SAW PALMETTO Chemische Eigenschaften,Einsatz,Produktion Methoden
Occurrence
Saw palmetto is a palm found in the United States.
Verwenden
Saw palmetto is primarily used to treat mild to moderate benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), stages I, II. It is also used to treat chronic and subacute cystitis; to increase breast size, sperm count, sexual potency; and as a mild diuretic.
Indications
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a dwarf American
palm native to the extreme southeastern United States.
A lipidosterolic extract of its berries contains fatty acids
(especially lauric acid), phytosterols, monocylglycerides,
and polysaccharides. Fatty acids constitute more than
80% of the extract and are thought to be the most clinically
effective component. It is widely used to treat benign
prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The berries themselves
are less well absorbed than the extract and are
therefore believed to be less effective.
Mechanism of action
Saw palmetto extract can inhibit the enzyme 5-α-reductase
in vitro. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone
(DHT), which in turn contributes to
prostatic enlargement. Saw palmetto also appears to
have an antiinflammatory effect and can reduce DHT
binding to prostatic androgen receptors (antiandrogenic
effect). Despite its proposed 5-α-reductase mechanism,
saw palmetto has not consistently lowered serum testosterone,
DHT, or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels,
so it is likely that other mechanisms exist.While several
earlier studies did indicate lowered PSA levels, more recent
research has not supported these findings. It appears
that saw palmetto does not shrink the total
prostate either, although it may reduce the size of the
transition zone or inner prostatic epithelium.
Clinical Use
Numerous (but not all) trials have indicated improvement
in BPH symptom scores compared to placebo
with 1 to 3 months of therapy. Saw palmetto extract appears
to be equally effective as finasteride (see Chapter
63) but is less effective than 1-adrenoceptor antagonists.
No information appears to be available on the use
of saw palmetto in the prevention of hair loss.
Anticancer Research
This plant’s ripe fruit is used to make medicine. This plant is rich in fatty acids andphytosterols (Lust 2014). It has been used in traditional medicine to treat benignprostatic hyperplasia and to decrease the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (Tacklindet al. 2012). This herb has repeatedly been shown, in multiple studies, to reduceprostate cancer inflammation and enlargement. It appears to be completely safe touse, with no side effects. It also works for over 90% patients after 4–6 weeks(Champault et al. 1984). Traditional medicine suggests a dose of 320 mg of sawpalmetto, daily for 2 months before prostate surgery to minimise the risk of surgeryand blood loss (Lust 2014).
Nebenwirkungen
Headache and GI symptoms are the most frequently reported
side effects. It is possible to reduce GI side effects,
such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea,
by taking the extract with food. Theoretically,
decreased libido or erectile dysfunction could also occur.
Because of saw palmetto’s possible hormonal effects
(and lack of indications for use), pregnant and
nursing women should avoid it. It is important to rule
out prostate cancer in those taking saw palmetto for
BPH, since the symptoms are similar. The effect of saw
palmetto on prostatic cancer would likely be beneficial
but not curative. No drug interactions have been reported.
SAW PALMETTO Upstream-Materialien And Downstream Produkte
Upstream-Materialien
Downstream Produkte