Is Saw Palmetto Damiana?

Saw palmetto and damiana are distinct plants, although both hail from tropical regions and have diuretic effects. Saw palmetto refers to the dark blue berries from the dwarf American palm, which is used to treat a common and benign prostate condition. The fragrant leaves of the damiana shrub, a rain forest plant, has been used traditionally to strengthen the libido and relax muscles, according to naturopath Leslie Taylor, author of "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs."

Damiana

Damiana's reputation as an aphrodisiac extends back in time to at least the Mayans, according to Taylor. Its botanical name, Turnera aphrodisiaca, reflects this traditional use of the herb's leaves. A closely related plant, Tunera diffusa, has similar physiological effects. In the herbal marketplace, notes Taylor, the two types of damiana are used interchangeably. This herb has a complex chemical structure, which includes alkaloids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids, according to a 2006 article in "Journal of Medicinal Food."

Saw Palmetto

Another name for the saw palmetto tree is the dwarf American palm, which grows naturally on the southeast coast of the United States. This semi-tropical tree blooms with white flowers, which develop into the ripe dark berries, which are dried and used medicinally. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, saw palmetto berries contain bioactive constituents that include plant sterols, fatty acids and flavonoids. In addition, saw palmetto's polysaccharides may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Damiana and Health Conditions

Traditional Brazilian herbalists depend on damiana's therapeutic properties for illnesses such as diabetes, anxiety, kidney and gallbladder diseases, impotence and malaria. Damian leaf tea given to laboratory animals in at least two studies lowered blood glucose levels, notes Taylor. In a 2005 study in "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy," scientists evaluated the action of methanol extract of damiana leaf on laboratory mice. Damiana demonstrated statistically significant alleviation of anxiety. Use only under the supervision of a physician qualified in the appropriate use of damiana.

Saw Palmetto and BPH

Symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy, BPH, which is the clinical term for an enlarged, non-cancerous prostate gland, include frequent or nighttime urination, and difficulty in urinating. A 1996 issue of "Drugs and Aging" reports that human clinical trials of a proprietary saw palmetto extract, Permixon, generally observed a reduction in BPH symptoms greater than the placebo. In particular, those men who ingested saw palmetto extract experienced less dysuria, or painful urination. Please discuss all medical and nutrition questions with your health care provider.