Introduction to the Concerns Surrounding Saw Palmetto
For years, middle-aged men have stocked their medicine cabinets with a certain berry-based remedy touted as nature’s answer to bathroom woes. Now, Harvard doctors are saying this popular pill is actually a bit of a dud.
Harvard doctors warn this herbal remedy has little to no effect for men with BPH. Getty Images
What is Saw Palmetto and Its Claimed Effects
Saw palmetto — a plant extract often marketed as a natural fix for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as an enlarged prostate — is believed to mimic the effects of drugs like finasteride, which are used to combat both BPH and hair loss.
Scientific Evidence and Clinical Trials
But experts say the scientific evidence of saw palmetto’s efficacy is based on small, flawed studies — many of which are funded by the companies that make dietary supplements. A major clinical trial involving nearly 370 men found that even triple-strength doses of saw palmetto didn’t perform any better than a placebo. Other men in the trial reported slight improvements, but so did the sugar pill group, suggesting it’s the ritual — not the remedy — that’s doing the work.
Meta-Analysis Findings
A recent meta-analysis involving 4,656 participants similarly showed “little to no benefits for men with lower urinary tract symptoms” due to BPH.
Expert Opinions on the Use of Saw Palmetto
“If the ingredients in these herbal products worked well for urinary symptoms, drug companies would have already had them approved by the FDA as a medicine that insurance companies would have to cover,” Dr. Heidi Rayala, an assistant professor of urology at Harvard Medical School, told Harvard Health.
“Saw palmetto is unlikely to harm you, but it probably won’t provide any major benefits either. It’s okay to take them, but just be cautious about spending too much of your own money on these alternatives.”
“It’s okay to take them, but just be cautious about spending too much of your own money on these alternatives,” Rayala said. Getty Images
Concerns and Misconceptions
Her colleague, Dr. Marc Garnick, agrees. “It is easy to understand why so many find taking a naturally occurring supplement for treating urinary difficulties in middle age appealing,” he said. “However, evidence of effectiveness with saw palmetto is lacking, and its use for BPH and other common urinary symptoms without a full evaluation of the potential cause should be discouraged.”
Quality Control Issues with Herbal Supplements
In 2015, investigations revealed that most store-bought herbal supplements had no trace of the advertised herb at all, and many were packed with cheap fillers like wheat, rice, beans or houseplants. “This investigation makes one thing abundantly clear: The old adage ‘buyer beware’ may be especially true for consumers of herbal supplements,” New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said at the time.
Prevalence of Enlarged Prostate and Use of Saw Palmetto
An estimated 14 million men in the US are living with an enlarged prostate. A third of people who buy supplements take saw palmetto, according to Harvard Health.
Conclusion
The use of saw palmetto as a natural remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been a common practice among middle-aged men. However, recent studies and expert opinions suggest that its efficacy is questionable, and its use should be approached with caution. It is essential for consumers to be aware of the potential lack of benefits and the quality control issues surrounding herbal supplements.
FAQs
- Q: What is saw palmetto used for?
A: Saw palmetto is often used as a natural remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. - Q: Is saw palmetto effective for BPH?
A: According to recent studies and expert opinions, saw palmetto has little to no effect on BPH symptoms. - Q: Are herbal supplements regulated?
A: The regulation of herbal supplements is less strict than that of pharmaceutical drugs, which can lead to quality control issues. - Q: Should I stop taking saw palmetto?
A: It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about taking or stopping any supplement, including saw palmetto.
