Effects of Saw Palmetto Therapy on some Inflammatory Biomarkers in a Sample of Iraqi Male with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background Saw palmetto contains powerful anti-inflammatory components commonly used in Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with symptoms. The current study was designed to assess the effectiveness of saw palmetto alone or supplementation   therapy with tamsulosin via measurement of some inflammatory biomarker in male with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) consistent with (BPH). Methods The present study is an interventional prospective randomized enrolled newly diagnosed patients with moderate to severe symptomatic BPH. The eligible 60 patients were allocated into (3) groups, each group with (20) patients; Group (1) treated with Saw palmetto cap (320 mg); Group (2) treated with  Saw palmetto cap (320 mg) and tamsulosin (0.4mg); Group (3) treated with tamsulosin (0.4mg), protocols to be given once daily for 12 weeks. Measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was done. Results There was significant decrease in the serum PSA, CRP and IL-6 level (P<0.01) in group1 and 2 patients only after treatment when compared to pretreatment.  Patients on combination therapy presented with high percent of change compared to other groups. No change in CRP and IL-6 level in patients on tamsulosin alone. Conclusion From the findings of the present study, phytotherapy with Saw Palmetto alone or as supplement produced significant 3 months drop in both inflammatory markers, the total CRP level and IL-6 level. Also produced significant decrease in PSA level, and may substitute the conventional therapy in mild disease status.