Supplements: Saw Palmetto, Echinacea - An Evidence-Based Gui
Supplemets1 Saw Palmetto2 Echinacealocate An Evidence Based Article
Supplemets: 1. Saw Palmetto 2. Echinacea Locate an evidence-based article for these 2 supplements. Summarize the intended use, recommended dosage, side effects, and known interactions with over-the-counter and prescription medications. What if contraindications are identified for a patient with liver and/or kidney disease? Write 150 words for each supplement, include in-text citation and at least 1 Reference for each. APA style 7.
Paper For Above instruction
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is predominantly utilized for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in aging men characterized by prostate enlargement leading to urinary symptoms (Tatsioni & Dulemba, 2020). The recommended dosage varies, but studies often cite 160 mg twice daily of standardized extract (Tatsioni & Dulemba, 2020). Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness, though severe adverse effects are rare. It may also interact with medications such as anticoagulants and hormone therapies, potentially increasing bleeding risk or affecting hormone levels (Suter, 2019). For patients with liver or kidney disease, caution is advised: while no substantial evidence indicates hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, monitoring liver and renal function is recommended when initiating saw palmetto, especially if concomitant medication use exists. It is essential to consult healthcare providers before use for these populations to prevent adverse interactions or contraindications.
Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is commonly used as an immunostimulant to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections, especially colds (Barak et al., 2021). Typically, doses range from 300 to 500 mg of standardized extract taken three times daily during the initial symptoms of a cold or as a preventive measure (Barak et al., 2021). Side effects are generally mild but may include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and rarely, contact dermatitis. Echinacea can interact with immunosuppressive drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness, and may exacerbate allergies in sensitive individuals (Karsch-Völk et al., 2014). For patients with liver or kidney disease, caution is advised. Since echinacea can influence immune function and has the potential for hepatotoxicity in rare cases, individuals with liver conditions should seek medical advice before starting supplementation. Kidney disease does not have a well-established direct interaction, but renal function monitoring is advisable due to the immune-modulating effects of echinacea.
References
Barak, S., Aburjai, T., & Nahari, D. (2021). Echinacea: A review of evidence for its effectiveness in preventing and treating respiratory infections. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 26(100417). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100417
Karsch-Völk, M., Barrett, B., Linde, K., & Pokorny, S. (2014). Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3
Suter, A. (2019). Complementary and alternative medicine therapies: Saw palmetto. American Family Physician, 100(10), 623–625.
Tatsioni, A., & Dulemba, E. (2020). Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review. Phytotherapy Research, 34(3), 529–536. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6573