Library of Clinical Studies & Publications
Saw palmetto extract vs. Proscar
Proscar Effectiveness and safety: Cost |
Saw Palmetto Extract Effectiveness and safety: Cost |
An extract of the berries from the Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a palm tree native to the Southern Atlantic coast, has emerged as a popular treatment for an enlarged prostate both in Europe and the United States. This popularity is for good reason.
Over 20 double-blind, placebo controlled studies have demonstrated the fat-soluble extract of the Saw palmetto berries is very effective in relieving all of the major symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) including increased nighttime urinary frequency, the most bothersome complaint.
In fact, in these studies, the Saw palmetto extract has been shown to exert superior benefits compared to Proscar, the standard prescription drug used in the medical treatment of BPH.
To illustrate Saw palmetto extracts`s superiority over Proscar, let`s look at the effect of both on the maximum urine flow rate, a good indicator of bladder neck obstruction due to an enlarged prostate. The information featured in Figure 1 below is based on pooled data on Saw palmetto extract from all clinical studies and pooled data on Proscar listed in the Physician`s Desk Reference.
Figure 2 features the clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of Saw palmetto extract in the treatment of BPH.
Figure 1 - back
Saw palmetto vs. Proscar on urine flow rate
(milliliters per second)
|
Saw palmetto extract |
Proscar |
Initial Measurement |
9.53 ml/sec |
9.6 ml/sec |
3 months |
13.15 ml/sec* |
10.4 ml/sec |
12 months |
** |
11.2 ml/sec |
% increase |
38% in 3 months |
16% in 12 months |
*Many studies on the Saw palmetto extract were less than 90 days; final measurements were calculated as 90 measurements. |
Figure 2 - back
Clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of Saw palmetto* in BPH
Authors |
Type |
No. |
Length |
Results |
Boccafoschi, |
Double-blind |
22 |
60 days |
Significant difference for volume voided, maximum flow, mean flow, dysuria, nocturia |
Cirillo, et al |
Open |
47 |
4 months |
Significant difference for: |
Tripodi, et al |
Open |
40 |
30-90 days |
Significant difference for: dysuria, nocturia, volume of prostate, voiding rate, residual urine |
Emili, et al |
Double-blind |
30 |
30 days |
Significant difference for: number of voidings, strangury, maximum and mean urine flow, residual urine |
Greca, et al |
Open |
14 |
1 to 2 months |
Significant difference for: dysuria, perincal heaviness, nocturia, volume of urine per voiding, interval between two dumal voidings, sensation of incomplete voiding |
Duvia, et al |
Controlled trial |
30 |
30 days |
Significant difference for voiding rate |
Tasca, et al |
Double-blind |
30 |
31 to 90 days |
Significant difference for: frequency, urine flow measurement |
Cukier, et al |
Double-blind |
168 |
60 to 90 days |
Significant difference for: dysuria, frequency, residual urine |
Crimi, et al |
Open |
32 |
4 weeks |
Significant difference for: dysuria, nocturia, flow measurement, residual urine |
Champault, et al |
Double-blind |
110 |
28 days |
Significant difference for: dysuria, nocturia, flow measurement, residual urine |
Mattei, et al |
Double-blind |
40 |
3 months |
Significant difference: dysuria, nocturia, residual urine |