As an herbal extract sold for many purposes, saw palmetto provides benefits, but also poses risks for use. Saw palmetto may have some benefit as a diuretic or to treat prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto provides no benefit in your quest to lose body fat. As with any supplement, consult your health care provider prior to use.
Diuresis
Diuresis, or the loss of water, is the only effect remotely related to weight loss that comes from using saw palmetto. Weight loss through water loss is transient at best, as soon as the effects of the supplement wear off, you will return to your previous status. Water loss through diuretic use is no way to achieve long-term weight loss and presents numerous risks, including kidney dysfunction. Avoid these issues by utilizing the safer methods of exercise and diet for effective long-term weight loss.
Uses
The most common effective use of saw palmetto is as a treatment for benign prostrate hypertrophy. Saw palmetto is also used to treat prostate cancer, although the effectiveness of this method remains inconclusive. Saw palmetto is often used to treat common ailments such as colds, coughs or breathing irregularities. Saw palmetto is sometimes used as a relaxant or as an aphrodisiac. Unfortunately, according to 2010 report by the National Institutes of Health, other than treating benign prostate hypertrophy, there is no evidence to support the use of saw palmetto in treating any other condition.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
The prostate is a male gland which, when enlarged, can restrict the flow of urine. Enlargement of the prostate is common in most men, but is not an indication of prostate cancer. The causes are unknown, but it occurs as men age. Incidences of enlargement begin to occur when men pass 40, and it is present in over 90 percent of men past age 80. Less than half of all men who have an enlarged prostate show signs, and proper diagnosis requires an exam.
Use of Saw Palmetto
Given that the only real use of saw palmetto is in treating an enlarged prostate, some concerns need to be stated. When using saw palmetto extract, some people have reported various mild symptoms such as dizziness and headache, but no corroboration of these results was achieved. Do not use saw palmetto if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you are going to use saw palmetto for an enlarged prostate, use no more than 450 mg per day.
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