saw palmetto does nothing for the prostate

[Guvna]

"Nothing" is a little too strong



Prostate Actions of Saw Palmetto
Becoming Clearer

By Donald J. Brown, ND

Healthnotes Newswire (June 7, 2001)—Men taking a saw palmetto herbal combination were found to have decreased amounts of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—in tissue samples taken from their prostates by needle biopsy.

The results of the study presented at Tuesday’s American Urological Association annual meeting in Anaheim, California and published this week in the journal Urology,1 confirm that a saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) supplement reduces levels of DHT—an action that is thought to contribute to the herb’s ability to treat mild to moderate BPH in men.

Tissue samples were obtained from the prostates of men with symptomatic BPH who had been taking a saw palmetto supplement (320 mg of saw palmetto per day combined with nettle root, pumpkin seed oil, lemon flavonoids, and vitamin A) or placebo for six months. Samples were also obtained from men with BPH who were either untreated or were taking the drug Proscar® (finasteride)—a prescription drug for BPH which is known to reduce DHT levels by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

Men taking finasteride were found to have a sizable drop of 80% in prostate DHT levels compared to untreated men. By comparison, the saw palmetto supplement led to a 32% decrease in DHT levels.

While weaker than finasteride, saw palmetto’s effects on DHT were centered only in the prostate and did not affect blood levels of the hormone. Those in the finasteride group had a 70% decrease in blood levels of the hormone.

Prostate Gland and Hormones

DHT is the major male hormone in the prostate required for growth and maintenance of the gland. DHT is derived from testosterone—a conversion that occurs under the influence of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. High levels of DHT are thought to contribute to an enlargement of the prostate and lead to BPH as men reach middle age. finasteride operates solely by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase. However, the drug is also associated with side effects, such as erectile dysfunction. The results of this study show a drop in DHT levels with saw palmetto use, which suggests but does not conclusively demonstrate 5-alpha reductase inhibition. Previous studies have indicated that saw palmetto may inhibit 5-alpha reductase.2

According to a critical review of clinical trials on saw palmetto published in 1998 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, saw palmetto is a safe and effective treatment for many of the symptoms associated with BPH.3 Affecting an estimated 50% of men over the age of 50, symptoms of BPH include weak or intermittent urine stream, painful urination, and increased frequency and urgency to urinate (especially at night).

The current study also highlights an important safety feature of saw palmetto: men taking the saw palmetto supplement had no change in blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)—an important marker used to detect prostate cancer. Drugs such as finasteride that alter PSA levels may potentially mask elevations and delay the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Saw palmetto’s lack of effect on PSA levels has been shown in previous clinical trials as well.4 5

While finasteride was a logical reference drug for evaluation of effect on DHT levels, further clinical trials are needed to compare the long-term effects of saw palmetto with the more commonly recommended class of BPH drugs known as alpha-blockers (e.g. Cardura®, Flomax®, and Hytrin®). Future studies should also determine whether the combination of ingredients used in the current study is superior to saw palmetto alone.

Before choosing to use saw palmetto supplements to treat BPH symptoms, men should discuss their condition with their urologist.

References:

1. Marks LS, Hess DL, Dorey FJ, et al. Tissue effects of saw palmetto and finasteride: Use of biopsy cores for in situ quantification of prostatic androgens. Urology 2001;57:999–1005.
2. Bayne CW, Ross M, Donnelly F, Habib FK. The selectivity and specificity of the actions of the lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon®) on the prostate. J Urol 2000;164:876–81.
3. Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, et al. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A systematic review. JAMA 1998;280:1604–9.
4. Carraro JC, Raynaud JP, Koch G, et al. Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon®) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate 1996;29:231–40.
5. Gerber GS, Zagaja GP, Bales GT, et al. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Effects in urodynamic parameters and voiding symptoms. Urology 1998;51:1003–7.

 

[Guvna]

while we are at it, keep your E down.

ESTROGEN AND PROSTATE CANCER

Report #6731 2/16/96
All men will develop prostate cancer if they live long enough. Several recent studies show that a man's susceptibility to prostate cancer may be influenced more by his exposure to the female hormone, estrogen, than to the male hormone, testosterone.
A derivative of the male hormone, testosterone, stimulates the prostate to grow, but a recent article in the medical journal, Prostate, suggests that it does this only after the prostate has been sensitized by the female hormone, estrogen. (1) Men with the highest blood levels of estrogen are the ones most likely to get prostate cancer (2). Blood levels of the male hormones, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, produced by a man's body are not associated with susceptibility to suffer prostate cancer (2). Prostate cancer is not associated with frequency of sexual activity and there is no evidence that it is caused by taking male hormones or an infection. Athletes who take large doses of male hormones have not been shown to be at increased risk for prostate cancer.

A high fat, low-vegetable diet is associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, and a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans is associated with protection against this cancer (3). A study in the British journal, Lancet, shows plant sterols help to shrink an enlarged prostate at least as much as Proscar does, and when given to humans, plant sterols block some of the effects of the female hormone, estrogen.(4) So, eat a low-fat diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans that are rich sources of sterols and other phytochemicals to block human estrogens and oxidant reactions in the body.

By Gabe Mirkin, M.D., for CBS Radio News

1) WE Farnsworth. Roles of estrogen and SHBG in prostate physiology. Prostate 28: 1 (JAN 1996):17-23.



2) Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. 1995(March);29(1):65-68.



3) Whitmore AS et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1995;87:654-661.



4) Berges RR et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled double blind clinical trial of B-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 1995(June 17);345:1529-1532.
__________________

 

[1968Charger]

:
Saw palmetto extracts potently and noncompetitively inhibit human alpha1-adrenoceptors in vitro.
Authors:
Goepel M; Hecker U; Krege S; Rubben H; Michel MC
Author Affiliation::
Department of Urology, University of Essen, Germany.mark.goepel@uni- essen.de
Source:
Prostate 1999 Feb 15;38(3):208-15 CITATION IDS: PMID: 10068345 UI: 99140317
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: We wanted to test whether phytotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms have alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonistic properties in vitro.
METHODS: Preparations of beta- sitosterol and extracts of stinging nettle, medicinal pumpkin, and saw palmetto were obtained from several pharmaceutical companies. They were tested for their ability to inhibit [3H]tamsulosin binding to human prostatic alpha1-adrenoceptors and [3H]prazosin binding to cloned human alpha1A- and alpha1B-adrenoceptors. Inhibition of phenylephrine- stimulated [3H]inositol phosphate formation by cloned receptors was also investigated.
RESULTS: Up to the highest concentration which could be tested, preparations of beta-sitosterol, stinging nettle, and medicinal pumpkin were without consistent inhibitory effect in all assays. In contrast, all tested saw palmetto extracts inhibited radioligand binding to human alpha1-adrenoceptors and agonist-induced [3H]inositol phosphate formation. Saturation binding experiments in the presence of a single saw palmetto extract concentration indicated a noncompetitive antagonism. The relationship between active concentrations in vitro and recommended therapeutic doses for the saw palmetto extracts was slightly lower than that for several chemically defined alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists.
CONCLUSIONS: Saw palmetto extracts have alpha1-adrenoceptor-inhibitory properties. If bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic properties of these ingredients are similar to those of the chemically defined alpha1- adrenoceptor antagonists, alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonism might be involved in the therapeutic effects of these extracts in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction.

 

[ggozen]

So anabolic steroids stimulate prostate growth, not because of the test but estro. Does this mean we should definitely add an anti-e to our cycle concerning the prostate growth??

What about HGH? Does HGH also stimulate prostate growth??? I'am 35 years old and my father has a big prostate (108gr).Therefore I'am worried a little...

 

[njmuscleguy]

There are a few issues here.... many studies have been small, short, and/or not well controlled, and some have shown no benefit One review by the independent Cochrane Collaboration looked at 21 trials (including more than 3,000 men and lasting up to 48 weeks) and concluded that saw palmetto improves urinary symptoms in men with BPH as well as finasteride does—but with fewer side effects, such as reduced sexual functioning.

There’s little or no evidence that it helps treat baldness, low libido, low sperm production, bladder disorders, prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, bronchitis, cancer, diabetes, or migraines.

SP *may* act in the same was as finasteride/dutasteride in that it may block the conversion of test into DHT. So anyone having concerns related to DHT- blocking with fina/duta should probably not take SP either.

Also, there has been some concern that saw palmetto could mask prostate cancer by lowering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, a randomized study of more than 1,000 patients did not demonstrate this effect on PSA levels. The same study showed that finasteride decreased PSA levels by 41 percent.

Finally, because dietary supplements are essentially unregulated in the U.S., you can’t be sure what you’re getting when you buy a saw palmetto product. There are many SP products on the market (some in combination with other ingredients of questionable benefit). They may not have the same effects. Most published studies have used a specific saw palmetto formula available only in Europe—and there’s no guarantee that products in the U.S. are equivalent, even if they are “standardized.” No one knows what an optimal dose is either, but the amount typically used in studies is 320 milligrams a day (in a single or split dose). Saw palmetto teas may not be effective, because the supposed active ingredients do not dissolve in water.

 

[1Mistake2006]

If you worked in research to any extent you will see very quickly that most experiments say what the researcher wants it to say. I'm not saying that this is the case here but many times individuals or (groups) have a certain point set in their mind that they are going to prove or disprove and then they reveal the statistics that do so while not mentioning other areas that may be in opposition. Take this saying for example, "The average human has one breast and one testicle." While it is certainly true it does not represent the "truth"!

There are loads of sayings concerning stats, here are just a few of them:

Statistics can be made to prove anything - even the truth.

There are three kinds of lies - lies, damned lies and statistics.

Statistics are like women; mirrors of purest virtue and truth, or like whores to use as one pleases.

Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.

Very true...what people ignore is that the big pharma companies DO NOT want you to know that herbs can help you!! They make BILLIONS from sick people and they'll do anything to keep it that way!! Do you think they want you to know that a $15 herb(monthly) can cure you?? Ahhh..NO!! PSA and acid-reflux drugs are the 2 biggest money makers...usually the pharma companies pay for these "studies"...be careful and look where the $$ is coming from!!

JJ

 

[blut wump]

So anabolic steroids stimulate prostate growth, not because of the test but estro. Does this mean we should definitely add an anti-e to our cycle concerning the prostate growth??

What about HGH? Does HGH also stimulate prostate growth??? I'am 35 years old and my father has a big prostate (108gr).Therefore I'am worried a little...

Nettle root is supposed to help protect the prostate from oestrogen.

 

[boston789]

bump for the antioxidants, they're too important, also helps reverse many illnesses/diseases.

Very true my friend.

 

[malkierknight]

If you worked in research to any extent you will see very quickly that most experiments say what the researcher wants it to say. I'm not saying that this is the case here but many times individuals or (groups) have a certain point set in their mind that they are going to prove or disprove and then they reveal the statistics that do so while not mentioning other areas that may be in opposition. Take this saying for example, "The average human has one breast and one testicle." While it is certainly true it does not represent the "truth"!

There are loads of sayings concerning stats, here are just a few of them:

Statistics can be made to prove anything - even the truth.

There are three kinds of lies - lies, damned lies and statistics.

Statistics are like women; mirrors of purest virtue and truth, or like whores to use as one pleases.

Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.

100 % right on the money.
most researchers are funded by pharma companies, and have to meet the demands of the pharma companies. pharma companies want to debunk all forms of herbal remedies due to the fact that they cant patent it and make millions of dollars from it, so most studies are extremely biased.