Saw palmetto is a small palm tree that produces berries that are used for medicinal purposes. The herb comes in many forms, including fluid extracts, teas, whole berries, tablets, capsules and tinctures. Its active ingredients are fatty acids, plant sterols and flavonoids. The berries contain type of sugar that is able to reduce inflammation and improve the immune system. Saw palmetto has many uses, particularly for men. You should speak with your physician to ensure that saw palmetto is safe for you.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the enlargement of the prostate gland that usually occurs as men get older. The prostate is a gland between the bladder and the urethra in men. As it enlarges, it presses against the urethra, blocking the proper flow of urine. Symptoms include increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating and dribbling after urinating. Dihydrotesterone, or DHT, is a male hormone that stimulates the enlargement of the prostate. Saw palmetto blocks the production and promotes the breakdown of DHT; this leads to a relief in the symptoms of BPH. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies show that this herbal product is as effective in treating symptoms as finasteride, a prescription drug used for the treatment of BPH. Some studies indicate that saw palmetto may shrink the size of the prostate, but these studies were too short to determine the true effectiveness. If you develop symptoms of BPH, see your doctor to obtain the correct diagnosis.
Prostate Cancer
Saw palmetto may be helpful in the treatment of prostate cancer. In September of 2007, the "International Journal of Oncology" published a study in which researchers extracted saw palmetto from a product called PC-SPEC, which is a mixture of eight herbs, and studied its effect on cancer cells. Saw palmetto blocked the growth of prostate cancer cells and enhanced the automated cell death of cancer cells. It also blocked the growth of prostate cancer cells in tumors in mice and did not cause any adverse effects. Further human studies are required to determine if this herb can be used as treatment.
Male-Pattern Baldness
Saw palmetto blocks some of the effects of testosterone and may reduce male-pattern baldness. This is similar to the action of finasteride, sold as Propecia, which reduces male-pattern baldness. However, more studies are needed to determine if saw palmetto is effective for this indication.
Surgery
Patients may use saw palmetto to recover after prostate surgery. It may reduce bleeding after surgery and reduce the use of a catheter, explains Mayo Clinic. However, studies are unclear and further data is needed.
Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a disease that causes chronic pain in the pelvic and groin regions, painful urination and difficulty urinating. Saw palmetto may reduce these symptoms, but more studies are necessary to assess long-term improvement of this disease.
Member Comments