| Dietary sources | |
| The saw palm is a hermaphroditic fan palm and is found on sandy soils in the southeast of the USA. The plant owes its name to its toothed leaf stems. In phytotherapy the fruits are used, characterized primarily by their phytosterols and free fatty acid content, although there are significant differences in the composition depending on the quality of the extract. |
| Saw Palmetto in benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Plant-based bioactive ingredients cannot reverse benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they can have a strengthening and invigorating effect on the weakened urinary organs and significantly improve symptoms (1). The phytosterols contained in saw palmetto such as beta-sitosterol, curcubitin and various bioflavonoids have a stabilizing effect on the prostate metabolism. The antiprostatic mechanism of action is not yet known, but it is certain that sitosterols have antiphlogistic and anti-edematous effects. Overall, the symptoms of incipient BHP can be improved by these plant extracts (2).
Saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) seems to have both antiphlogistic and hormone-modulating properties. It is assumed that the antiprostatic effect is due to a synergistic effect of several active ingredients. The Commission E names micturition complaints in BPH stages 1 and 2 as areas of application (1). |
| Effect | Indication | Dosage |
| Physiological effects at a low intake |
To improve micturition problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Reduction of urge to urinate, improvement of urine flow, increase in urine volume, reduction of residual urine and decrease in urination at night |
100 mg/d |
| General mode of administration | |
| When |
Saw palmetto extract should be taken between meals. |
| Side effects | |
| No side effects are known to date. | |
| Contraindications | |
| No contraindications are known to date. | |
| Drug interactions (according to Gröber) | |
| Prostate medication (tamsulosin, finasteride) |
A combined intake can support the effectiveness of the drugs. |
| Nutrient interactions | |
| None | No relevant interactions are known to date. |
| References |
|
1) Monography BGA/BfArM (Commission E). 1989. monograph Sabal fructus (saw palmetto fruits). Federal Gazette. 43:G04BF. |
