High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious cardiovascular ailment affecting nearly one in every three Americans, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. High blood pressure is defined as having a systolic number greater than 140 millimeters of mercury and a diastolic number greater than 90 millimeters of mercury. Hypertension is attributed to causing heart failure, coronary heart disease, kidney failure and stroke. While prescription medications are available to assist in lowering high blood pressure, natural herbs, such as saw palmetto, may be beneficial for reducing hypertension.
Saw Palmetto Active Compounds
The Mayo Clinic says the medicinal use of saw palmetto dates to the ancient Mayans, when it was mainly used as an antiseptic and expectorant. The University of Maryland Medical Center says the active compounds within saw palmetto include plant sterols, fatty acids, polysaccharides and flavonoids. The herb's medicinal qualities come from antioxidants. Antioxidants work within the body to suppress the damage caused by free radicals, and the Oregon State University Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology says flavonoids may potentially have anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-tumor benefits.
Saw Palmetto and Blood Pressure
InteliHealth from Aetna reports that the use of saw palmetto to lower high blood pressure is not proven through scientific research. While scientific data is unavailable to determine this herb's effectiveness for high blood pressure, some of the herb's active compounds have shown ability to treat hypertension. Dr. Lee Hooper of the University of East Anglia in Norwich, U.K., says flavonoids may help reduce high blood pressure. However, because there are various subclasses of flavonoids, it is not clear if saw palmetto flavonoids have the same effect as soy protein or cocoa flavonoids on high blood pressure.
Dosage Recommendations
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming a fat-soluble version of saw palmetto extract with a minimum of 85 percent fatty acids and plant sterols, also known as liposterolic content. Take 160 mg of saw palmetto extract two times per day. Saw palmetto may also be consumed in berry, tea and tincture form.
Warnings
As with any natural supplement, discuss the use of saw palmetto with your doctor before beginning a regimen, especially if you are taking medications for high blood pressure or any other medical condition. National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus urges caution with certain medications, such as birth control drugs, estrogen medications and anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications. Some of the more common side effects of saw palmetto include upset stomach and minor headaches. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center says women who are nursing or pregnant should not consume saw palmetto.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; What Is High Blood Pressure?; April 2011
- Medline Plus; Saw Palmetto; December 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Saw Palmetto; July 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens [Bartram] Small); April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Saw Palmetto; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; February 2009
- InteliHealth; Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens); September 2008
