Evidence supporting the use of: Saw palmetto
For the health condition: Prostatitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a plant extract commonly used in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and it has also been used for prostatitis. The scientific basis for its use in prostatitis is limited but present. Saw palmetto is thought to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic, and anti-edematous effects, which could theoretically benefit men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Some small clinical studies and systematic reviews have evaluated saw palmetto in men with prostatitis, showing modest improvements in urinary symptoms and pain, though the results are inconsistent and generally less robust compared to its use in BPH.

A 2012 Cochrane review and several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the efficacy of saw palmetto in chronic prostatitis, but most found no significant difference compared to placebo. However, a few studies suggest mild benefit, particularly in symptom relief, possibly due to anti-inflammatory effects. The overall quality of evidence is low due to small sample sizes, short durations, and heterogeneity in study designs. Major urological guidelines do not currently recommend saw palmetto as a standard treatment for prostatitis.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited empirical evidence for the use of saw palmetto in prostatitis, the data supporting its efficacy are weak and inconsistent. More high-quality research is needed before it can be recommended for this indication.

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