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Does saw palmetto really work for prostate?

When the prostate gland is enlarged, men may have trouble urinating. Some studies show that saw palmetto is as effective in treating symptoms as finasteride (Proscar) without side effects, such as loss of libido. Other studies suggest that saw palmetto may actually shrink the size of the prostate gland.

mountsinai.org - Saw palmetto Information | Mount Sinai - New York

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Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens/Sabal serrulata) is a palm-like plant with berries. The berries were a staple food and medicine for the Native Americans of the southeastern United States. In the early 1900s, men used the berries to treat urinary tract problems, and even to increase sperm production and boost libido. Today, the primary use of saw palmetto is to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Researchers aren't sure exactly how saw palmetto works. But it contains plant-based chemicals that may be effective for BPH. Researchers think that saw palmetto may affect the level of testosterone in the body, and perhaps reduce the amount of an enzyme that promotes the growth of prostate cells. Saw palmetto also seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the prostate. At least one study has shown even greater anti-inflammatory activity when saw palmetto is combined with lycopene and selenium.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Evidence is mixed about whether saw palmetto works to treat BPH. Several studies suggest that the herb is effective for treating symptoms, including too frequent urination, having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate during the night. The urethra, the tube that empties urine from the body, runs through the prostate gland in men. When the prostate gland is enlarged, men may have trouble urinating. Some studies show that saw palmetto is as effective in treating symptoms as finasteride (Proscar) without side effects, such as loss of libido. Other studies suggest that saw palmetto may actually shrink the size of the prostate gland. Due to the short duration (usually less than 3 months) of these studies, it is not possible to say for sure whether saw palmetto is truly effective for preventing complications of BPH. Two well-conducted studies, for example, found that saw palmetto was no better than placebo in relieving the signs and symptoms of BPH. It is important to receive a proper diagnosis of BPH from your doctor to rule out prostate cancer.

Other uses

Animal studies show that saw palmetto inhibits the growth of tumor cells, indicating that it may be helpful in the treatment of prostate cancer. Other studies show that saw palmetto improves urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine whether saw palmetto is effective for these conditions.

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How do you tell if my prostate is enlarged?

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include: finding it difficult to start peeing. straining to pee. having a weak flow of urine. ""stop-start"" peeing. needing to pee urgently and/or frequently. needing to get up frequently in the night to pee. accidentally leaking urine (urinary incontinence)

nhs.uk - Symptoms of benign prostate enlargement - NHS

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

finding it difficult to start peeing

straining to pee

having a weak flow of urine

"stop-start" peeing

needing to pee urgently and/or frequently

needing to get up frequently in the night to pee

accidentally leaking urine (urinary incontinence)

Leaking urine can happen when you feel a sudden need to pee and cannot stop some pee leaking out before you get to a toilet. This is called urge incontinence. Leaking urine can also happen when you strain. For example, when you cough, sneeze or lift a heavy object. This is called stress incontinence. The most common form of leaking is when a small amount of urine dribbles into your underwear after peeing.

Find out more about urinary incontinence.

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