Gerber GS and Fitzpatrick, JM (2004) The role of a lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU Int 94: 338–344

A lipido-sterolic extract of the American dwarf palm tree Serenoa repens is increasingly used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This approach is thought to alleviate LUTS without producing the negative effects—in particular the impact on sexual function—associated with more traditional therapies such as α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors. Gerber and Fitzpatrick have reviewed the clinical data available on S. repens extract to assess its potential in patients with BPH.

The search was restricted to clinical trials of Permixon® (Pierre Fabre Médicament, Castres, France), the best studied and most common of several brands of S. repens extract. The authors identified 18 individual studies and 2 meta-analyses, with outcomes typically including prostatic symptoms, daytime and nocturnal urinary frequency and flow, PSA levels, quality of life and sexual function.

According to Gerber and Fitzpatrick, the clinical data indicate that Permixon produces similar results to those obtained using α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors and is better tolerated. Warning that the various brands of S. repens extract differ in terms of composition and consistency of formula, the authors suggest that Permixon should be considered as a first-line therapy for the treatment of LUTS in BPH.