Effects of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) on inflammatory markers in men with benign prostatic enlargement

Latil A, Pétrissans MT, Rouquet J, Robert G, de la Taille A, Prostate. 2015 Dec;75(16):1857-67. doi: 10.1002/pros.23059. Epub 2015 Aug 26.

Background:

Chronic prostatic inflammation (CPI) may cause symptoms or benign prostatic enlargement. Earlier studies found strong anti-inflammatory properties in saw palmetto extract (in the product Permixon®). To examine its anti-inflammatory effect, the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms was studied.

Methods:

An international double-blind study included 206 men with benign prostatic enlargement associated with chronic prostatic inflammation. Patients received a daily product containing 320 mg saw palmetto or 0.4 mg tamsulosin (an alpha-receptor blocker used for benign prostatic enlargement) for three months. After a digital rectal examination (DRE), first urine was collected on days 1 and 90, and mRNA was extracted from the prostate gland and seminal fluid. The mRNA of 29 inflammatory markers reported as most significant for detecting benign prostatic enlargement, and urinary protein, were quantified.

Result:

On day 90, mean marker expression decreased by 65.4% in the saw palmetto group versus 46.2% in the tamsulosin group.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated saw palmetto’s anti-inflammatory properties clinically for the first time, supporting interest in using its extract to reduce symptoms of prostatic inflammation.