How Saw Palmetto Extract Can Boost Men's Prostate Health, According To The Co-Author Of A New Study - Exclusive
If you were to do an internet search for "prostate dietary supplements," Amazon alone would churn out more than 1,000 products to choose from, revealing no shortage in demand for men looking to improve prostate health. But do any of them actually work? In an exclusive interview with Health Digest, board-certified urologist Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt explains that a large number of these supplements consist of saw palmetto ground berry powder of varying quality. Now, a new 2022 study co-authored by Dr. Brahmbhatt and published in the scientific journal Uro suggests that rather than powder, the healthcare community could benefit from taking a closer look at high-quality verified saw palmetto oil extract as a means to boost men's prostate health as they grow older.
"I was a part of an international panel of seven leading urologists who reviewed over 50 original clinical research studies spanning several decades and countries," Dr. Brahmbhatt explains. He states how the efficacy of saw palmetto extract on prostate health has been the subject of debate amongst the medical community, mainly due to reservations around product quality. "From our extensive review, we concluded that here in the U.S. both clinicians and the public need to rethink their views on saw palmetto and prostate health," says Dr. Brahmbhatt. "High-quality saw palmetto oil extract should be considered as an option for men with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Our review also found this can be done safely as the use of quality saw palmetto has no known drug interactions or sexual side effects."
How prostate health changes over the years
As men age, they begin to experience changes in their prostate health, Dr. Brahmbhatt explains. "Starting in their mid-30s, the prostate [begins] to enlarge in men because of family history, lifestyle, diet, and natural hormonal changes," he states. Dr. Brahmbhatt goes on to highlight how symptoms often become more apparent as men approach middle age and beyond. "Over 40% of men in their 50's start having symptoms from enlarged prostate. The percentage jumps to over 90% in men over the age of 80!"
Although symptoms can impact one's day-to-day life, Dr. Brahmbhatt states that male patients sometimes feel uncomfortable seeking healthcare for urinary issues. "They often feel embarrassed to discuss prostate and urinary problems with their doctor and are less likely than women to seek medical care," he explains. "However, symptoms of an enlarged prostate can reduce overall quality of life, including disrupting sleep and a lower sex drive, and as a result, can affect spouses or partners as well."
As per the panelists' consensus statement outlined in the research paper, saw palmetto oil extract showed the ability to reduce prostate tissue inflammation. However, the study team acknowledged that other related factors could potentially have contributed to these results as well.
What is saw palmetto extract?
The source of saw palmetto extract can be traced back to a berry. "Saw palmetto extract comes from a berry produced by palm trees native to the Southeastern U.S., with the vast majority growing in the wild in Florida," Dr. Brahmbhatt explains. To get the highest-quality product, Dr. Brahmbhatt states that the ripening, color, and size of the berries must be just right. "The berries are harvested, dried and then go through an eco-friendly extraction process to create high-quality saw palmetto extract," he says. From there, the supplement can take two forms. "Saw palmetto can be processed into a powder OR extracted into an oil that maintains a high fatty acid level (>80%) as essential for its benefits for prostate health."
In some areas of the world, Dr. Brahmbhatt explains that saw palmetto extract is already being used to support prostate health in patients. "It is available by prescription in places like Europe," he states. As outlined in the research, Permixon is one such medication used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in European countries.
Quality and quantity guidelines for saw palmetto extract supplements
"The U.S. FDA does not regulate supplements so we have to find other way[s] to identify high-quality supplements," states Dr. Brahmbhatt. To ensure one's health and safety, Dr. Brahmbhatt suggests choosing products that have received the "USP Verified" stamp of approval. He elaborates by providing some background on the organization. "USP — which stands for United States Pharmacopeia — is a 200-year-old, non-profit scientific organization that sets standards for drugs and dietary supplements," he explains. "Saw palmetto extract with the USP Verified mark means it has been rigorously tested for purity, potency, and quality."
So exactly how much of the supplement is recommended? "Our consensus statement is based on four decades of research which has shown the effectiveness of a high-quality 320mg daily dose of saw palmetto lipid oil extract," says Dr. Brahmbhatt. He explains that it's the bioactive lipids found in saw palmetto extract that we have to thank for the positive effects seen on prostate health. Based on their research, Dr. Brahmbhatt adds, "We concluded a lipid profile that meets the USP monograph (>80% fatty acid content) is likely key to effectiveness."
What saw palmetto research may look like over the next decade
"The goal of this expert panel was to contribute to our collective understanding of the science and generate discussion about the role a high-quality saw palmetto extract can play in men's health," Dr. Brahmbhatt stated in a press release via EurekAlert! As outlined in the research paper, current interventions for mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) often take a "watchful waiting" approach. Instead, the study team hopes the use of saw palmetto oil extract will be seen as a viable alternative treatment option.
When asked what he thinks the next decade holds in store for continued research, Dr. Brahmbhatt told Health Digest, "We will likely see research focused on showing the clinical effects of saw palmetto in men with not just symptoms from enlarged prostate but its potential to aid in other prostate conditions." In summary, Dr. Brahmbhatt concludes, stating, "With the increase in research highlighting the benefits of saw palmetto we hope we will see more inclusion of the use of saw palmetto in guidelines set by medical organizations to treat men's health."
To find out more about Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt you can visit JaminBrahmbhatt.com and Flomentum.com. You can learn more about the published study here.