCLUSIONS Saw palmetto led to a statistically significant improvement in urinary symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms compared with placebo . Saw palmetto had no measurable effect on the urinary flow rates . The mechanism by which saw palmetto improves urinary symptoms remains unknown
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 .