Objective      To explore the effectiveness of saw palmetto extract in treating chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).       Methods      Chronic prostatitis type Ⅲ patients were enrolled in this study

118 cases with 46 cases of chronic prostatitis type ⅢA and 72 cases of type ⅢB. All of the patients accepted oral administration of saw palmetto extract of 160 mg

2 times per day

for 8 weeks. NIH-chronic prostatitis symptom inde

x (NIH-CPSI)

leukocyte counting in prostatic fluid and international conventional erectile function score questionnaire (IIEF-5) score were used to evaluate the effectiveness.       Results      A total of 115 cases accomplished treatment

including 45 cases of type ⅢA

and 70 cases of type ⅢB. After patients were treated with saw palmetto extract

the NIH-CPSI score and leukocytes in prostatic fluid decreased significantly (

P

0.05). The total effective rate was 83.3%

with 23 cases (20.0%) cured

32 cases (27.8%) having notable effects

42 cases (36.5%) having effects

and 18 cases (15.7%) having no effect. IIEF-5 score increased

without significant difference (

P

0.05). No apparent side effect was observed in all patients.       Conclusion      Saw palmetto extract alone is safe and effective in treatment of prostatitis

especially CP/CPPS

and significantly reduces pain

relieves urinary symptoms and improves quality of life

without significant side effect.