Given the mixed research results, the high level of consumer interest in phytotherapeutic agents for BPH, and the remaining scientific questions, results are anticipated from a large RCT now under way—Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urological Symptoms, or CAMUS. This trial is studying saw palmetto, compared with placebo, for preventing clinical progression of BPH over a longer term (18 months) than in earlier RCTs. CAMUS is taking place at 10 clinical centers, led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NCCAM, and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements are the cosponsors.

For More Information

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM Clearinghouse, nccam.nih.gov; 1-888-644-6226 (toll free in the U.S.); 1-866-464-3615 (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers).
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www.niddk.nih.gov.
• The Cochrane Collaboration, www.cochrane.org.
• PubMed®, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez.
• CAM on PubMed®, nccam.nih.gov/research/camonpubmed.
• MedlinePlus, www.medlineplus.gov.
• ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Sources

Sources consist of Federal publications, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses in PubMed, the National Guideline Clearinghouse, and a selection of evidence-based databases.

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• Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin R. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, 2007. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12. 2008.
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Acknowledgments