Aging men can begin to have problems with the walnut-size organ beneath their bladder -- the prostate gland. As the gland continues to grow throughout a man's life, bothersome symptoms can arise, such as blocked urine flow and discomfort. Saw palmetto is among the many herbs available to treat prostate conditions. Talk to your doctor to determine whether it's the right herb for you.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a palm-like plant, native to the Southeastern U.S. Protruding from the plant's prickly stems are long, slender leaves, flowers and small berries, which contain essential fatty acids, flavanoids, plant sterols and medicinal sugars. Powdered capsules, tablets, extracts and tinctures, which are formulated from saw palmetto berries, are sold online and in stores.
Uses
Saw palmetto is widely used for conditions of the prostate and most commonly for men with enlarged prostate. However, recent studies prove the herb does help prevent prostate cancer. Other unproved uses include treating hair loss, cold symptoms, asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Efficacy
Saw palmetto is shown to have some positive effects among men with prostate problems, such as enlarged prostate. By shrinking the inner lining of a man's prostate, which constricts the urethra -- the urine-carrying tubes -- some men experience less urinary urgency. In some cases, the herb is purported to work as well as prescription medications; however, a 2006 study following 225 men with enlarged prostate found no benefits to using 320mg of saw palmetto daily for a full year when compared to a placebo, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Side Effects and Cautions
Although saw palmetto is a safe medication for most men with prostate problems, some side effects may occur. Headaches, stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhea are possible. In addition, liver damage and pancreas damage have been reported, although these claims are inconclusive. Talk to your doctor before using saw palmetto, particularly of you're using other medications. For the best results, purchase high-quality products that contain standardized extracts of the herb and at least 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols.
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