Page 85 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

• Fixed oils:26.7%. The primary fatty acid constituents include oleic (unsaturated),lauric,
myristic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic and stearic (saturated) acids.

• Sterols: b-sitosterol, stigmasterol and daucosterol.
• Other constituents: Flavonoids, pigment (carotene), resin, tannin and volatile oil.

Most commercial preparations of saw palmetto contain lipophilic extracts.

Medicinal uses
Uses supported by clinical data
Treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (nocturia, polyuria, urinary retention) secondary
to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) stages I and II, in cases where diagnosis of prostate
cancer is negative.

Contraindications
Owing to its effects on androgen and estrogen metabolism, the use of saw palmetto during
pregnancy or lactation and in children under the age of 12 years is contraindicated.
Saw palmetto may affect existing hormonal therapy, including the oral contraceptive pill
and hormone replacement therapy.

Warnings
Saw palmetto relieves the symptoms associated with BPH, but does not have an effect
on the size of the prostate. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, or in cases of blood in
the urine or acute urinary retention, contact a physician.

Remarks:
Results of clinical studies indicate that saw palmetto is a potential agent for the treatment
of BPH. However, this 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. In view of the lack of toxicity data and the documented pharmacological
actions of saw palmetto, excessive use should be avoided.

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