1. Would you recommend herbal supplement in L.L’s case?
I will recommend herbal supplements in the L.L case because scientific research has shown success by the patients who used them. Sometimes the prescribed drug by the doctor might be having many side effects. Some of the researched supplements include Beta-sitosterol, Pygeum, Ryegrass, and Saw palmetto ( Kamarauskas, 2014). However most supplements are not closely regulated as medicine prescribed by a doctor therefore L.L should talk to his doctor first ( Braun, & Cohen, 2015).
2. If so, what herbal supplement would he take?
I will recommend Saw palmetto for the treatment of BPH. It comes from a palm-like plant that grows in Southeast of unites states. Saw palmetto has been the most researched herbal supplement and several studies have linked it with reduced BPH symptoms. Saw Palmetto prevents the production of testosterone which can be converted to dihydrotestosterone which is responsible for hair loss. It also reduces the linings of the prostate which puts pressure on the tubes which carry urine ( Annunziata, & Barrea, 2019).
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3. What is the recommended dosage?
The recommended dosage of saw palmetto is 320 milligrams, to be taken daily ( Annunziata, & Barrea, 2019). However, the doses can be different in other forms such as tinctures. Research has shown that taking this dosage daily for two months before the prostate surgery will help in reducing the time suppose to be spent in the surgery, complications and blood loss ( Annunziata, & Barrea, 2019).
4. What are the possible side effects of the herbal supplement?
According to the research done, Saw palmetto is likely safe most people when taken orally for up to 3 years. The side effects are uncommon but some people have reported nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Men taking saw palmetto also reported testicular pain, tenderness in the breasts and erection problems. However, these side effects do not occur often as compared to other supplements ( Annunziata, & Barrea, 2019).
5. What warnings should you give L.L. before he starts the herbal supplement?
First is that L.L should ensure that he first talk to his healthcare provider about all his medical conditions, medicine he uses and allergies. Secondly is that L.L should first read the instructions on the product package before using (Braun, Cohen, 2015) . Thirdly is that he should opt for one form, either tablet, capsules or tinctures. Using different forms will increase the chance of overdose. Finally is that Saw palmetto can slow down blood clotting therefore it is important for L.L to stop using the supplement at least two weeks before the surgery ( Annunziata, & Barrea, 2019).
References
Annunziata, G., & Barrea, L. (2019). Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens). Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements , 401-402. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-812491-8.00053-9
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs and Natural Supplements, Volume 2: An Evidence-Based Guide . Elsevier Health Sciences.
Kamarauskas, V. (2014). Effectiveness of treatment with alfa-blockers and herbal selections in elder BPH patients. European Urology Supplements , 13 (2), e1169. doi:10.1016/s1569-9056(14)50023-1
