Saw palmetto, also referred to as cabbage palm or American dwarf palm, is an herbal supplement that comes from a small tree native to the eastern United States. Commonly used in Europe, saw palmetto is the most popular herbal treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.
How It Works
Researchers are not entirely sure how saw palmetto works but believe that the herb may reduce the amount of testosterone in a man's body as well as decrease the amount of an enzyme that triggers the growth of prostate cells, which leads to prostate enlargement. Because saw palmetto may help reduce the size of the prostate gland, it can lead to improvements in the symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating and the need to urinate during the night.
Evidence
Evidence is mixed about whether saw palmetto is an effective treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy, although several studies support its use. Some research shows that saw palmetto may be as effective in treating BPH as a common medication called finasteride, and other research shows that saw palmetto may actually reduce the size of the prostate gland.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, however, a study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 2009 reported that saw palmetto was no more effective than a placebo in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Considerations
A study published in the "International Journal of Oncology" in 2007 found that saw palmetto may inhibit the growth of tumor cells, possibly making it effective in the treatment of prostate cancer. More research is necessary before any definitive statements can be made. You should not use saw palmetto as a substitute for proper medical care. If you have BPH or prostate cancer, you should visit your doctor.
Warnings
You should not use saw palmetto in conjunction with medications to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy. Saw palmetto may also increase the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin and aspirin, so you should use caution when taking saw palmetto if you are on these medications. Taking saw palmetto with blood thinners can lead to abnormal bleeding and decreased blood clotting ability.
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