The Therapeutic Potential of Saw Palmetto Extract in Urological Disorders

Saw palmetto extract (SPE) has been widely used as a therapeutic remedy for urinary dysfunction in western countries. Furthermore, as an herb drug, it can be used as an alternative therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to its safety and minimum adverse effects. Reportedly, SPE improves the urinary symptoms, which mainly depend on anti-androgenic effects and effects on autonomic receptors in the lower urinary tract. However, the mechanisms of action responsible for the therapeutic roles of SPE have not been fully elucidated. Relevant studies indicate that SPE has some positive effects on the treatment of urological diseases in animals, and clinical trials are ongoing. In this review, we summarize the pharmacological properties and discuss the possible therapeutic mechanisms of SPE in urological diseases, including anti-androgenic effects, effects on autonomic receptors in the lower urinary tract, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, and highlight a potential therapeutic approach in the clinical treatment of patients with BPH, prostate cancer, chronic prostatitis (CP) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

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Biofeedback in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in children

Medicinski pregled ◽

10.2298/mpns1806167d: ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 71 (5-6) ◽

pp. 167-170

Author(s):

Marina Djermanov ◽

Dragana Zivkovic

Keyword(s):

Urinary Tract ◽

Overactive Bladder ◽

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ◽

Lower Urinary Tract ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Dysfunctional Voiding ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Urinary Tract Symptoms ◽

Biofeedback Treatment ◽

Lower Urinary

Introduction. Bladder and bowel dysfunction describes a large spectrum of lower urinary tract symptoms along with fecal elimination issues. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of biofeedback treatment in children with lower urinary tract symptoms. Material and Methods. A prospective study analyzed the effects of biofeedback treatment conducted in children with lower urinary tract symptoms. Questionnaires and voiding diaries were collected prior to the treatment. The patients were followed for two weeks on daily basis. After the completion of the treatment, the data from voiding diaries and questionnaires were analyzed. Results. A total of 18 children were referred for biofeedback treatment. Seven patients had an overactive bladder. seven had isolated dysfunctional voiding, and in the third group three had difficulties starting to void and one had daily incontinence with dysfunctional voiding. A total of 14 patients presented with improvement of symptoms. The analyzed data showed no measurable improvement in one patient, even though he reported a personal feeling of improvement. Three patients without positive effects of the therapy were immature and non-cooperative. In six out of seven patients with overactive bladder with urine leakage, the symptom disappeared by the end of the treatment. Conclusion. Biofeedback is a very useful tool in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in pediatric population. Although the main indication for initiating this therapy is dysfunctional voiding, the study showed an improvement of symptoms in patients with overactive bladder as well.

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