While saw palmetto berry extract (SPE) is the most commonly consumed supplement by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, oral administration of SPE has also been shown to improve hyperactive bladder symptoms in female rats.
It has terefore been hypothesized thst SPE may be effective at easing lower urinary tract symptoms in women. To further valudate this hypothesis, a Japanese research team from the University of Shizuoka performed a clinical trial involving 12-week treatment with SPE in adult women with urinary symptoms. The study revealed that SPE alleviated the urinary tract symptoms, especially that of overactive bladder. Dr. Yamada and colleagues concluded that the potential of SPE to mitigate lower urinary tract symptoms in adult women.
The study was published in the journal Nutrients.
Yamada S, Shirai M, Ono K, Kageyama S. Beneficial Effects of Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract on Urinary Symptoms in Japanese Female Subjects by a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 11;14(6):1190. doi: 10.3390/nu14061190. PMID: 35334848; PMCID: PMC8953103.