Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is one of the most popular natural treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and it is often combined with other natural compounds to enhance its therapeutic benefits. In a new study published in the October issue of the Journal of Urology, researchers report that a saw palmetto, lycopene, and selenium combination is better than saw palmetto alone when it comes to reducing an enlarged prostate characteristic of BPH.
Scientists have done many studies over the past few years, uncovering the effects and benefits of saw palmetto, selenium (a mineral and antioxidant), and lycopene (a phytonutrient found in tomato products, guava, and other red fruits and vegetables) on prostate disorders, and BPH in particular.
An Italian team review recently noted that saw palmetto, lycopene, and selenium are “three of the most widely used compounds,” and that all three seem to have one thing in common: they reduce inflammation and proliferation in the prostate gland. Therefore, it seems natural to assume that combining saw palmetto, lycopene, and selenium could produce better results than one alone in treating BPH.
This latest study tested that idea. Rats were given testosterone for 14 days to induce hormone-dependent BPH. During the following 14 days, the animals were given either saw palmetto alone or a combination of saw palmetto, selenium, and lycopene.
At the end of the treatment period, all the prostates were examined. Although saw palmetto alone reduced the weight and growth of the prostates, the combination of natural compounds was even more effective. The authors concluded that a saw palmetto, selenium, and lycopene combination is “superior” to saw palmetto alone for BPH.
Read more on:
Saw Palmetto for BPH and Prostatitis
Sources: Altavilla D et al. The combination of serenoa repens, selenium and lycopene is more effective than serenoa repens alone to prevent hormone dependent prostatic growth. J Urol 2011 Oct; 186(4): 1524-29
Magri V et al. Activity of serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium on prostatic disease: evidences and hypotheses. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2008 Jun; 80(2): 65-78
