Saw Palmetto Study Commences

Saw Palmetto Study Commences

SAN FRANCISCO--A large clinical trial to test the efficacy of saw palmetto is now open for enrollment and underway at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Investigators at the University of California, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will follow patients with moderate to severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for a full year to examine the effects of saw palmetto on urinary symptoms.

"Evidence from smaller trials conducted in Europe suggests that there may be a substantial benefit, similar to that found with prescription drugs, without some of the troubling side effects," said Dr. Stephen Bent, project director of the study. "There is a clear need to clarify the treatment efficacy and safety of commonly used herbal remedies in order to allow patients to make informed decisions about using them."

An independent panel of experts convened by the National Center for Complementary Medicine(NCCAM) selected the trial products. Among them is Indena's Sabalselect^®. For more information onSabalselect, visit Indena at www.indena.com or Booth #1405 at SupplySide West.