Saw Palmetto Proven Ineffective At Reducing Prostate-Related Urinary Symptoms

The popular herbal dietary supplement saw palmetto, which has long been marketed as a way to ease urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, is no more effective than a placebo, according to a clinical trial. An enlarged prostate can cause frequent urination and other problems. The probability of the condition increases with age; nine of ten men in their 70s and 80s are affected. The clinical trial was conducted at 11 North American clinical sites from June 2008 to October 2010 among 369 men aged 45 years or older whose peak urine flow was less than normal. Escalating doses of saw palmetto or placebo were given, starting at one, two, and then three pills of 320 milligrams per day. Doses were increased at 24 and 48 weeks. But saw palmetto had no more impact than the placebo in reducing urinary symptoms.