Fagelman E, Lowe F C
Rev Urol. 2001 Summer;3(3):134-8.
Phytotherapeutic agents are often prescribed in Europe for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms and are commonly used in the United States in over-the-counter preparations. Saw palmetto berry is the most popular of these agents, and in vitro some studies suggest that liposterolic extract of the plant has antiandrogenic effects that inhibit the type 1 and type 2 isoenzymes of 5alpha-reductase; however there are no clinical studies that show any decrease in serum dihydrotestosterone or prostate-specific antigen. Its efficacy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms has not been conclusively proven. Clinical efficacy was suggested by a meta-analysis of Permixon, a formulation of saw palmetto, but the meta-analysis was done on suboptimal studies. One trial supports the equivalency of Permixon to finasteride in treating moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, with less decrease in sexual function. However, without a control/placebo arm, the actual efficacy of the agents cannot be determined. Other than occasional gastrointestinal upset, no other side effects have been reported.
在欧洲，植物治疗剂常被用于治疗伴有下尿路症状的良性前列腺增生，在美国则常用于非处方制剂中。锯棕榈果是这些制剂中最受欢迎的一种，一些体外研究表明，该植物的脂甾醇提取物具有抗雄激素作用，可抑制5α-还原酶1型和2型同工酶；然而，尚无临床研究显示血清双氢睾酮或前列腺特异性抗原有所降低。其治疗下尿路症状的疗效尚未得到确凿证实。一项对锯棕榈制剂Permixon的荟萃分析提示了其临床疗效，但该荟萃分析基于的研究并不理想。一项试验支持Permixon在治疗中度至重度良性前列腺增生症状方面与非那雄胺等效，且对性功能的影响较小。然而，由于没有设立对照/安慰剂组，无法确定这些制剂的实际疗效。除偶尔出现胃肠道不适外，未报告其他副作用。
