Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement
Juan Víctor Ariel Franco, Leonel Fabrizio Trivisonno, Nadia Sgarbossa, Gustavo Ariel Alvez, Cecilia Fieiras, Camila Micaela Escobar Liquitay, Jae Hung Jung
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH is common. The extract of the berry of the American saw palmetto or dwarf palm plant, Serenoa repens (SR), which is also known by its botanical name of Sabal serrulatum, is one of several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of Serenoa repens in the treatment of men with LUTS consistent with BPH. SEARCH METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS), trials registries, other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings published up to 16 September 2022, with no restrictions on language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials of participants with BPH who were treated with Serenoa repens or placebo/no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion at each stage and undertook data extraction and risk of bias assessment and GRADE assessment of the certainty of the evidence. We considered review outcomes measured up to 12 months after randomization as short term, and beyond 12 months as long term. Our main outcomes included urologic symptom scores, quality of life, and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: = 0%; 4 studies, 481 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 132 cases per 1000 men in the placebo group, this corresponds to 12 fewer (55 fewer to 54 more) per 1000 men in the combined phytotherapeutic agents with Serenoa repens group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Serenoa repens alone provides little to no benefits for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. There is more uncertainty about the role of Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents.