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Saw Palmetto—A Cure For Prostatic Hypertrophy |
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| Saw
palmetto is used popularly in Europe for symptoms associated with benign
prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate). Although not considered
the standard of care in the United States, it is the most popular herbal
treatment for this condition. Historical use of saw palmetto can be traced
in the Americas to the Mayans who used it as a tonic, and to the Seminoles
who took the berries as an expectorant and antiseptic.
Multiple mechanisms of action have been proposed, and saw palmetto appears to possess 5-a-reductase inhibitory activity (thereby preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone). Hormonal/estrogenic effects have also been reported, as well as direct inhibitory effects on androgen receptors and anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous human trials report that saw palmetto improves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) such as nighttime urination, urinary flow, and overall quality of life, although it may not greatly reduce the size of the prostate. The effectiveness may be similar to the medication finasteride (Proscar®) with fewer side effects. Although the quality of these studies has been variable, overall they suggest effectiveness. Although a 2003 study by Willetts et al. reports no difference between the effects of saw palmetto and placebo in 100 men over a 12-week period, overall the weight of available scientific evidence favors the effectiveness of saw palmetto. Saw palmetto can be
found in XTZ Industries products which include Sex Soda, Sex Mints, Sex
Syrup, and Sex Chocolates. |
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