Is Permixon available in India?

Q: I read on the Internet that Permixon, a French drug made of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), is good for management of prostrate gland. Where is it available in India? Alternately, can I get supply from overseas?

A:Saw palmetto is a herbal product that has not undergone mandatory clinical trials acceptable to drug regulators on safety and efficacy (such as animal toxicological studies, reproductive studies, carcinogenic studies, bioequivalence studies, etc.). It is not approved by drug regulators of advanced countries like US, Canada, etc. It is being promoted on the Internet and lay media for a large number of disorders with different causes and affecting different organs. It is not approved for use in India, and hence is not manufactured here. One should be extra cautious while using unapproved medicines since symptomatic relief, even if it occurs, may mask sinister disorders (such as malignancy).