Does Saw Palmetto Cause Hair Loss
This is a common cause for concern. But the truth is that its the other way around. Saw palmetto actually helps treat hair loss.
It works as a hair loss remedy because it keeps testosterone levels balanced. As men age, testosterone decreases and DHT increases.
Male pattern baldness occurs due to the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT. This hormone causes follicles to shrink and have a shorter life span.
Normally, another hair will start to grow from the same follicle as soon as the old hair falls out. But when DHT levels are high, hair growth decreases. Saw palmetto helps by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
A 2002 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine tested 34 men and 28 women, aged 18-48 years, with topically applied saw palmetto extract in lotion and shampoo for three months. Results show that 35% of them had an increase in hair density.
Is Saw Palmetto Good For Prostate Health
One of the many and most highly regarded herb that has gained immense attention worldwide is saw palmetto. So, how much do we know about this plant? Also known as the American dwarf palm tree, or cabbage palm, saw palmetto is a fan palm that grows as a tree or shrub throughout warm climates in the southern United States from South Carolina to throughout Florida, which can grow up to 10 feet high, with leaf clusters that can reach 2 feet wide. It is characterized to have a creeping, horizontal growth pattern. Its saw-toothed leaves fan out from thorny stems. It also has white flowers with yellow berrylike fruit referred to as a saw palmetto berry that turns brownish black when ripe and is dried for medicinal use.
When To See A Doctor
Individuals who notice changes in their urinary habits should see a doctor, even if the symptoms do not cause discomfort. Any changes can suggest an underlying medical condition that may require prompt treatment. It is best to talk to a doctor before taking any herb or medication.
Untreated urinary issues can lead to complications such as an obstruction in the urinary tract, which prevents urination. People who cannot pass any urine need emergency medical treatment.
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How Does Saw Palmetto Work
It is important to note that palmetto doesnt shrink the overall size of the Prostate. It seems to shrink the inner lining that puts pressure on the tubes which carry urine.
This was proven during a study that measured changes in mens prostate tissues after six months of taking 320mg of saw palmetto every day.
It was shown that saw palmetto reduced swelling in the inner lining of the prostate gland which surrounds the urethra.
Other studies have demonstrated similarly positive effects. During a Chinese study, saw palmetto was given to 165 BPH patients for a period of 3 months.
The dose was small , yet the symptom score of the patients improved significantly after only 6 weeks. It got even better at the 12-week mark. The patients could urinate with a fuller stream, and they also had fewer feelings of retention.
In France, a small saw palmetto extract was shown to reduce the inflammation of the Prostate.
Moreover, in South Korea, scientists tested saw palmetto with a medication for BPH called tamsulosin. The combined treatment, they found, was more effective than with the medication alone.
When saw palmetto shrinks the prostate lining, the most pronounced effects are improved urinary flow speed and a reduced need to urinate at night. These are also 2 of the most common symptoms of BPH. Both of them can significantly affect ones quality of life.
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Agbabiaka, T. B., Pittler, M. H., Wider, B., and Ernst, E. Serenoa repens : a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf 2009 32:637-647. View abstract.
Al Shukri, S. H., Deschaseaux, P., Kuzmin, I. V., and Amdiy, R. R. Early urodynamic effects of the lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens ) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate Cancer Prostatic.Dis. 2000 3:195-199. View abstract.
Aliaev, IuG, Vinarov, A. Z., Lokshin, K. L., and Spivak, L. G. . Urologiia. 2006 :47-50. View abstract.
Anceschi, R., Bisi, M., Ghidini, N., Ferrari, G., and Ferrari, P. Serenoa repens ) reduces intra- and postoperative complications of surgical treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Minerva Urol.Nefrol. 2010 62:219-223. View abstract.
Anonymous. Effectiveness of lipidosterol extract Serenoa repens in patients with prostatic hyperplasia. Urologiia. 2002 :23-25. View abstract.
Ashar, B. H., Rice, T. N., and Sisson, S. D. Medical residents’ knowledge of dietary supplements. South.Med J 2008 101:996-1000. View abstract.
Authie D and Cauquil J. Appreciation de l’efficacite de permixon en pratique quotidienne. . C R Ther Pharmacol Clin 1987 5:4-13.
Breza, J., Kliment, J., Valansky, L., and et al. Prostamol Uno (Alcohol extract of the fruits of
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One More Nail In The Coffin For Saw Palmetto
Extracts of the berries of the saw palmetto plant have long been used as an alternative form of therapy by men with symptoms suggesting lower urinary tract disorders . However, there is good evidence that such treatment is ineffective.
While no one has ever suggested that saw palmetto could be used to actually treat prostate cancer, many men take saw palmetto because they believe that this will lower their PSA level and thus must be helping to lower their risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia and perhaps for prostate cancer. Frankly, it doesnt.
The Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urologic Symptoms or CAMUS trial was carried out between June 5, 2008 and October 10, 2012. This multi-center, randomized trial enrolled 369 men, all > 45 years of age, who had AUA symptom scores of between 8 and 24. The 369 patients were then randomly assigned to treatment with a placebo or with escalating doses of saw palmetto .
In an earlier report, the trial coordinators published data showing that treatment with escalating doses of saw palmetto was no more effective in reducing urinary tract symptoms that treatment with the placebo .
In the most recent report using data from this study, Andriole et al. have now shown that treatment with escalating doses of saw palmetto also has no significant impact on patients PSA levels. Here are the data they report:
Safety And Side Effects
Though raw and dried saw palmetto berries have been eaten for centuries, their safety hasnt been directly studied.
That said, studies suggest that saw palmetto supplements are generally safe for most people. The most common side effects include diarrhea, headache, fatigue, decreased libido, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Yet, they tend to be mild and reversible .
More serious side effects like liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death have been reported in isolated cases. However, it isnt always clear whether saw palmetto was the cause (
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto to ensure your safety and appropriate dosage.
Summary
Saw palmetto appears most effective when taken in daily doses of 160320 mg. However, more studies particularly in women are needed.
Saw palmetto is a supplement made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree.
It may offer health benefits like improved hair growth, prostate health, and urinary function.
According to test-tube studies, it may also have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but more research in these areas is needed.
Its best to discuss this supplement with your healthcare provider before giving it a try. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should abstain from taking saw palmetto.
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Special Types Of Psa Tests
The PSA level from a screening test is sometimes referred to as total PSA, because it includes the different forms of PSA . If you decide to get a PSA screening test and the result isnt normal, some doctors might consider using different types of PSA tests to help decide if you need a prostate biopsy, although not all doctors agree on how to use these tests. If your PSA test result isnt normal, ask your doctor to discuss your cancer risk and your need for further tests.
Percent-free PSA: PSA occurs in 2 major forms in the blood. One form is attached to blood proteins, while the other circulates free . The percent-free PSA is the ratio of how much PSA circulates free compared to the total PSA level. The percentage of free PSA is lower in men who have prostate cancer than in men who do not.
If your PSA test result is in the borderline range , the percent-free PSA might be used to help decide if you should have a prostate biopsy. A lower percent-free PSA means that your chance of having prostate cancer is higher and you should probably have a biopsy.
Many doctors recommend a prostate biopsy for men whose percent-free PSA is 10% or less, and advise that men consider a biopsy if it is between 10% and 25%. Using these cutoffs detects most cancers and helps some men avoid unnecessary biopsies. This test is widely used, but not all doctors agree that 25% is the best cutoff point to decide on a biopsy, and the cutoff may change depending on the overall PSA level.
Getting A Prostate Biopsy
For some men, getting a prostate biopsy might be the best option, especially if the initial PSA level is high. A biopsy is a procedure in which small samples of the prostate are removed and then looked at under a microscope. This test is the only way to know for sure if a man has prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is found on a biopsy, this test can also help tell how likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread quickly.
For more details on the prostate biopsy and how it is done, see Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer.
For more information about the possible results of a prostate biopsy, see the Prostate Pathology section of our website.
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Is Saw Palmetto Natures Cure For An Enlarged Prostate
Chairman of Urology, Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, Professor of Urology at Hofstra School of Medicine
An enlarged prostate also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia , has been treated in various ways with one of them being the use of the dietary supplement saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is one of the most commonly used supplements by men with prostate cancer and BPH. In 2011, over $18 million of saw palmetto was sold in the United States, ranking it third among herbal dietary supplements.
Saw palmetto is a palm-like plant that grows like a tree or shrub in warm climates and can reach heights of up to 10 feet with clusters of leaves spreading out to 2 feet or more. Once a staple food of Native Americans living along coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, saw palmetto has been used as early as the 1900s by men to treat urinary tract issues and to increase sperm production and sex drive.
Whether saw palmetto is truly an effective use for treating BPH or not is still up for debate. More long-term studies are needed to say for sure if this alternative supplement is a viable option for BPH.
All men with an enlarged prostate should thoroughly discuss with their doctor first before using saw palmetto to treat BPH. It is generally thought of as safe when used under the guidance of a physician and may be a suitable alternative method of treatment for BPH.
Composition of saw palmetto
· May reduce the loss of libido
What Have We Learned
- Two large, high-quality studies funded by the National Institutes of Health , each using a different preparation of saw palmetto, found it was no more effective than a placebo for BPH symptoms. Saw palmetto products are made in a variety of ways and differ in composition. Some studies of saw palmetto products other than those used in the NIH-sponsored studies have suggested that they might be helpful for BPH symptoms, but many of these studies were of low quality. No saw palmetto product has been conclusively shown to be effective for BPH.
- There isnât enough research on saw palmetto for conditions other than BPH to allow any conclusions to be reached.
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Surgery To Remove The Prostate
Surgery for prostate cancer involves removing the prostate gland , some surrounding tissue and a few lymph nodes. Surgery is an option for treating cancer thats confined to the prostate. Its sometimes used to treat advanced prostate cancer in combination with other treatments. At SouthWest Urology, our skilled surgeons utilize a minimally invasive technique known as the DaVinci technology. This a robotic-assisted surgery to remove the prostate. There are many advantages over the open approach including less pain, blood loss, and faster recovery time.
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Effect Of Saw Palmetto Supplements On Androgen
Brian L. Lindshield
Abstract
Saw palmetto supplements are commonly consumed by men with prostate cancer. We investigated whether SPS fatty acids and phytosterols concentrations determine their growth-inhibitory action in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells and hamster flank organs. High long-chain fatty acids-low phytosterols SPS 750nM with testosterone significantly increased and 500nM with dihydrotestosterone significantly decreased LNCaP cell number. High long-chain fatty acids-high phytosterols SPS 500nM with dihydrotestosterone and high medium-chain fatty acids-low phytosterols SPS 750nM or with androgens significantly decreased LNCaP cell number . Five- to six-week-old, castrated male Syrian hamsters were randomized to control , HLLP, HLHP, and HMLP SPS groups. Testosterone or dihydrotestosterone was applied topically daily for 21 days to the right flank organ the left flank organ was treated with ethanol and served as the control. Thirty minutes later, SPS or ethanol was applied to each flank organ in treatment and control groups, respectively. SPS treatments caused a notable but nonsignificant reduction in the difference between left and right flank organ growth in testosterone-treated SPS groups compared to the control. The same level of inhibition was not seen in dihydrotestosterone-treated SPS groups . Results may suggest that SPS inhibit 5-reductase thereby preventing hamster flank organ growth.
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
3. Results
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An enlarged prostate can also be the cause of other problems. If the enlarged prostate is causing symptoms, the best treatment would be a natural remedy. In the meantime, there are treatments for a wide range of conditions that cause a man to experience pain. A common surgical procedure involves an electric loop, laser, or electro-stimulation. The procedure is a safe and effective option for treating enlarged or symptomatic BPH.
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Saw Palmetto Extracts In Bph And Luts: Practical Advice On Patient Education
Transcript:
Bilal Chughtai, MD: When it comes to supplements and how to talk to patients about them, it’s a very complex discussion. Now, there are some patients who give you a very unique opportunity to build a very strong relationship through discussions on supplements. You can go ahead and shut that door and say, Hey, look, the AUA doesn’t recommend them, they don’t work, and that’s it. I don’t recommend them. A lot of times, you then close that opportunity to build a relationship with that patient. A condition like enlarged prostate with LUTS is known to progress in patients over time. When it comes to supplements, it’s a unique opportunity for us, as urologists, to start talking about recommendations. Suggesting high-quality supplements that have been independently tested by the USP is important.
When it comes to supplements, there’s also a unique opportunity to allow patients to use the supplements in a way that you can monitor any adverse effects and progression of the patients condition. When it comes to supplements, as physicians, it’s important for us to have some understanding of them. We should be able to guide our patients, to some degree, on what supplements have the most promising data or have the highest chance of working. At the same time, we must ensure that we’re following the standard of care for our patients and providing high-quality care for them.
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Symptomatic treatment of an enlarged prostate usually involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may be the best option if you suffer from chronic urination. It will help the body adjust to the increased size of the prostate. Also, taking regular urination intervals will help retrain the bladder to function properly. Inactivity also contributes to urine retention, and cold temperatures can increase the urge to urinate.
Invasive treatment of enlarged prostate includes medication that relieves the pressure on the urethra and bladder. However, if the condition is severe, it may require surgical intervention. If treatment is not successful, the enlarged prostate can become a potentially life-threatening disease. As the hormone levels in the body change, the enlarged prostate can lead to various complications, including urinary retention and even cancer. This is why it is critical to see a doctor for further evaluation.
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