Introduction
A non-malignant enlargement of smooth muscle and prostate epithet cells is scientifically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An estimated 50-70% of men over 50 years of age are affected by BPH/LUTS (“Singapore Urological Association,” 2017). The frequency of BPH also grew from 80% to 90% as the age rose from 70 to 80 years old (“Singapore Urological Association,” 2017). BPH and the related low urinary tract symptoms have been treated with herbal medicines, but the results are unidentified. This review aims to examine supplement effectiveness and prevention as a treatment for BPH.
Main body
A complementary and natural treatment was used to manage BPH. A comprehensive review of acupuncture’s BPH results suggested that a meta-analysis of cline research investigating moxibustion usage indicated an excellent response to BPH patients’ care (Lee et al., 2020). In the Western Hemisphere, 40% of respondents of men who did not receive surgery indicated that the temporary follow-up endpoints in patients with moderate to severe BPH are clinically distinct Acupuncture (Zhang et al., 2017). In Asia, herbal medicine is sometimes used to treat BPH, but its impacts remain unclear. This treatment offers proof of BPH therapy herbal medicines’ usefulness and efficacy, which benefits patients, physicians, and healthcare professionals.
Saw Palmetto is one of the herbal supplements most commonly studied and famous for the treatment of BPH. Studies suggest that Saw Palmetto can increase testosterone levels and prostate health, minimize inflammation, avoid hair damage, and improve the urinary tract’s functionality (Sharma et al., 2017). Several reports have coupled Saw Palmetto signs with decreased BPH (Petre, 2019; Sharma et al., 2017). This is most likely due to an obstruction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) development and decreased inner prostate lining size.
Early studies have shown the use of Saw Palmetto to increase the urinary flow and reduce men’s urination with BPH by night—both alone or with conventional medication. The recommended dosage is 160 mg twice a day or 320 mg once daily (Petre, 2019). According to Petre (2019), urine flow improves and nocturnal urination reduces. More research is necessary to quantify Saw Palmetto efficiency for all these applications.
Many of the individuals who used Saw Palmetto responded to be generally secure after treatment; usually, the adverse effects are moderate. Some people reported swelling, headache, nausea, vomiting, stubbornness, and diarrhea; specific research indicated that Saw Palmetto led to impotence (Petre, 2019). However, these side effects do not appear more often with the Saw Palmetto than a sugar pill. The herb may cause problems in the liver or pancreas to some people. However, it is not clear whether Saw Palmetto is the cause of these side effects of the pancreas complication. Saw Palmetto is dangerous when it is consumed or is used for breastfeeding in pregnant women. It works as a hormone, which can pose a risk to the pregnancy. The consumption of Saw Palmetto could delay the clot formation of the tissues. The Saw Palmetto could slow the coagulation of blood. There is some concern that further bleeding may occur during and after an operation when used by the patient. Therefore, Saw Palmetto should be avoided at least two weeks before a planned operation.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the Saw Palmetto was one of BPH therapy’s most well-investigated and popular herbal supplements. It is recommended to administer Saw Palmetto either once for 320 mg or twice for 160 mg daily dosage. Its use has several side effects: swelling, headache, fatigue, vomiting, stubbornness, and diarrhea. Consequently, some people may exhibit pancreatic complications and hepatitis disease. It is also dangerous for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, causing hormonal alterations. Besides, the ingestion of Saw Palmetto can delay the formation of clot tissue. Therefore, before choosing Saw Palmetto, these side effects and benefits should be considered as necessary for decision-making.
References
Lee, H. Y., Bae, G. E., Lee, S. D., Nam, J. K., Yun, Y. J., Han, J. Y., Lee, D., Choi, J., Park, S., & Kwon, J. (2020). Moxibustion as an adjunct for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement. Medicine, 99(4), e18918. Web.
Petre, A. (2019). Saw palmetto: Benefits, side effects, and dosage. Healthline. Web.
Sharma, M., Chadha, R., & Dhingra, N. (2017). Phytotherapeutic agents for benign prostatic hyperplasia: An overview. Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 17(14). Web.
Singapore urological association clinical guidelines for male lower urinary tract symptoms/Benign prostatic hyperplasia. (2017). Singapore Medical Journal, 58(8), 473-480. Web.
Zhang, W., Ma, L., Bauer, B. A., Liu, Z., & Lu, Y. (2017). Acupuncture for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0174586. Web.