Saw palmetto no effective in relieving symptoms of enlarged prostate

A one-year-old study has been conducted to asses and confirm the effects of Saw palmetto on the symptoms of enlarged prostate.
Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement, whose main ingredient is not known but that has been widely marketed as an effective in easing problems of enlarged prostate.

It is estimated that around 2 million Americans are using the supplement yearly. However, the supplement was still found not to have more benefits that the simple sugar pill.

The study involved 225 men and was designed just like the previous smaller ones that supported the supplement's efficacy. Placebo pills had an oily substance, a brown-coloring agent, and the same pungent odor. At the end of the study, no difference was found in the effects of the herbal supplement and placebo pills, although improvement was seen on both sides. This finding raised doubts of the special effects of the herb and contributed the positive results to the power of consciousness.

After this major finding, scientists agreed that herbal supplements should be tested under government standards just like the standards required for testing prescription drugs.