The Saw Palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is an herbal remedy commonly used to treat bengin prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. According to MayoClinic.com, Mayans historically used Saw Palmetto as an expectorant and antiseptic. Today, its use is approved in European countries for BPH. Although Saw Palmetto is available over-the-counter, you should only use this product under your doctor's direct supervision.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Numerous trials on the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto in treating BPH have been performed. MayoClinic.com states that while Saw Palmetto has been shown to decrease nighttime urination, improve urinary flow and improve quality of life, it has not been shown to shrink an enlarged prostate. Saw Palmetto's effectiveness in treating BPH has not been compared to prescription medications, but has been shown to be more effective than placebo. Always check with your doctor before taking Saw Palmetto for BPH.
Treating Baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Over time, hair follicles shrink and no longer produce hair, although the follicles are still alive. Changes in testosterone levels with age is linked to a reduced production in hair. Saw Palmetto has been used to treat male pattern baldness. Specifically, Saw Palmetto may block some of the effects of testosterone and reduce hair loss, states MayoClinic.com. However, no studies have proven its effectiveness at this time and prescription medications may be more effective. Check with your doctor before trying Saw Palmetto to prevent hair loss.
Treating Prostate Cancer
Saw Palmetto is one of a group of herbs taken in the supplement PC-SPES used to treat prostate cancer. The other supplements in PC-SPES include Chrysanthemum morifolium, Isatis indigotica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ganoderma lucidum, Panax pseudo-ginseng, Rabdosia rubescens and Scutellaria baicalensis. Unfortunately, neither Saw Palmetto alone nor PC-SPES has been scientifically proven to treat prostate cancer. In fact, because PC-SPES contain warfarin, a blood thinner, it may increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Moreover, the U.S. FDA has issued a warning about PC-SPES and it is no longer commercially available, states MayoClinic.com. Traditional treatments or surgery should be preferred in treating prostate cancer. Be sure to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and only take a Saw Palmetto supplement under his supervision.
Safety Concerns
Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that Saw Palmetto is likely safe for most people to use. However, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or on birth control and patients who are taking a blood thinner should not use Saw Palmetto. Side effects are rare, but include upset stomach, headache, dizziness and insomnia. If you experience any side effects from Saw Palmetto, immediately discontinue its use and alert your doctor.
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