The increased popularity of Saw Palmetto for the treatment of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has brought about its comparison to another prescription drug called finasteride, which has also been known to treat BPH. Both products have had a reputation of beneficial efficacy for BPH treatment and have growingly competed in the market.
A comparison of Saw Palmetto to finasteride has shown that although both products function similarly in the treatment of BPH, through inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes enlargement of the prostate, Saw Palmetto has been reported to have lesser side effects, as well as less expensive. Let’s take a look at some comparison of Saw Palmetto to finasteride:
Saw Palmetto is a natural herb and its berries are the ones extracted to form the product, although it may come with different added components to give out a finished Saw Palmetto product sold in the market, it still is considered an herbal remedy for BPH; finasteride on the other hand, belongs to a medicine group called enzyme inhibitors, it is a synthetic four-azasteroid compound. Comparison of Saw Palmetto to finasteride in this category has revealed that Saw Palmetto is a “natural” way of treating the condition, which is more often preferred by patients.
Saw Palmetto works by inhibiting testosterone conversion to DHT and is believed to obstruct the production of progesterone and estrogen, which are hormones connected to the production of DHT; finasteride works by blocking a 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is needed for testosterone conversion to DHT that can cause the prostate to grow, resulting to decreased prostate size.
Saw Palmetto has not been clinically proven to treat male-pattern syndrome, although a lot of assumptions and advertisements of the product for this use has been given; finasteride is however used to stimulate hair growth, and have shown to be effective, although results may be seen after the medicine has been taken for approximately three months and lasts only while the medicine is being used.
Saw Palmetto has been seen with mild side effects more commonly related to the stomach and intestines such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and bad breath; finasteride has also had common side effects such as breast enlargement and tenderness, swelling of lips, skin rash, as well as less common side effects which include abdominal pains, back pain, headache, dizziness, and impotence.
The comparison of Saw Palmetto to finasteride has conclusively shown that they are both effective in reducing symptoms of BPH, but Saw Palmetto has been seen to be more tolerable with lesser mild side effects than finasteride.
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Combination Of Saw Palmetto And Propecia
... not yet verified as science has not identified the effects. There is no means of telling that the combination of Saw Palmetto and Propecia is safe, or if it really affects hair growth or acne. Some physicians have claimed that if both Saw Palmetto and Propecia really block DHT, as some regard it as the case, then increasing the DHT blocking through the combination of Saw Palmetto and Propecia may be decreasing one's libido, which is a bad trade. As such, they don't recommend the combination. Saw Palmetto has its own specific beneficial effects, so with Propecia. The two may be similar in function but they have different components. One may be better than the other or vise versa, but without proven scientific research on the combination of both, it still will not...
Saw Palmetto And Testosterone: One Affecting The Other
... predominantly. It is a steroidal hormone that is required for muscle mass and bone formation. It has many benefits to the body as regulating cholesterol, improving oxygen uptake and promoting a healthy cardiac function. It even affects one's sleeping pattern and sex drive. The problem starts when testosterone levels drop and another body hormone, estrogen is left in a much higher amount - this causes hormonal imbalance. The imbalance is another theory subscribed by some to affect the emergence of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This is in difference to the more popular theory that focuses on the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and thus developing BPH. Saw Palmetto and Testosterone Control Either way, testosterone plays a part in both theories. The use of saw palmetto and testosterone levels seem to have a direct relation. The herb...
Saw Palmetto And Regrowth Of Hair
... what is inhibited through Saw Palmetto use for BPH, which has stirred hypothesis of the connection of Saw Palmetto and regrowth of hair. The relationship of Saw Palmetto and regrowth of hair has completely no clinical evidence to back up the theory that Saw Palmetto is effective in promoting hair regrowth or preventing the loss of hair. Although Saw Palmetto has been said to block the effects of testosterone, thus diminishing male-pattern hair loss, further studies are still needed before Saw Palmetto can be recommended for the use. In Germany, Italy, and France, Saw Palmetto has been extensively prescribed by urologists for BPH treatment. It is however, not agreeable to unsupervised treatment or self-diagnosis; it's use as a therapeutic alternative, whether for BPH or hair regrowth, has to be conferred with a physician. In a nutshell, although prostatic ailments and hair loss are linked to DHT, as well as the supposition that lessening DHT in the body will also reduce hair loss, these assumptions have...
Saw Palmetto On Baldness
... medication called finasteride (propecia) that was useful in the treatment of both hair loss and BPH; thus, Saw Palmetto on baldness or hair loss would also be effective. Although Saw Palmetto has been suggested to block some testosterone effects, therefore reducing male-pattern hair loss, comparable to finasteride, further studies are still required before it can be recommended for the use. The assumption of Saw Palmetto on baldness has completely no clinical proof that would support Saw Palmetto as an effective treatment for promoting hair re-growth or preventing hair loss. It is however, commonly recommended by urologists in Italy, Germany, and France for the helpful BPH treatment. Using the product for unsupervised treatment or self-diagnosis is highly discouraged; consumers planning to take Saw Palmetto on baldness treatment, whether in the dietary supplement form or...
Saw Palmetto Improves Prostate Condition
... plant sterols - saw palmetto improves prostate conditions the natural way. Studies still are not able to explain how saw palmetto improves prostate condition, but the essential oils found in its fruits are the plant's active constituencies. The culprit that causes BPH is an increase in the hormonal byproduct compound dihydrotestosterone or DHT that signals the prostate cells to multiply abnormally. This happens when the hormone testosterone drops in production, which occurs with age. BPH is characterized with painful urination, frequent urination, and overflow incontinence. Saw palmetto acts as an inhibiting agent that hinders testosterone from converting into DHT. Aside from this function, the fatty acids in saw palmetto improves prostate condition and helps prevent prostate cancer by balancing hormonal level in both sexes. Prostate cancer in one aspect is triggered by hormones. From...
Saw Palmetto And Prostate Disorders
... connection, particularly in Europe, where Saw Palmetto is being extensively used as an initial medication for BPH. It is utilized in fifty-percent of BPH treatments in Italy, as well as ninety-percent treatments in Germany. Saw Palmetto's active part is its free fatty acids and sterols present in its berries. This specific solvent utilized in the extraction process affects the products final formulation. The most broadly studied Saw Palmetto form is Permixon, which utilizes hexane solvent; other formulations use methanol, liquid carbon dioxide, and ethanol as solvents. In the past, Saw Palmetto was given with pumpkin seeds and nettle roots, and a number of latest formulations have also included these elements. However, it is not very clear which elements of Saw Palmetto are most active, and the method of action is still not fully...
Saw Palmetto Is A Fact Or Fiction?
... is a fact or fiction through its efficacy in treating symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In BPH, the urethra is blocked by an enlarged prostate resulting to frequent urination, urinary incontinence and urinary voiding. In Germany, a three-year trial revealed whether saw palmetto is a fact or fiction. Patients who took 160mg of saw palmetto extract twice daily reduced their nighttime urination as effectively as finasteride. Similar to the drug finasteride, the extract of saw palmetto aggressively shrinks the size of the prostate by inhibiting the actions of 5-alpha-reductase, the Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride enzyme that signals the testosoterone to convert into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes prostate cells to multiply abnormally. Whether any claim on saw palmetto is a fact or fiction, it is recommended as a potent alternative medicine that helps prevent prostate...
Saw Palmetto Supplement
... have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they accepted as therapeutic drugs. Moreover, there are no reported adverse side effects in people Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride taking saw palmetto supplements except for mild gastrointestinal disturbance, which is alleviated when the supplement is taken with food. Consumers may not experience an overnight effect when taking 160-320mg containing 80-90% of the extract but some studies have presented data that saw palmetto provides faster results compared with finasteride in relieving symptoms of BPH. Saw palmetto supplements Available through Now Foods is Saw Palmetto Extract in 80mg softgels. Aside from saw palmetto extract, other ingredients are gelatin, glycerin, carob, beeswax, and water. For noticeable effects and as a dietary supplement, a recommended daily dose of 2 softgels is to be taken with meals. Retail price is $15.95 for 90 softgels but is sold at a sale price of $10.85. Studies on...
Saw Palmetto For Fertility
... Whilst some studies agree with centuries-old tradition, how saw palmetto works is yet to be explained. Aside from its so-claimed effectiveness in treating symptomatic BPH, patients having fertility problems are finding an alternative out of saw palmetto for fertility. The use of herbs particularly saw palmetto for fertility has been in practice for hundreds of years. However, clinical trials on saw palmetto are confined only to BPH. Saw palmetto seemingly do not set off adverse side effects although gastrointestinal distress was reported in patients taking 320mg daily in divided doses for at least 6 weeks. This mild reaction to saw palmetto can be alleviated when taking food along. For the purpose of comparison, not all clinical trials Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride favor admonitions for saw palmetto. A 2006 study co-funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) on 225 men with moderate to severe BPH, who took 160mg twice daily for one year, reported no...
Saw Palmetto And Pygeum Extracts
... of the hormone testosterone and a rise in the hormone byproduct, dihydrotestosterone coupled with the degeneration of cells brought by old age are often the causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The FDA accepted prescription drugs for both diseases are Terazosin HCL and finasteride. Both drugs are effective in the remission of the condition but are usually accompanied with side effects like dizziness, impotence and loss of sexual desire. Three herbs have been supported by scientific research in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw palmetto is an herb with a long tradition of maintaining a healthy prostate. Men with BPH reported improved urination Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride after taking saw palmetto supplements for at least six weeks. Pygeum and stinging nettle also provide similar relief as the drugs mentioned earlier minus the side effects. The efficacy of saw palmetto and pygeum extract for BPH has been documented in European...
Combination Of Saw Palmetto And Urtica: Does It Raise Effectiveness?
... and urtica dioica (or the stinging nettle) are widely renowned herbs that trace back to the ancient times for their many benefits in treating various human conditions. Saw palmetto is a palm-like plant that grows in some parts of Europe, Africa, and the souththeastern U.S specifically in Mississippi and Florida. The active elements of the saw palmetto such as lauric acid, capryrilic acid, palmitic acid, carotene, oleic acid, polysaccharides, and plant sterols are contained in the extracts of its berries. Urtica, or stinging nettle, grows throughout countries in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, and is also found in some parts of Japan, Australia, and South Africa. The active constituents in urtica include polysaccharides, lectins, betaine, formic acid, histamine, calcium, acetylcholine, glucoquinone, chlorogenic acid, beta carotene, iron, and choline. The polysaccharides and lectins...
Saw Palmetto For Weight Gain Purposes
... its treatment of the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Diseases that involve the prostate and many others are being claimed by believers of the saw palmetto herb - that one can consider it to be one of the "cure-all" types of medicine. Saw palmetto for weight gain has also been entertained. The Use of Saw Palmetto for Weight Gain History of saw palmetto has shown its Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride effects towards general health, not only in humans but on animals as well. Such animals, as observed by medical botanist, John Lloyd, became healthier and fatter than those livestock that were not able to take in saw palmetto. This happened around the 1800s. The concept of saw palmetto for weight gain has emerged here, and quite a number of reactions came about as a result. In some situations, others...
Prostate And Saw Palmetto: Finding The Connection
... prostate diseases as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Such a disease can be understood as one that usually results in the natural aging process in men. This usually applies to men with ages 40 and above. Prostate and Saw Palmetto - The Disease and Its Cure A normal prostate would be about the size of a walnut. This is found just beneath the bladder. Having a Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride BPH essentially means that one's prostate gland is enlarged - and thus causing the narrowing of the urethra. Along with that condition comes other symptoms as urinary retention, diminished urine stream and nighttime urination. Saw palmetto has been shown to provide remedy for said symptoms. Problems with Prostate and Saw Palmetto in Mind One's problem with his prostate condition will be one that is bothersome and will bring inconvenience in one's normal life pattern. The frequent need to urinate would be an annoyance to one - as one would have to contend with such a condition throughout the day -...
Saw Palmetto And Hair Loss
... that it stops hair loss as well. Yes, Saw Palmetto is a "natural" Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride herb effective for BPH, but it should be noted that there is no scientific evidence that herbs has revealed success in the treatment of hair loss. The only link between Saw Palmetto and hair loss are "assumptions" and "theories" which has rooted from unwarranted anecdotes to increase the products popularity. Keep in mind that Saw Palmetto's being a DHT inhibitor doesn't make it a hair loss treatment, and like any other natural "herbal" remedy, it may, whether good or bad (mild or severe), have its own side effects that can affect a person's health. Saw Palmetto and hair loss have been confusingly linked; people considering using Saw Palmetto for treating hair loss should cautiously consider the decision, and...
Saw Palmetto For Blood Clotting In Surgery
... but some of the studies confirming saw palmetto's efficacy in treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - an enlargement of the prostate - cannot be deemed scientific. A clinical trial conducted in Germany that lasted for three years, however, agreed Comparison Of Saw Palmetto To Finasteride to the claims regarding saw palmetto. Contrastingly, a 2006 study co-funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease tested 225 men with moderate to severe BPH for one year. Saw palmetto dose administered to the patients was 160mg twice daily. Towards the end of the study, the patients reported no perceptible difference in their condition. No side effects were noted however at least within the duration of the study. Like all other claims regarding the herb, there are no evidences of saw palmetto...