Saw palmetto and nettle extract are well-respected herbs, long used for the treatment of symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). BPH is the non-cancerous swelling of the prostate affecting many men over 50 that causes urinary difficulties such as increased nighttime urination and reduced flow. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial shows once again that these herbs provide a safe, effective treatment for the symptoms of BPH.

In the trial at the Institute of Urology in Moscow, researchers used a patented combination of saw palmetto and nettle. First, 257 men received a placebo for a short period followed by a 24-week period in which 129 men received two capsules per day of the herb combination, and the remaining 128 received the placebo. This period was then followed by a 24-week period during which all men were given the herbal combination. Researchers recorded patient self-rating questionnaires on symptoms and quality of life and also measured factors relating to urinary health.

The researchers found that patients treated with the herbal combination had fewer symptoms of BPH after 24 weeks of treatment than patients in the placebo group. However, patients in the placebo group showed a marked improvement in symptoms after being switched to the saw palmetto/nettle combination. As with previous studies with saw palmetto and nettle root, there were few adverse effects and high tolerability reported.

Source: World Journal of Urology. DO1.10.1007/S00345-005-0501-9