Abstract
Objectives. To assess the effects of saw palmetto on urinary symptoms, sexual function,
and urinary flow rate in men with lower urinary tract symptoms using a double-blind,
randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Methods. The eligible patients were 45 years of age or older and had an International
Prostate Symptom Score of 8 or greater. After a 1-month placebo run-in period, 85
men were randomized to receive saw palmetto or placebo for 6 months. Patients were
evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, a sexual function questionnaire,
and by measurement of the urinary flow rate.
Results. The mean symptom score decreased from 16.7 to 12.3 in the saw palmetto group
compared with 15.8 to 13.6 in the placebo group (P = 0.038). The quality-of-life score improved to a greater degree in the saw palmetto
group, but this difference was not statistically significant. No change occurred in
the sexual function questionnaire results in either group. The peak flow rate increased
by 1.0 mL/s and 1.4 mL/s in the saw palmetto and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.73).
Conclusions. Saw palmetto led to a statistically significant improvement in urinary
symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms compared with placebo. Saw palmetto
had no measurable effect on the urinary flow rates. The mechanism by which saw palmetto
improves urinary symptoms remains unknown.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 30,
2001
Received in revised form:
July 30,
2001
Received:
May 10,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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- Editorial commentUrologyVol. 58Issue 6
- Editorial commentUrologyVol. 58Issue 6
