Most research on saw palmetto has been conducted in Europe, where it is sold over-the-counter as saw palmetto extract, or SPE. How saw palmetto works is yet unclear, although numerous studies have delved into its clinical effectiveness on the male genitourinary system. Native American medicine men have historically combined saw palmetto with pumpkin seeds and nettle for use as an expectorant, for impotence, infertility and inflammation. Always consult your doctor before using saw palmetto.
The Plant
The saw palmetto grows in the West Indies and the southeastern United States. It is also called Serenoa repens,cabbage palm or palmetto scrub. It can be found as far north as South Carolina and as far west as Texas. Every spring, the shrub produces small white flowers from which berries are harvested in the fall. The berries are dried and ground into powder from which lipophilic extract is taken. The lipophilic extract is the active portion of the saw palmetto that is used in medicinal applications.
How Saw Palmetto Works
In the early 1900s, saw palmetto was used to fight urinary tract infections, increase libido and boost sperm production. The lipophilic extract that comes from the milled berries is made by use of solvents such as ethanol, hexane and hypercritical carbon dioxide. The extract contains 90 percent fatty acids and 7 percent esters, as well as small amounts of aliphatic alcohols, polyprenic compounds and phytosterols. Although it is not clear what part of the berry holds the active ingredient, it is believed to be in the lipophilic extract as opposed to teas or water-soluble forms, according to Creighton University Medical Center.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland. Saw palmetto may affect the levels of enzymes that cause the growth of the prostate cells. Although saw palmetto does not reduce the inflammation of the prostate, it does help in reducing the symptoms, which include frequent urination, starting and continuing the urine flow and urinating at night. A 2006 study in "The Journal of Urology" gave saw palmetto to 44 men between the ages of 45 and 80 years who had BPH. The mechanism of action was not conclusive, but the results were positive, and 41 of the men continued using saw palmetto after the study concluded.
Prostate Cancer
Animal studies show that saw palmetto may help shrink cancer cells, making it useful for prostate tumor cells, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, tests are not conclusive. It is important to know that saw palmetto is not manufactured under strict guidelines in the United States, therefore, you may not know if you are purchasing the active ingredient of saw palmetto. As well, the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia are similar to prostate cancer, and saw palmetto may mask these symptoms, delaying diagnosis of the cancer. Use saw palmetto with caution and with the supervision of your doctor.
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