Saw palmetto (serenoa repens) is sometimes prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia by CAM practitioners.

1. The ‘Saw Palmetto’ Debate

2. The ‘Saw Palmetto’ Debate
 Saw palmetto (serenoa repens) is sometimes
prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
by CAM practitioners. It has been proposed that the
fatty acids constituents in Saw palmetto inhibits 5α-
reductase and binds to α1-adrenergic receptors. This
causes shrinkage of the inner epithelium of the
prostate, but not the prostate's overall size.

3. Saw Palmetto’
Debate
well-characterized saw palmetto
extract
adequate sample size recruitment
from multiple centers to increase
generalizability
adequate dose of the extract
adequate duration of treatment (24
weeks at each dose level)
excellent adherence with study
medication and visits, a
comprehensive set of outcome
measures, and
proficient ocumentation of
adequate blinding of participants.