Valensa International Launches Clinically Studied Saw Palmetto Ingredient Targeting Urinary and Sexual Health in Men

Valensa International has introduced USPlus PRO, a saw palmetto extract positioned to address multiple aspects of men’s health, including urinary performance, bladder control, and sexual function.¹ The ingredient—building off of its USPlus extract—is supported by a newly published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Food and Nutrition Sciences.²

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remain a widespread concern among aging men. More than half of men over the age of 50 experience symptoms such as frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and weak urinary flow. These issues can progress over time, potentially contributing to urinary incontinence and declines in sexual function. Despite the prevalence of these concerns, the current natural and pharmaceutical interventions have not consistently met consumer expectations, often due to perceived limitations in efficacy or tolerability.

Clinical Study Highlights Improvements in Urinary Symptoms

The clinical trial evaluated the effects of USPlus PRO supplementation in men aged 45 to 80 experiencing primarily moderate to severe LUTS. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 240 mg of the proprietary free fatty acid extract or a placebo over a 12-week period.

According to the study findings, participants receiving USPlus PRO experienced measurable improvements in urinary symptoms as early as four weeks, as indicated by reductions in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a commonly used clinical metric for assessing LUTS severity.

By week 12, the treatment group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across multiple endpoints, including total IPSS scores, voiding subscores, and specific symptoms such as incomplete bladder emptying and weak urinary stream. The study also reported reductions in nighttime urination frequency and improvements in overall bladder emptying satisfaction compared to baseline.

Investigators noted that participants experienced a 50% reduction in weak urinary stream frequency and a 60% reduction in straining during urination over the study period.

Evidence Suggests Added Benefits for Sexual Function

In addition to urinary health outcomes, the study assessed sexual function using the Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI). Results indicated statistically significant improvements in total scores and erection-related domains among participants taking the branded saw palmetto extract.

Notably, improvements in sexual function were reported as early as four weeks into supplementation, with potential to opening the door benefits in the greater men’s wellness space.

“USPlus PRO’s clinical outcomes and proven benefits offers brands the opportunity to move beyond just prostate health to a broader men’s health territory by providing fast acting relief and experiential benefits within a month,” noted Uma Palaniswamy, Valensa International’s CEO and president.

Among men aged 50 and older, the study reported a 3.5-fold improvement in sexual function outcomes compared to placebo, suggesting potential crossover benefits that extend beyond traditional prostate health positioning.

Researchers involved in the study emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that achieving meaningful outcomes across urinary and sexual health endpoints within a single intervention remains relatively uncommon among natural ingredients.

Mechanism and Formulation Considerations

USPlus PRO is derived from Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) and standardized for a proprietary profile of free fatty acids. The ingredient is designed to modulate the 5-alpha-reductase type 2 (5AR-2) enzyme, which plays a role in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a pathway commonly associated with prostate health.

By concentrating specific free fatty acids linked to this mechanism, the ingredient aims to deliver efficacy at a relatively low daily dose of 240 mg. This lower inclusion rate may offer formulation flexibility for supplement developers, particularly in delivery formats where space constraints or sensory considerations are factors.

Valensa also reports that the ingredient demonstrated a favorable safety profile in the study, with no significant adverse events noted.

References

1. Valensa International’s Next-Gen Patented Saw Palmetto Extract Provides Triple Action for Men’s Health. Valensa International. March 19, 2026. Press release provided via email. Accessed March 26, 2026.

2. Rao A. et al. Efficacy and Safety of a Proprietary Free Fatty Acid Rich Saw Palmetto Extract (USPlus PRO) for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Males: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Food and Nutrition Sciences. March 2026; Vol. 17, No. 3. doi: 10.4236/fns.2026.173021