Prostate Cancer Health Center

Prostate Cancer: Enlarged Prostate

Saw Palmetto

In addition to these medical and surgical treatments, use of the herb saw palmetto shows promise in some men as a treatment for BPH. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is thought that the extract from saw palmetto berries appears to block the formation of DHT, the hormone responsible for prostate gland growth. However, studies show inconsistent results. While some studies show it to be as effective as Proscar, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed it caused no improvements when compared to a placebo (inactive pill). More studies are underway to further investigate the effects of this herb.