Investigation of the Antiproliferative and Genotoxic Effects of Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small Extracts Available in the Market

Introduction: Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small (Saw Palmetto), commonly referred to as the small palm, has been used in both traditional and modern medicine for centuries. Known for its diuretic, endocrinological, anabolic, and anti-inflammatory properties, Saw Palmetto is mostly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Known for its diuretic, endocrinological, anabolic, and anti-inflammatory properties, Saw Palmetto is mostly used to treat BPH. There has been a recent surge in interest in these products because herbal products are believed to be safer and have fewer side effects. Pharmacies stock many Saw Palmetto products authorized by the USA Department of Agriculture. People have begun to purchase these herbal products online as technology has advanced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to faster and easier access and cheaper costs. Many counterfeit products originate from popular e-commerce websites that sell goods that lack the necessary safety inspections. A literature review found that these products have adverse outcomes, including significant outcomes that can lead to death, which poses major public health concerns. The aim of this study was to compare the antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small extracts obtained from two separate commercial sources, purchased over the internet and from a pharmacy, on human prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). Methods: The antiproliferative effect of Saw Palmetto extracts at different doses (10-200 µg/ml) was evaluated with the MTT test and the genotoxic effect was determined by the comet assay. Results: According to MTT results, the extract purchased from the pharmacy did not cause high inhibition in PC-3 cells at the entire dose range, while higher inhibition values were recorded in the extract obtained from the internet. On the other hand, when the genotoxic activities of both extracts were examined, it was determined that the DNA damage caused by the product purchased from the pharmacy in PC-3 cells was lower than the product purchased from the internet. Conclusions: This research highlights the health risks of herbal products purchased online and the need to source dietary supplements from trusted suppliers. It is crucial to change this view and increase public awareness to ensure safer use of herbal products.