Lack of effects of a lyposterolic extract of Serenoa repens on plasma levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.

Twenty men, aged 50 to 75 years (mean, 67 years), suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy received 160 mg of a lyposterolic extract of Serenoa repens, twice daily for 30 days. Before and at the end of treatment, plasma levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were determined. No changes in plasma hormone levels occurred as a result of treatment. It is concluded that Serenoa extract, which is useful in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, does not act via systemic changes of hormone levels.