Products
Extracts from the fruits of saw palmetto are commercially available in many countries, mainly in the form of capsules. The medicinal drug is available in pharmacies and drugstores, but is rarely used.
Stem plant
The saw palmetto, a member of the palm family, is a small palm tree that grows to a maximum height of two to three meters and is native to the southeastern United States, particularly Florida. It is also referred to as.
Medicinal drug
The saw palmetto fruit (Sabalis serrulatae fructus) is used as a medicinal drug, the dried and ripe fruit of . Lipophilic extracts are prepared from the fruits using ethanol or other solvents.
Ingredients
Relevant ingredients include fatty acids (e.g., lauric acid, myristic acid, oleic acid) and phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol).
Effects
The extract (ATC G04CP06) has antiandrogenic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties. It relieves symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement. The extract inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 5α-reductase, and it reduces the binding of dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors. Other effects are discussed, for example, antagonism at alpha1 receptors. However, clinical efficacy is controversial in the scientific literature (e.g., Tacklind et al., 2012).
Indications for use
For symptomatic treatment of symptoms of benign enlarged prostate in men (BPH).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Capsules are usually taken once daily and at the same time each day.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Children, teenagers, women
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Potential drug-drug interactions have been described with anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antiandrogens.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects rarely include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, as well as hypersensitivity reactions.