Saw palmetto is tops for men's health

Nature's help for improved prostate health and function.

The prostate, a doughnut-shaped gland found in all male mammals, is about the size of a walnut and lies below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid which lubricates the urethra to prevent infection and increases sperm motility. For conception, prostate secretions are extremely important to successful fertilization of the egg.

Benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland is known (medically) as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, for short. Because an enlarged prostate can pinch off the flow of urine, BPH is characterized by:

1) increased urinary frequency,

2) nighttime awakening to an empty bladder, and

3) reduced force of urination.

Current estimates show that BPH affects over 50 percent of men in their lifetime. The actual frequency rate increases with advancing age, from approximately 5-10 percent at age 30 to over 90 percent in men over 85 years of age.

Herbal medicines in the treatment of BPH

In other parts of the world (particularly Europe), herbal treatments are more popular than drug therapy for this condition. According to a review article by A.C. Buck published in the British Journal of Urology (78:325-336, 1996), plant-based medicines are much more popular prescriptions in Europe than are their synthetic counterparts.

In fact, there are about 30 different plant-based compounds currently available in Europe for the treatment of BPH, the most popular of which is the extract of saw palmetto. In a review of success rates, I would rate the relative effectiveness of these natural healers as follows: saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum, stinging nettles, and pumpkin seed oil.

However, in certain situations one herbal approach may be more effective than another, emphasizing the importance of care and supervision by a health-care practitioner. In other words, even though I rate pygeum lower than saw palmetto, in some cases it may produce better results than saw palmetto. In addition, even though each plant has a slightly different mechanism of action, the), can be used in combination safely.

The chance of clinical success with any of the botanical aids for BPH appears to be determined by the degree of obstruction, as demonstrated by the "residual urine content" (the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, as measured by ultrasound).

More on saw palmetto supplementation

Saw palmetto has been shown, in numerous clinical studies, to significantly improve the signs and symptoms of BPH. The mechanism of action appears to be related to improving the hormonal metabolism within the prostate gland.

The results? Roughly 90 percent of men with mild-to-moderate BPH experience some improvement in symptoms during the first four to six weeks of supplementation. All major symptoms are improved, especially nighttime urinary frequency.

For residual urine levels under 50 ml, the success of supplementation is usually excellent; for levels between 50 and 100 ml, the results are usually quite good. Residual urine levels between 100 and 150 ml denote conditions more resistant to significant improvements in a customary four-to-six-week period. If the residual urine content is greater than 150 ml, saw palmetto extract and other botanical medicines are not likely to produce any significant improvement.

Safety? Saw palmetto supplements appear to be completely safe. No significant side effects have yet been reported in the clinical trials using the supplement or with saw palmetto berry ingestion. Detailed toxicology studies on this botanical have been carried out using animal models, and have, as of yet, uncovered no toxic effects.

Remember, though, that true prostate disorders can only be diagnosed by a physician; don't try to self-diagnose. If you're experiencing any symptoms associated with BPH, or prostate cancer, see your physician immediately for proper diagnosis

Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, faculty member, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Bastyr University in Seattle, Wash. In addition to maintaining a private medical practice, Dr. Murray is a noted writer, educator, and lecturer. He is currently the editor of the Natural Medicine Journal. Visit Dr. Murray's website at: www.doctormurray.com.

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