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Urology (Expert Forum)
SAW PALMETTO FOR PROSTATE
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
SAW PALMETTO FOR PROSTATE
by WALY__0, Mar 01, 1999 12:00AM
I tried SAW PALMETTO herb capsules (160 mg.) for a prostate treatment. I noticed a quite unexpected side effect. In about 2 weeks of taking one capsule daily, my normal blood pressure of 122/72 dropped to 106/60. I noticed that my fingers and feet were falling asleep. I started taking my blood pressure daily, and then stopped the SAW PALMETTO. In two days it returned to normal. I have advised 2 of my friends that have abnormally high blood pressure to give it a try and they both experienced the same or similar results.
I was also experimenting with YOHAMBE capsules (1000 mg.)
After about three weeks of taking one daily, my sexual activity picked up however, I developed the worst headaches you can imagine. I thought it was a flu bug but it turned out to be the YOHAMBE BUG - go easy on that stuff, if you use it.
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs M.D.-AK, Mar 01, 1999 12:00AM
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[Editor's Note: Though this question is not on a topic that we usually address in this forum, one of our staff did provide an excellent answer and therefore it is being posted.]
Dear Wally,
I recently performed a large literature review of all phytotheurapeutic preparations and didn’t find any mention of hypotension or low blood pressure as a side effect. The active medication in Saw Palmetto is not known and therefore difficult for scientists to acknowledge any benefit from this preparation. Although you seemed to have had a harmless encounter with this preparation of Saw Palmetto, you may want to speak to a Urologist about some of the well established pharmaceuticals in the field of urology. Not only are they safe and well tested, but I believe work better.
I usually don’t prescribe Yohimbe in my clinic. It has been shown in controlled clinical trials to be no better than placebo (sugar pill). Again there are proven medicines that work for erectile dysfunction, I suggest you speak to your doctor and try one if you need it.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword:Erectile Dysfunction
