A novel saw palmetto extract (VI-SPO®) first demonstrated in 2020 in a human clinical trial published in BMC Urology that it could provide numerous benefits related to prostate health.1 The group supplemented with VI-SPO saw a significant reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), residual urine volume, and a significant improvement in maximum urinary flow rate as well as a serum marker related to prostate health.1
The exciting results of the first human clinical trial led to incorporation of the ingredient into finished product in the U.S. which is available for purchase online and in retail stores nationwide.
The new, yet to be published study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that included 66 healthy men between the ages of 35 and 60. Subjects were administered twice daily either a capsule containing 200 mg of VI-SPO™ oil or an equally dosed placebo for 12 weeks.
Results indicated that the VI-SPO group, in comparison to the placebo, saw significant improvements in average urinary flow rate, time to maximum urinary flow rate, and urinary hesitancy (time to onset of urination). The new trial demonstrated that a broader population of healthy adult men without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can still benefit from the extract, rather than simply those consumers where prostate health is already something of concern.
The study further confirms the value of supplementation with this novel saw palmetto extract to support prostate health in older men. VI-SPO is unique among saw palmetto extracts as not only is it prepared using supercritical extraction, but a further purification step allows the material to achieve up to 10 times the levels of β-sitosterol seen in conventional supercritical saw palmetto extracts on the market. It is available as either an oil (400 mg/day for clinical efficacy) or a spray dried powder (800 mg/day to achieve equivalence to the oil form).
Currently, the company’s line of saw palmetto extracts is produced in Bangalore, India. However, the company will soon be unveiling a new, state-of-the art, 20,000 square foot supercritical extraction facility in Bunnell, Florida. The facility features custom built supercritical extraction equipment with the capability to achieve pressures of up to 1,000 bar. The new site will allow the company to reduce its carbon footprint, eliminating the need for dried saw palmetto berries harvested in the southeastern U.S. to be shipped back overseas to India for extraction. Furthermore, the new equipment’s capabilities will allow for a wider range of extracts to be offered. The facility is expected to come online between late 2022 and early 2023.
After the official opening, current and prospective customers of Vidya Herbs will be able to arrange for onsite visits to see saw palmetto extraction, among other botanical extractions taking place. This facility represents the 3rd stage of expansion in the U.S., which was preceded by the purchasing of a warehouse in Fullerton, California and the opening of the company’s sales office in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Those interested in learning more about the company’s saw palmetto extract product line, samples, and novel supercritical extraction capabilities can contact the sales office via phone at (732) 784-1587 or via e-mail at info@vidyaherbusa.com
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1 Sudeep HV, Thomas JV, Shyamprasad K. BMC Urology. 2020;20:86.
