SG 291 - an extract of sabal serrulata

Author(s): Stadler, F., Hagenlocher, M., Wagner, H.

Abstract: The extract SG 291 used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and non bacterial prostatitis is prepared from the fruits of Sabal serrulata (syn.: Serenoa repens) by a special supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. In vitro investigations on homogenates of cultured human foreskin fibroblasts showed a specific antiandrogen effect via inhibition of 5a-reductase, whereas no effect on receptor-binding of DHT was found. The treatment with the extract SG 291 did not affect higher hormonal control systems as investigated on the plasma levels of testosterone, FSH and LH. Additionally the extract SG 291 was found to inhibit in vitro the cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways in a dosedependent manner. Affecting both enzymes simultaneously the dual inhibitor SG 291 stops the biosynthesis of inflammatory acting prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Therefore it is possible that the inhibition of the arachidonic acid cascade causes the antiedematous effect of the Sabal serrulata extract SG 291, which was shown in vivo on the model of the dextran-induced oedema of rat paw. The antiandrogen and antiphlogistic active principles in vitro were localized in the acidic lipophilic fraction (SLF) of the Sabal serrulata extract SG 291, whereas the fractions containing fatty alcohols or sterols had no inhibitory effects on the investigated enzymes. The evectiveness and security of the extract SG 291 were shown by biometric studies including more than 2.000 patients and by a placebo-controlled double blind trial.

Keyword(s): Sabal serrulata

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