Serenoa-C

[Nutritional Advisers Product Information]

Rationale

Wassen Serenoa-C is a multivitamin and mineral combination with emphasis on the herbal extract of Saw Palmetto (Latin: Serenoa repens), magnesium and zinc.

Overview of the Main Ingredients

Saw Palmetto Extract

Amongst the North American Indians these berries were used as a general tonic in order to nourish the body and to encourage the appetite. They also used it to help alleviate problems of the genito-urinary tract. During the recent past this herb has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate) as indicated by clinical trials. (1) This herb was included in the US Pharmacopoeia until 1916 and National Formulary until 1950.

Saw palmetto extract appears to effect the prostate in more than one way. In the first instance it prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for the enlargement of the prostate, and secondly it reduces the receptor sites for DHT in the prostate, resulting in an increased breakdown and excretion of this hormone. As this herb also has slightly diuretic properties this may also contribute to a reduction of the swelling of the prostate. (1)

According to an open study carried out by Braeckman in which 305 patients were evaluated, the administration of 160 mg Serenoa repens extract twice daily over a period of 90 days was considered effective by 88% of patients. In addition, the serum prostate-specific antigen concentration was not modified by the drug, thus limiting the risk of masking any possible development of prostate cancer during treatment. (2)

In a recent study the use of an extract of saw palmetto led to a statistically significant decrease in the International Prostate Symptom Score in the treatment group, compared to those treated with placebo. Both groups had a slight increase in peak urinary flow rate but no difference in the degree of improvement was found, neither could an improvement in sexual function be noted. (3)

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to be in short supply in the average Western refined diet.

Magnesium plays a part in the following physiological functions:

• energy production
• nerve and muscle function
• adrenal function (important for stress adaptation)
• hormone function
• balance of brain chemicals
• essential fatty acid metabolism
• calcium metabolism

Food Sources of Magnesium

Soya beans, Brazil nuts, peanuts, dried brewers yeast, wholemeal flour, brown rice, sunflower seeds and green leafy vegetables.

Zinc

The mineral zinc is of particular relevance for male reproduction and is found in particularly high concentration in the prostate. Zinc deficiency has been found to lead to hypogonadism whilst milder zinc deficiency has been linked with male sterility, which could subsequently be corrected by zinc supplementation. (4)

Vitamin B6 and Zinc

• required for protein metabolism involving hormones and brain chemicals
• required for essential fatty acid metabolism

Food Sources of Vitamin B6

Meats, fish, egg yolk, wholegrain cereals, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds and some green leafy vegetables.

Food Sources of Zinc

Oysters, seeds, nuts, eggs, meat and whole grains.

Function of other ingredients contained in Serenoa-C

Vitamins B1, B2 and B6

Vitamin B1 functions as part of the enzyme, thiamin pyrophosphate, essential for energy production, carbohydrate metabolism and nerve cell function. Vitamin B2 is crucial in the energy production process and is involved in the regeneration of glutathione, an important protector against free-radical damage. Vitamin B6 is required by the human body for the proper functioning of more than 60 different enzymes. This vitamin plays a vital role in the multiplication of cells and therefore is important in the proper function of the immune system, mucous membranes, skin and red blood cells, as these cells and tissues are rapidly replicating. Vitamin B6 also plays a critical role in brain chemistry, as it is involved in the manufacture of certain amino acid neurotransmitters. (5)

Selenium, Vitamins C and E

Selenium, vitamin C and E have a protective effect against internal as well as external pollutants. Vitamin E and selenium are well known to help protect cells from free radical activity. One of the actions of vitamin E is to form a complex with free radicals in order to neutralise them. Vitamin C has the ability to recycle vitamin E from these complexes over and over again. (6)

Selenium is required for normal testosterone metabolism and testicular morphology. (7) Sperm motility is impaired in those with low selenium intakes. Sperm motility improved from 17.5% to 35.1% in subfertile men supplemented with selenium in a clinical study. (8)

Chromium

Over-consumption of sugar, refined foods, stimulants and alcohol may adversely affect blood sugar levels. The trace element chromium has been shown to support the system responsible for the control of blood sugar and may also reduce the craving for sweet foods. (9)

Vitamin D

This vitamin can be synthesised under the skin through sun light, but as many people do not get enough exposure to the sun they may not make enough of this vitamin. This could particularly affect older people. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium and the proper metabolism of this mineral. (10)

Copper and Manganese

Copper plays a part in the formation of healthy red blood cells as it acts as a catalyst in the storage and release of iron to form haemoglobin for red blood cells. (11)

Manganese is thought to be involved in the activation of certain enzymes. A link has also been found between manganese deficiency and poor reproductive performance, abnormal formation of bone and cartilage as well as impaired glucose intolerance. Both manganese and copper are required for the formation of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase which is thought to have beneficial effects on inflammatory conditions. (10)

References:

1. J. Braeckman, The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A multicenter open study, Curr. Ther. Res. Clin. Exp. (USA), 1994, 55/7, 776S-785S

2. Hamand J., Prostate Problems The complete guide to their treatments, 1991

3. G. S. Gerber et. al., Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo - Controlled Trial of Saw Palmetto in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Urology, 2001, Vol. 58, 6

4. E. Favier, The Role of Zinc in Reproduction, Biological Trace Element Research, 1992, Vol. 2, pp 363-382

5. M.T. Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, 1996, Prima Publishing, pp 80-110

6. Barry Halliwell, Human Health and Disease A radical look, Biological Sciences Review, March 1995

7. Behne D., Weiler H., Kyriakopoulos A., Effects of selenium deficiency on testicular morphology and function in rats, J. Reprod. Fertil, 1996, 106, 291-7

8. Scott R, MacPherson A., Yates R.W.S., Selenium supplementation in sub-fertile human males In: Fischer P.W.F., L. Abbé M. R., Cockell K. A., Gibson R. S., eds., Trace elements in man and animals-9, (TEMA 9) Ottawa, NRC Research Press, 1997

9. Richard Passwater, GTF Chromium, Glucose Tolerance Factor GTF Chromium, Glucose Tolerance Factor, 1982, Keats Publishing

10. S. Davies, A. Stewart, Nutritional Medicine, 1987, Pan Books Ltd.

11. M.T. Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, 1996, Prima Publishing, pp 199-217