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Article About BPH Treatment With Saw Palmetto

In this article, you will discover:

• What Is Saw Palmetto?
• Why Saw Palmetto Is Considered A Good BPH Treatment?
• How Much Extract Of Saw Palmetto Do You Need To Take As A Good BPH Treatment?

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a small palm like tree which grows in the West Indies and North America.

It is the berries of the saw palmetto tree which are used for their medicinal properties.

The saw palmetto berries contain hormone like steroids and fatty acids.

Saw palmetto has anti-oestrogen properties and is used to help benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis (NBP).

Why Saw Palmetto Is Considered A Good BPH Treatment?

Extract of saw palmetto is a popular natural treatment for BPH.

It’s the fat-soluble (liposterolic) extract of the saw palmetto berry, which is used as a good natural BPH treatment.

The enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.

Saw palmetto inhibits this enzyme plus blocks DHT from binding in the prostate.

Studies in Germany showed that extract of saw palmetto, improved urinary flow and reduced night time urination.

How Much Extract Of Saw Palmetto Do You Need To Take As A Good BPH Treatment?

Studies in Europe have shown that by taking 160 mg of extract of saw palmetto, twice per day, saw palmetto is just as good a BPH treatment as finasteride at reducing the symptoms of BPH.

So, to sum up this article about BPH treatment with saw palmetto…

Saw palmetto has been proven in trials in Europe that it is a great natural alternative to finasteride as a BPH treatment.

Does Saw Palmetto Help Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy)?

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) (also known as Enlarging Prostate, or EP) is a thickening of the prostate tissue surrounding the urethra in older men that is associated with problems with urination. It is a part of normal aging, and with time some men are affected more than others. Many men don't want to go to the doctor and get into the cycle of prescription medications. Is there a way they can use alternative or natural options and avoid the doctor? The most commonly promoted natural and herbal alternative is Saw Palmetto. But does it really work?

Saw Palmetto is a supplement derived from the fruit of Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulatum, or the American Dwarf Palm, native to the Southeast US. Saw Palmetto is marketed for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a hardening of the prostate gland that is associated with problems with urination, and is used by 2 million men in the US for that purpose. Saw Palmetto is often mixed with nettle root in a formulation for the prostate. It is promoted as having anti-inflammatory properties, as well as blocking conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, with resultant shrinkage of the prostate tissue. The primary side effect is stomach upset, which can be reduced by taking it with food.

Saw Palmetto was shown in an initial controlled trial to be efficacious in the treatment of BPH. However a more recent double blind placebo controlled trial failed to show any effects of Saw Palmetto on symptoms of BPH, objective measures of BPH, or quality of life. I think in earlier trials of saw palmetto that patients may have been able to smell the saw palmetto thus breaking the blind. I therefore do not think that saw palmetto is very helpful for BPH, although it is free of risk and if you want to try it you are free to do so.

Saw Palmetto Can Fix Your Prostate & Bladder Problems

Saw palmetto is commercially available alone and in combination products including capsules, gelcaps, and tablets. There are more than 100 commercial products containing saw palmetto as the sole ingredient or as a combination product. Among the chemical substances present in saw palmetto are steroids (beta-sitosterol), fixed oils, essential oils, and flavonoids.

Well why saw palmetto? for starters there are no known health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Stomach complaints following intake have been observed in rare cases. Patients with hormone-dependent cancers should observe caution and speak to a physician regarding the use of Saw Palmetto because of its antiestrogenic, estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects. The use of Saw Palmetto with pregnancy and breast feeding is not recommended due to its potential hormonal effects.

Saw palmetto has been used in herbal medicine for a number of reasons, for example as a diuretic and an expectorant for bronchial and catarrhal problems. Modern interest mainly concerns its effect on the male reproductive system, and various properties have been attributed to it; for instance, it is said to be useful in dealing with problems associated with a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, and impotence; it is also used as an aphrodisiac in men. In women, it has sometimes been claimed to be effective for breast enlargement.

There have been numerous human and animal investigations. In Germany, the drug is supported for relieving micturition (desire to urinate) in certain stages of nonmalignant prostate enlargement, although it does not seem to reduce the actual enlargement. It has also been pointed out that only the fat-soluble components of the drug are active, so that a tea with only water-soluble components is not effective. Part of the scientific explanation of the action of the drug could be that it inhibits a very large percentage of the activity of the enzyme prostate 5-a-reductase, which is involved in the size increase of the prostate. Because of the reported hormone-like (anti-androgen and oestrogen) activities of the drug, it may interfere with existing hormone therapy (oral contraceptive and hormone replacement). Its use during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided. Indeed any employment of the drug should first be discussed with a medical advisor.

A study in rats evaluated the effects of saw palmetto and cernitin (another natural product) and finasteride on prostate growth. In castrated rats who were given testosterone, all three treatments significantly reduced prostate size as compared to rats (castrated + testosterone) who were not given any treatment. Though finasteride produced the greatest effect on prostate size, no statistical difference was noted among any of the three treatments. Anti-inflammatory effects of saw palmetto also have been hypothesized to improve BPH symptoms (6). An acidic, lipophilic saw palmetto extract (Talso®) was shown preventing the formation of inflammatory-producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Saw palmetto extract in a dose of 160 mg or placebo three times daily was administered to 35 elderly men, and prostatic tissue was collected. The investigators found that some component of the saw palmetto extract inhibits nuclear estrogen receptors in the prostates of patients with BPH patients. Clinically, 160 mg of Permixon® twice daily was superior to placebo in a double-blind trial in 110 men. A statistically significant benefit compared to placebo was seen in nocturia, flow rate, postvoid residual, self-rating, physician rating, and dysuria. Compared with baseline, both placebo and saw palmetto were beneficial in improving nocturia, but only saw palmetto improved flow rate and postvoid residual compared to baseline. Headache was the only adverse effect. A doubleblind study compared Proscar® (finasteride, a prescription 5a-reductaseinhibitor), 5 mg daily, with Permixon, 160 mg twice daily for 6 months. Both finasteride and saw palmetto improved International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life compared to baseline, with no statistical difference between the two treatments.

Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of saw palmetto for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms also demonstrated its usefulness in these types of conditions. These investigators studied 85 men, randomized to receive either saw palmetto or placebo for 6 months. Effectiveness was monitored using the I-PSS, a sexual function questionnaire and urinary flow rate. Results of these studies demonstrated that the I-PSS symptom score decreased (i.e., improved) from 16.7 to 12.3 in those subjects receiving saw palmetto, whereas the symptom score decreased from 15.8 to 13.6 in the placebo group.

Also, no differences were noted in either the sexual function questionnaire score or peak urinary flow rate between the saw palmetto and placebo groups. This study demonstrated that saw palmetto administration for 6 months resulted in an improvement in symptoms associated with BPH but not in sexual function or peak flow rate.

In addition, the German Commission E lists saw palmetto as an approved herb. The berry is the only part of the plant approved for use. The approved uses include urination problems associated with BPH stages I and II and urination problems associated with prostate adenoma. This evaluation is based on reasonable proof of safety and efficacy. Saw palmetto is considered a dietary supplement by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA). Saw palmetto was previously included in the National Formulary (NF) and the United States Pharmacopeia, but was deleted in 1950 and 1916, respectively. Saw palmetto was deleted because no active ingredient could be found to account for its use. Saw palmetto was again included in the NF as an official monograph in 1998.

If you are looking for a natural solution for prostate & bladder problems, saw palmetto is worth taking a look. Getting medical advice from your family doctor is always a good idea to make sure the remedy can be tailor to your specific needs.

Why Saw Palmetto is Not Effective Against Enlarged Prostate?

When the prostate tissue surrounding the urethra starts to expand, the person immediately starts to have problems with urination. This is also known as a condition called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, or enlarged prostate, and affects men over the age of 40. This condition is normal and is thought to be the natural part of aging. Some men are more affected than others. The most common reaction is to visit the doctor in order to get help. However, there are some men that avoid the doctor in order to stay away from prescription medications or to have an exam.

Saw palmetto is a small palm tree, also known as the American Dwarf Palm, which is usually found in the Southeastern areas of the United States. The tree has small seeds that have been thought to help cure an enlarged prostate. Research has proven that close to 2 million men in the United States use saw palmetto with hopes that it will improve their prostate. In earlier studies, saw palmetto proved to be effective in the treatment of an enlarged prostate. However, in a more recent and more controlled trial, a double blind placebo failed to show any effects of saw palmetto on the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is thought that in earlier trials, the patients were able to smell the saw palmetto in the placebos, thus making the results false.

While using saw palmetto is risk free in some cases, and it does not hurt to try any type of alternative treatment, there are some side effects that all users should be aware of first. An allergic reaction to the treatment is rare, but it has been seen in some men. The allergic reactions are shown with trouble breathing, the closing of the throat, inflammation of the lips or tongue, and the swelling of the face mixed with hives. If you see any of these allergic reactions, it is recommended that you stop taking the treatment and contact your doctor immediately.

Other less serious side effects have been found, such as nausea, cramping, diarrhea, and headaches. You might also experience other side effects, but it depends on the person and what other medications they might be taking. In some instances, taking saw palmetto can keep the person from experiencing nausea but it is not guaranteed. If you feel any discomfort, even a headache, you should still contact your doctor to make sure that you do not have the early signs of an allergic reaction.

To lessen the risk of having any side effects, never take saw palmetto without consulting with your doctor first. Some medications do not mix well with saw palmetto. This could potentially harm you and your prostate gland more than it already is. Alternative treatments are not for everyone and you can never be sure how your body will react to the supplement. Saw palmetto contains ingredients that affect your hormone levels, and the beginning results could be more than what you were expecting.

Enlarged Prostate Benefits From Saw Palmetto To Promote Prostate Health

Europe has been using Saw Palmetto to promote prostate health for years. Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the herb saw palmetto has been studied in European labs for it's effectiveness in treating the disorder. American labs lag far behind in their research of enlarged prostate and herbs to treat it. Modern medicine in America frequently relies on pharmaceuticals sometimes to the detriment of natural herbal remedies. For instance, Doctors usually proscribe Proscar (T) and other prostate drugs which take time to become effective, unlike the Saw Palmetto herb which will kick in within 30 days.

The medicinal part of 'Serenoa Repens' or the Saw Palmetto is derived from the partially dried ripe fruit of the plant. The Saw Palmetto herb is indigenous to Southeastern United States but is most prevalent in Florida. It is the sterols and the fatty acids that are found in the berry that are the active ingredients. In Germany ninety percent of treatments for BPH use the saw palmetto herb, while in Italy it is fifty percent. Their successes have been many since BPH is nearly universal in the aging process of men.

A Study done in Russia tested 150 men with an enlarged prostate who had been diagnosed with BPH and other prostatic problems. Their findings concluded that Permixon, a European brand of standardized saw palmetto herb extract, had a long term efficacy and acceptability as therapy for BPH. The test was conducted over a period of 24 months and it was found that the quality of life from the base line study improved dramatically. The men had decreased prostate size, better urinary flow and increased sexual activity. The saw palmetto herb works by protecting the gland from irritating testosterone levels and will promote it to shrink.

Even better news about the herb saw palmetto, is that when used to combat enlarged prostate its side effects are almost none and it is non-toxic. Some men complained of gastrointestinal disorders but these were relieved when the herb was taken with food. There were some concerns in the early stages of study that the saw palmetto herb would mask prostate cancer by lowering the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. After much more study this was found not to be true.

Many studies show that you must buy a brand that is 'standardized with at least 85-95 percent fatty acids' with 320 grams of the herb. In a few cases when large amounts where used it caused diarrhea in some patients. Studies have shown that the saw palmetto extract is effective in 90% of the men in clinical trials in over a four to six week period. Pharmaceutical drugs have been shown to need up to a year for significant improvement. Another benefit is that saw palmetto extracts are about one quarter of the price of pharmaceutical drugs.

There have been other herbs that have be cited as beneficial to enlarged prostate such as, stinging nettle, pumpkin seed, zinc, green tea, South African star grass and melatonin. None are as effective or show the promise of the saw palmetto herb.

In conclusion the benefits of the Saw Palmetto herb for an enlarged prostate are many. It will reduce symptoms of BPH, with occasional mild gastrointestinal distress but this is infrequent. The herbal remedy will not interfere with a prostate cancer diagnosis and it has no known drug interactions. The dosage has widely been agreed on by scientists as 320 grams per day and will cost you significantly less then a prescription drug.

If you have an enlarged prostate and you are looking for an herbal remedy speak to your Doctor about taking the saw palmetto herb to relieve your symptoms. Always speak to your Doctor before adding any medicines to your regime whether they are natural herbs, vitamins or supplements.

Prostate Health: Saw Palmetto for Prostate Health

In our recent junk food crazed, super-sized, eat meat until you pop culture prostate health is fast becoming a growing concern for men, and the women who love them. While some of these men continue to seek modern medicine in an effort to help combat the rising problem, others are turning to natural alternatives, and for good cause.

According to Laurance Johnson, Ph.D., in his article, Natural Prostate Health, more than one half of men from the ages of 40 and 59 have enlarged prostates, and, although most will not develop clinically significant disease, one quarter of all 50 year old men have some cancerous cells in their prostate. The reason for this is that after age 40, men begin to undergo hormonal changes. Testosterone levels begin to decrease and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates cell growth, and estrogen, which reduces DHT elimination, begin to increase.

Despite its only recent spike in publicity, Saw Palmetto has long been used in the United States. The Native Americans in the Southeastern part of the country found it useful for a number of conditions including treating dysentery, genitourinary inflammation, and digestive problems as well as boosting the libido, which is an added benefit of taking Saw Palmetto for prostate health. It was also noted in the US Pharmacopoeia in the beginning of the twentieth century that Saw Palmetto is an effective remedy for enlargement of the prostate gland (BPH), urinary tract inflammation, cystitis (bladder inflammation), breast disorders, bronchitis, and laryngitis.

Saw Palmetto has recently become an increasingly popular herb for prostate health. It has been shown effective for use in treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and upon studying Saw Palmetto’s effectiveness, The Mayo Clinic gave it an A grade, indicating that there is strong scientific evidence for this use.

But what exactly is Saw Palmetto and how does it promote prostate health?

Saw Palmetto is dietary supplement that is derived from the bluish-black berries of a fan palm tree that grows in the warm coastal climate of the Southeastern United States. These berries contain high-molecular-weight polysaccharides which are associated with having anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulant effects. The berries are dried and then made available for use as teas, capsules, tablets, tinctures, dried berries, and liposterolic extracts, which can be found in drug stores and health food stores across the country.

Saw Palmetto works by inhibiting the synthesis of DHT and lowering estrogen levels, thus promoting prostate health. According to Laurance Johnson, Ph.D., Saw Palmetto has been shown effective in nearly 90% of patients after only 4 – 6 weeks, a much higher rate of effectiveness than a noted prescription drug which was shown to work in fewer than 50% of patients after one year of use.

With prostate disorders not only effecting elderly men but a surprisingly large number of middle aged men as well, there needs to be an increased awareness of how to achieve and maintain prostate health. Saw Palmetto is one such answer and is a natural, effective alternative to costly prescription drugs. And who wouldn’t want the added benefit of increased libido?

Saw Palmetto, When The Prostate Stops The Call Of Nature

What once used to be a steady flow,has now become intermittent and slow. Nature is calling but it is difficult sometimes when you try to go. What once used to be a steady stream, is now because of the swollen prostate, a trickle, that is hard to maintain. Sometimes it hurts,nearly makes me scream. So now I hate the call of nature because it is such a problem for me to go. But slowly and surely, saw palmetto is restoring a steady flow.

It is helping a lot and shrinking the swollen knot,that once was my prostate. Now going is easier and I am minus the ache. Did not have to load up on a lot of medicine, which brought side effects along. Soon I will be normal again, my problem will be gone

What is this? Saw palmetto you say? Tell me what it does, I will look for some right away. Well it is a reddish-brown berry that comes from a tree. It is very good for prostate enlargement, causing the urine to flow free. Symptoms of prostate enlargement are difficulty starting urination. Saw palmetto helps these symptoms, interfering with the production of testosterone metabolite called dihydrotesterone, which stimulates the prostate to grow. But saw palmetto stops all that, you can take it from me, I am sure, I know.

The prostate gland is the male organ located under the bladder. Fast becoming many a man's nightmare. They hope it will get no fatter. But men...have no fear...help is here now,to treat this ailing,swollen thing,located behind the bladder. I recommend taking three to five hundred milligrams per day. After a while you will find peace from this ailment and return to normal life. Living and enjoying the sunshine which should be found in your each and every day.

Can Saw Palmetto Reduce the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?

As you may already know, one of the suspected causes of an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a buildup of dihydrotestosterone or DHT in the prostate. DHT is produced when an enzyme called 5a-reductase converts normal testosterone into DHT. Studies have shown that Saw Palmetto is effective at blocking the reaction between 5a-reductase and testosterone and therefore the production of DHT. Saw Palmetto has also been shown to block DHT from binding to cell receptors which may also inhibit DHT from causing cellular growth in the prostate. Given these facts one could make a logical argument that Saw Palmetto would be useful for treating BPH. Well, unfortunately the conclusion is not that clear.

Two large studies have provided evidence that Saw Palmetto is effective. The first study reviewed 21 trials that included over 3,000 men aged 40-88 years old. Each subject had moderate symptoms from an enlarged prostate. In 13 of the reviewed studies that utilized BPH scores, Saw Palmetto was shown to not only improve those scores but improve individual symptoms and flow measures more than the placebo. 12 of the studies also showed that Saw Palmetto reduced Nocturia, the need to get up during the night in order to urinate, by 25% compared with the placebo.

Furthermore, two of the studies compared Saw Palmetto with the drug Finasteride. Finasteride is in products such as Proscar, Propecia, and others. The studies showed that Finasteride and Saw Palmetto had comparable positive effects on urinary symptom scores and peak urine flow. They also found that the adverse side effects of Saw Palmetto were comparable to the effects of the placebo which were mild and infrequent.

There have been other studies that show that Saw Palmetto is no better than a placebo at treating symptoms of BPH. In one study, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, 225 men were given either 160 milligrams of Saw Palmetto or a placebo for a period of one year. The conclusion was that Saw Palmetto was no more effective than the placebo at relieving symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Most of the studies utilized a dosage of 320 milligrams a day or less in either a single or split dose but there is no general consensus as to what the optimal dose really is. Also, there seems to be no real standardization of Saw Palmetto products. So one product may not necessarily be comparable to another. One should also be aware of any side effects caused by Saw Palmetto as well as any contraindications, drug interactions and other cautions. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.

So, while there are studies questioning Saw Palmetto's effectiveness the overall evidence seems to suggest that it does have beneficial effects with regards to BPH.

Don't Gamble When It Comes To Your Prostate, Saw Palmetto

I know of very few people - well, no one actually - who don't want to look and feel younger for longer. Anti-aging is a growing field of medicine and there are exciting discoveries made all the time about the aging process and how to slow it down. Recently, red wine has created quite a buzz among anti-aging researchers.

An enlarged prostate—a condition called benign prostate hyperplasia—is a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate. As your prostate begins to swell, you'll find that you need to make more frequent trips to the bathroom, your urine stream will be weak, and you'll have a hard time finishing what you started… if you know what I mean.

Of course, annoying bathroom urges are only part of the problem. An enlarged prostate can also interfere with your sex life and your overall quality of life. Often an enlarged prostate is a symptom of a hormone imbalance that could be having a more significant impact on your health than you realize.

Most doctors take a wait-and-see approach to an enlarged prostate. They figure if it doesn't grow too fast and the symptoms don't become too severe, then it's something you can live with. If the symptoms become unmanageable, then the next option is surgery.

This approach ignores several middle-ground options. In fact, you can begin treating your enlarged prostate right away. Many of the same steps you take now can also protect you from prostate cancer in the future—an unrelated condition. You'll also relieve a lot of the symptoms that come with an enlarged prostate—it's a win-win strategy.

Caring for an Enlarged Prostate…
How to Slow Its Growth and Keep it From Becoming a BIG Problem

Most doctors chalk up prostate growth to a natural part of the aging process. And that's why they feel comfortable taking a hands-off approach until things get real bad!

I'd much rather see my patients take action to slow their prostate growth and to attempt to prevent the need for surgery from ever arising. This strategy improves the quality of your life and has the added bonus of cutting your risks of cancer.

So, just how do you keep your prostate from growing out-of-control?

Well there are a number of reasons that the prostate begins to swell. One of them is the hormone imbalance I wrote to you about in a previous issue. So your first step is to adapt the eating guidelines I described there (good quality protein with every meal, cruciferous vegetables four or five times a week, and snacks rich in zinc and magnesium).

But there's more you can do.

It's important that you be physically active. I'm not saying you have to kill yourself working out for 90 minutes at a time, but anything you can do to increase your daily physical activity will help. Research shows that men who get the most exercise reduce their risks of an enlarged prostate by 40%. (1)

You can also help reduce your risks of an enlarged prostate or slow the growth of your prostate by taking a supplement that contains saw palmetto. Saw palmetto contains compounds that help slow prostate growth. It can help prevent your prostate from becoming enlarged, or if you already have an enlarged prostate, it can help reduce your symptoms.

I recommend that you choose a supplement that's been standardized to at least 85% active fatty acids and sterols. Take between 300 and 350 mg each day.

Of course, you've probably already heard of saw palmetto and know that it can help your prostate, but it isn't the only supplement that can ease prostate problems. A lesser known supplement called beta sitosterol can also be a help… especially when it comes to preventing cancer. In laboratory tests, beta sitosterol slowed the growth of prostate cancer cells. (2)

Another good supplement to help prevent prostate cancer is cranberry extract. Cranberries contain several natural compounds that stop cancer cells from multiplying. In lab tests, cranberry extract effectively slowed all types of prostate cancer by 50%. (3)

When it comes to an enlarged prostate, it's important to take action and to take control of your health. You can slow down or even stop your prostate from continuing to grow, and while you're at it you'll be giving yourself some extra protection against prostate cancer. All told, these steps can make a big, big difference in your quality of life later on.