Native Americans have used serenoa repens, or saw palmetto, for food and medicinal purposes for centuries. In the early 1900s, men used the palm-like plant to increase sperm production, boost libido and treat urinary tract infections. Today, many herbalists and holistic practitioners use saw palmetto to treat enlargement of the prostate. You should consult your physician before you use saw palmetto for the treatment of any condition.
The Basics
Saw palmetto is a fan palm and grows as a tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 10 feet in warm climates. Saw palmetto grows throughout South Carolina and Florida and gets its name from the saw-toothed leaves that can grow up to two feet in diameter. The plant's white flowers produce yellow berries that change to a blackish color when ripe. Herbalists use these berries to make saw palmetto supplements. The active part of the plant is the sterols and fatty acids in these berries, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds a man's urethra and helps create semen, the fluid that contains sperm. After the age of 50, men commonly experience prostate troubles such as an infection of the prostate known as prostatitis, or enlargement of the prostate known as benign prostatic hypertrophy. Men may also develop prostate cancer. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, says prostate problems often cause inflammation that can cause the urethra to narrow, leading to an increase in urinary frequency as well as difficulty urinating.
Saw Palmetto and Prostate Health
Saw palmetto is widely used for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, in Italy and Germany. MayoClinic.com reports that saw palmetto improves symptoms of BPH, such as urinary flow output and nighttime urination, similar to prescription medications used to treat BPH. Studies are still under way to research the effects of saw palmetto on other prostate conditions such as prostatitis and prostate cancer. Researchers have studied the effects of the plant on these conditions previously, but with mixed results. If you are considering taking saw palmetto, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your physician.
Warning
Researchers commonly consider saw palmetto safe for most people, according to the NIH, though some people have reported minor digestive complaints such as diarrhea. Some men have also reported impotency problems after taking saw palmetto, which may also slow clotting time by interfering with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, possibly leading to extra bleeding. People should not take the supplement within two weeks of having surgery.
Considerations
Always consult your primary care physician before using any herb medicinally. Once your physician approves, use a holistic practitioner or herbalist to ensure the highest-quality herbal supplement. Some low-grade herbal supplements may contain traces of toxic metals.
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