Does Saw Palmetton need beta sitosterol to be effective?

Question

I have been tol if the saw palmetton does not contain beta sitosterol it will not be helpful in reducing the swelling of the postate. Is this so?

Answer 1

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is the most commonly used herb to treat the symptoms of BPH, or prostate enlargement. The medicinal component of saw palmetto is extracted from the berries of the saw palmetto plant, which is mainly found in the coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries, with its first use by Native Americans in the 1700's. Although its exact mechanism of action remains unknown, proposed mechanisms include anti-androgenic action, anti-inflammatory effects, and antiproliferative action. Many well-designed studies have shown that saw palmetto relieves the symptoms of an enlarged prostate when compared to placebo, and provides similar symptom relief as certain prescription drugs for BPH, while causing fewer sexual side effects.

Overall, saw palmetto has been shown to be safe, causes minimal side effects, and does not falsely lower PSA levels (which could mask the diagnosis of prostate cancer). Mild gastrointestinal distress has been reported infrequently, and can be alleviated by taking saw palmetto with food. Today, most urologists believe that saw palmetto extracts are a safe, effective approach to urinary tract symptom relief.

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Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol (naturally occurring plant sterol) that research has shown improves urinary tract symptoms and urinary flow in men with an enlarged prostate. Beta-sitosterol is generally used in nutritional supplements as part of a mixture of phytosterols including campesterol, stigmasterol, and brassicasterol. These phytosterols are thought to work due to anti-inflammatory effects and interference with cholesterol metabolism. Beta-sitosterol is recommended for men with mild to moderate urinary tract symptoms. It has been well-tolerated in clinical trials, with mild gastrointestinal upset occurring in only 1.6% of men.

Recently, the Theralogix Medical Advisory Board reviewed all of the studies investigation the effect of beta-sitosterol on urinary tract symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate. As a result of the evidence showing the benefits of beta-sitosterol in reducing urinary tract symptoms, the board approved the addition of beta-sitosterol to Prostate SR. This updated version of Prostate SR is now available, and has replaced the original version. Prostate SR now contains both a standardized saw palmetto extract, along with a phytosterol blend providing beta-sitosterol.

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Pygeum africanum

Pygeum africanum is a tall evergreen tree that grows mostly in Southern Africa, Madagascar, and in some areas of Central Africa. The medicinal use of Pygeum bark dates back to ancient times, when it was used as a tribal remedy for bladder pains. Pygeum bark extract contains phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), pentacyclic triterpenes, and ferulic esters, which are thought to be the "active" ingredients. It is thought that beta-sitosterol is the primary active component, although this is not known for sure. The exact mechanism of action of Pygeum is not fully understood, but it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and anti-edema properties.

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Other Herbal Extracts for BPH

Although the most evidence exists for saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and pygeum, there are a limited number of studies suggesting that other botanicals may also be beneficial in the treatment of BPH. These include Nettle root, pumpkin seed, rye pollen, etc. However, there is not enough conclusive evidence at this time for the Theralogix Medical Advisory Board to approve the addition of any of these ingredients to Prostate SR. More studies need to be conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of these products.