Serenoa Repens Induced Erectile Dysfunction: Underdiagnosis and Phytovigilance

    November 2021 in “ British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology ”
    Eugenia Gallo, Valentina Maggini, Alfredo Vannacci, Giada Crescioli, Francesco Sivelli, Alfredo Vannacci
    TLDR Saw palmetto may cause erectile dysfunction and needs better safety monitoring.
    The document discusses a case report of erectile dysfunction (ED) potentially induced by Serenoa repens (SR), commonly known as Saw palmetto, which is used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The patient, a 49-year-old male, experienced ED after taking a prescribed galenic preparation containing SR, with blood testosterone levels dropping to 9.71 nmol/L. The ED resolved after discontinuing SR and undergoing testosterone therapy. The report highlights the need for improved phytovigilance and further clinical studies to better understand the safety profile of SR, especially given its increasing use for AGA among young individuals. The authors emphasize the importance of monitoring adverse events related to SR, as its antiandrogen effects could lead to sexual dysfunctions similar to those caused by 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride.
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      community Serenoa repens (Saw palmetto)

      in Chat  1 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.

      community Serenoa Repens (saw palmetto) + plus biotin

      in Chat  5 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user is using minoxidil for hair loss and considering adding finasteride but their dermatologist advised waiting to see if minoxidil works alone. They are thinking about taking saw palmetto (serenoa repens) and biotin as alternatives and are asking for others' experiences and potential side effects.

      community Fina vs Sereno Repens/Saw Palmetto

      in Chat  1 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation is about whether Saw Palmetto, which has similar but less potent effects to Finasteride, could cause the same side effects due to lowering DHT levels. The user is considering oral Saw Palmetto as an alternative to Finasteride for hair loss treatment.

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