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

Serenoa repens Saw palmetto erectile dysfunction benign prostatic hyperplasia androgenetic alopecia testosterone therapy antiandrogen 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors finasteride BPH AGA Propecia

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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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research An Overview of Herbal Alternatives in Androgenetic Alopecia

26 citations, April 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Herbal alternatives like saw palmetto and green tea may offer safe, effective treatment for hormonal hair loss.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations, March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Finasteride for hair loss can cause long-lasting sexual side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction.

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Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

research Adverse Side Effects of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Therapy: Persistent Diminished Libido, Erectile Dysfunction, and Depression in a Subset of Patients

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Some patients taking finasteride or dutasteride may have ongoing sexual problems and depression even after stopping the medication.

Serenoa Repens Induced Erectile Dysfunction: Underdiagnosis and Phytovigilance

Research cited in this study

research An Overview of Herbal Alternatives in Androgenetic Alopecia

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

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