Serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto, is a palm-like plant with berries that are usable for food and medicinal purposes. As an herbal remedy, saw palmetto is generally thought to be safe in recommended doses, and side effects are very rare, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult with a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Most Common Use
The main use of saw palmetto is for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Saw palmetto is the most popular herbal treatment for this condition in the United States, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health at its Medline Plus website. Not all men experience symptoms with BPH, but the condition can cause frequent urination, difficulty urinating and incomplete bladder emptying. It's important to see a doctor to rule out cancer rather than self-treating with saw palmetto if you have these symptoms.
Effectiveness for BPH
Research results are mixed about the effectiveness of saw palmetto for treating symptoms of BPH, according to the UMMC. Some studies do not support saw palmetto for this use, while others show the herb is as effective as the prescription medicine finasteride, without disagreeable side effects associated with the medication. Medline Plus gives saw palmetto the grade "A" for treating BPH symptoms, noting that although research quality has been inconsistent, overall the results indicate effectiveness.
How It Works
Saw palmetto may work against BPH by affecting testosterone levels and by decreasing the amount of an enzyme that promotes the growth of prostate cells, explains the UMMC. Saw palmetto also has anti-inflammatory effects. It contains chemical compounds that may be beneficial for treating BPH, such as fatty acids, flavonoids and plant sterols. It has high amounts of the plant sterol beta-sitosterol, theorized to be effective by itself for treating BPH.
Other Conditions
Saw palmetto shows potential for treating other health conditions as well, although research with humans is lacking. Research with animals shows that saw palmetto inhibits the growth of tumors, according to the UMMC. In addition, because it may block some effects of testosterone, saw palmetto may be helpful for male pattern hair loss similar to the way finasteride is.
Usage
Saw palmetto is available as dried berries, liquid extract and tincture, and dried extract in capsules and tablets. The UMMC advises buying saw palmetto products that are fat soluble and standardized to contain 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Saw palmetto active ingredients are not soluble in water, so tea may not be effective. The recommended dosage for early stages of BPH is liposterolic extract of saw palmetto in capsules at 160 mg twice per day.
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