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Herbal Medicines for male genital tract
Saw palmetto:
Species (Family): Serenoa repens (Arecaceae)
Part(s) Used: Fruit
Uses:
- Herbal use:
Effects on male genital disorders: endocrine agent, and antiandrogenic action.
Modern interest in saw palmetto is focused on its use in the treatment of
symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Clinical studies:
Evidence from clinical trials of saw palmetto products indicates it can be used
for the treatment of mild-to-moderate BPH in cases where conventional
therapy is either not wanted or inadvisable.
In particular, using combination of saw palmetto & nettle root.
Herbal adverse events:
Side effects:
The German Commission E lists stomach upsets as the only side effect.
Saw palmetto causes few side effects. (Minor gastrointestinal problems
such as nausea, which are usually resolved when the herb is taken with
meals.
BPH is not an indication suitable for self-diagnosis and self treatment,
and over-the-counter use of saw palmetto extract for BPH should be
under medical supervision
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