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Home >> Herbal
Products >> Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto
Nature's gift to men
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in men over 50 years of
age, by the age of 60 years, 50% of men have histological evidence of
BPH and 15% have significant lower urinary tract symptoms. With
advancing age, serum testosterone levels significantly decreased;
however, levels of estrogenic effects and secretion of intermediate
peptide growth factors plays a part in the development of BPH.
Composition:
Each tablet contains
Extract of Saw Palmetto berries . . . . .160 mg.
For many years, people took Saw Palmetto to increase urine output in the
form of a diuretic, or water pill. Some described Saw Palmetto as the
"old man's friend". In the early part of the twentieth century, Saw
Palmetto was commonly recommended for various prostatic condition by
healthcare professionals. Lipophilic extract of Saw Palmetto berries,
rich in fatty acids and sterols are currently approved by medical
scientists for treatment of BPH.
Saw Palmetto has been shown to significantly diminish the signs and
symptoms of BPH in numerous clinical studies. Meta-analysis shown that
extracts from Saw Palmetto berries help to reduce the symptom of BPH
such as frequency, urgency, dysuria, nocturia and impaired urinary flow.
Mechanism of Actions:
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Anti-androgenic effect:
The lipophilic extract of Saw Palmetto berries inhibit binding of DHT
to the cytosolic androgenic receptor and a-1 adenoreceptors in the
prostate thus preventing accumulation of steroids, which may lead to
prostate hyperplasia. Anti-androgenic effect of the lipophilic extract
also consists of 5 a-reductase and 3-ketosteroid reductase inhibition.
These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of testosterone for
DHT and for conversion of DHT to an androgen compound respectively.
-
Anti-estrogenic effect:
The Saw Palmetto lowers cytosol and nuclear receptor values for
estrogen which result in an anti-estrogen effect since progesterone
receptor content is linked to estrogenic activity. Anti-estrogenic
agents inhibit stromatic prostate growth in patients with BPH.
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Anti-inflammatoty effect:
The alcoholic extract of Saw Palmetto have demonstrated
anti-inflammatory activity. Inhibition of the synthesis of arachidonic
acid inflammatory metabolites, through a double blocking of
cycloxygensae and 5-lipoxygenase pathways results in anti-inflammatory
properties. The herb also contains anti-spasmodic properties by
inhibiting calcium influx and activation of the sodium calcium ion
exchanger. Induction of protein synthesis plays a role in the
antispasmodic effect with cAMP as a possible mediator.
Therapeutic effects:
- Decreased the hypertrophic and
hyperplastic activity of prostate gland.
- Increased urinary flow.
- Decreased frequency of urination.
- Reduced discomfort associate with BPH and
inflammation of urinary tract.
- Increased sperm production and sexual
activity.
Indications:
- BPH stage I and II.
- Inflammation of the urinary tract,
urinary bladder and testicles.
- Impotency, low libido.
- Nocturnal enuresis.
Side effects:
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
Drug interaction:
Saw Palmetto can be used together with Bee Pollen in case of
BPH, for obtaining their synergism effect. Saw Palmetto is believed to
exert estrogen, androgen and a-adrenergic blocking effects. Because of
these effects, the use of hormones, hormone like drugs or adrenergic
drugs concomitantly may need to be adjusted.
Dosage:
One tablet two times daily after meal.
Preparation:
30 tablets in one bottle.
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