Extract of Serenoa Repens (Saw Palmetto) For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Category: Men's Health

Apoptosis is a process that results in cell death. Most cells have an internal signaling system that results in apoptosis. Apoptosis is a mechanism to protect the cells from mutation and genetic damage. In conditions such as BPH, the cellular signal for apoptosis has been turned off, similar to the situation in cancer cells.

The small study included men who have BPH and who where (at that time) scheduled for surgery. The participants were randomized to a treatment group and received 160mg of Serenoa repens twice daily for 3 months. The control group was followed for 3 weeks before surgery.

The study measured the apoptotic index and enzymes that are involved in apoptosis. It found that the treatment group had an increase in apoptosis compared to the control group. The treatment group also had improvement in symptoms.

This study determines a possible mechanism of Serenoa repens action on the prostate in men with BPH. The cellular process by which Serenoa repens accomplishes this effect was not determined by this study. The authors conclude that further studies are needed to determine the exact clinical relevance of this study.

Posted by on December 5, 2008 10:00 AM