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Saw Palmetto No Help for Prostate Problems

Many men with enlarged prostate glands have sought relief from an herbal remedy called saw palmetto. It was reputed to alleviate symptoms such as frequent urination, but a new meta-analysis from the Cochrane Collaboration demonstrates that saw palmetto extract performs no better than placebo. The Cochrane Collaboration is an international network of volunteers that uses rigorous criteria to assess the effectiveness of a wide range of medical interventions. In this case, the investigators analyzed 17 studies lasting from four to 72 weeks. Even the highest dose of saw palmetto was not statistically superior to placebo. The experts conclude that this herbal remedy is safe but ineffective.

[BJU International, June, 2012]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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