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
    From the encyclopedia
    Saw Palmetto →

    a natural and far less effective alternative to Finasteride

    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

    Studysummary This case report suggests a potential link between the intake of Serenoa repens, commonly known as Saw palmetto, and the onset of erectile dysfunction. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    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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