Italy is universally known for a great many things – it’s incredible beauty, romantic atmosphere, beloved cuisine and strong family ties. Researching phytomedicines that support prostate health generally doesn’t come to mind. Interestingly enough, that’s exactly what I discovered while investigating the current state of natural medicine in that country. Select herbal remedies which are currently considered ineffective or passe in the United States and elsewhere are still under review in this enchanting land sometimes referred to as Lo Stivale or The Boot.
The prostate is an organ that is typically considered of little significance to younger men. It serves a vital purpose in the realm of male fertility, but does so without much notice. However, almost every man over the age of 50 is grudgingly aware of the role that this walnut shaped gland plays in daily and nightly existence. As men age the prostate tends to enlarge, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, and various aspects of normal urination are affected including the emergence of frequent nighttime urination and the inability to evacuate the bladder completely. In addition, there is also the prescient concern about prostate cancer (PCa) in later life. This is not without cause. The most recent statistics from the American Cancer Society report that in 2010 over 217,730 men in the US were diagnosed with this malignancy. (1)
When benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is diagnosed early, it can often be managed quite well with herbal remedies such as saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). A current study appearing in the journal Urology International examined the long-term efficacy and safety of an S. repens supplement in 120 patients with lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) caused by mild-to-moderate BPH. Over the course of 24 months, the study participants were given a once-daily soft gel containing 320 mg of an ethanolic extract of S. repens. Many statistically significant benefits were noted including: an improvement in erectile function, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximal urinary flow, quality of life and a slight reduction in prostate size as indicated by volume measurement. Two additional studies conducted at the University of Milan, Italy also found meaningful reductions in key aspects of BPH (frequent and painful urination, urinary flow rate) in trials lasting only 30 days. (2,3)
Some scientists have also been evaluating the relative merits of combining saw palmetto with other extracts and nutrients that have demonstrated potential with respect to prostatic health. In many instances, the results they’ve discovered have been very promising indeed. For instance, a blend containing 320 mg Serenoa repens, 120 mg Urtica dioica (nettle root) and 5 mg Pinus pinaster (pine) was recently shown to be an effective and safe alternative for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms such as chronic genital-pelvic pain and prostatitis. A mixture of avocado, nettle root, saw palmetto and soy likewise produced impressive benefits in a 6 month trial involving men “who were candidates for surgery for BPH-induced LUTS”. Finally, adding a tomato extract (lycopene) and the trace mineral selenium to saw palmetto resulted in better outcomes for 102 patients given this “triple therapy” vs. a saw palmetto only supplement. All of the previously mentioned formulas were found remarkably safe given the limitations of the study designs. (4,5,6)
The Results of a Safety Assessment Involving a Saw Palmetto Extract
International Normalized Ratio (INR) (no units)Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) (ng/ml)White Blood Cells (WBC) (109/L)Source: Complement Ther Med. 2008 June; 16(3): 147–154. (a)
The most impressive S. repens study of late comes courtesy of the First Urologic Clinic at the University of Milan, Italy. Researchers enrolled 144 patients with BPH “who were candidates for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy (OP)”. Half of the group was given a placebo and the remainder a 320 mg/day dosage of a saw palmetto extract known as Permixon two months prior to undergoing surgery. The findings were quite remarkable: those receiving the saw palmetto supplement had a shortened duration of surgery (59.8 min. vs. 77.6 min), no intraoperative complications (0% vs. 15%), need for transfusion (0% vs. 38.3%), hastened postoperative course (64.95 hours vs. 91.7 hours) and a shortened hospitalization stay (5.92 days vs. 7.92 days). (7)
The life expectancy of men is rising and will most likely continue upward in the coming years. This reality dictates that the occurrence of prostate-related conditions will likewise become a more prevalent health care concern. Saw palmetto may very well play an important role in postponing the symptoms and trajectory of prostate ills associated with hormonal changes that occur with age. What’s more, the berries of this unassuming palm tree probably have much more to reveal in terms of complimenting conventional care. Only further investigations will reveal the potential and shortcomings of this and other phytomedicines. Bravo to the Italian researchers who are spearheading the quest for more clarification. Tante grazie!
Be well!
JP
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