Native to the southeastern United States, saw palmetto is a small palm tree whose berries were used as both food and medicine by Native Americans. From 1906 to 1917, saw palmetto was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia and from 1926 to 1950 was listed in the National Formulary. Saw palmetto supplements have become popular in the United States in recent years.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Research conducted on the efficacy of using saw palmetto to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, has found mixed results, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Studies have shown that saw palmetto can help relieve symptoms of BPH, including too-frequent urination, trouble starting or maintaining urination and the need for urination throughout the night. Some studies have found that saw palmetto works as well as certain prescription medications for BPH, while others have suggested that saw palmetto may shrink the prostate itself. However, these studies have been short in duration, and it is not possible to tell what effect saw palmetto actually has on prostate symptoms. Another study found that saw palmetto was no more effective in treating BPH symptoms than a placebo. However, MayoClinic.com states that the available evidence favors the efficacy of saw palmetto for treating BPH.
Other Uses
Saw palmetto is sometimes used for other conditions, although there is not enough evidence to determine the efficacy of saw palmetto for their use. These conditions include the prevention of prostate cancer and treatment of baldness, colds and coughs, sore throat, asthma, chronic bronchitis, migraine headache and chronic pelvic pain syndrome as well as for increasing breast size and increasing sex drive.
Dosage Recommendations
Saw palmetto is not recommended for use by children. For use in treating symptoms of BPH, a dose of 160 mg twice daily or one dose of 320 mg daily is recommended. UMMC states that 5 to 6 mL per day of liquid saw palmetto extract may be used but notes that the effectiveness of this preparation has not been studied. Saw palmetto may be consumed as a tea, but the active ingredients in saw palmetto are not water-soluble and will not dissolve. Capsules are recommended over tea when using saw palmetto.
Usage Warnings
Saw palmetto is considered likely safe for most individuals. Mild side effects reported have included dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. According to MedlinePlus, two cases of liver damage and one report of pancreas damage have been reported in individuals who have taken saw palmetto, but there is not enough evidence to determine whether saw palmetto caused this damage. Saw palmetto should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and use should be stopped at least two weeks prior to surgery, as saw palmetto may slow blood clotting. Consult your health care provider before beginning any herbal supplement.
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