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 .
Early urodynamic effects of the lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon®) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia
This prospect i ve , controlled study was undertaken to evaluate the early urodynamic and symptomatic impact of the lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens ( Permixon ® ) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) . A total of 75 patients , aged 52–78 y with lower urinary tract symptoms due to mild/moderate BPH ( mean International Prostate Symptom Score ( I-PSS ) 8.2 ) were included in the study , of which 57 received Permixon ® 160 mg twice daily for 9 weeks . Urodynamic evaluation , including maximum urinary flow rate ( Qmax ) and detrusor pressure ( DP ) , was performed at baseline and endpoint . Prostate volume and post-void residual urine volume were assessed by transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound respectively . In addition , the I-PSS and its associated quality of life ( QoL ) score were determined and adverse events were recorded . Baseline parameters were comparable between the active treatment and control groups . After 9 weeks of Permixon ® treatment Qmax increased ( 6.0 % , P<0.001 ) , and there were reductions in DP at maximum flow ( 12.8 % , P<0.001 ) , opening DP ( 12.6 % , P<0.001 ) , and residual urine volume ( 12.6 % , P<0.05 ) . In addition , the I-PSS and QoL score both decreased significantly from baseline in the active treatment group ( 26.8 % and 18.2 % respectively , P<0.001 ) . None of these parameters improved significantly in control patients . There were also improvements in prostate volume ( 2.7 % ) and maximum DP ( 5.2 % ) in the Permixon ® group which did not reach significance . Three patients receiving Permixon ® experienced gastrointestinal disturbances but these did not lead to withdrawal or require additional therapy . In patients with mild/moderate BPH  , Permixon ® treatment reduced infravesical obstruction and produced a rapid improvement in urodynamic parameters and symptoms . The drug was well tolerated . These data support the use of Permixon ® as first-line therapy in patients with uncomplicated symptomatic BPH
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 .