Saw palmetto is an herbal treatment used for a number of medical conditions. The basis of saw palmetto's popularity to effectively work as a treatment rests in anecdotal evidence or conjecture, as opposed to scientific evidence for most ailments, including acne.
While saw palmetto is regarded as a safe supplement, side effects do occur and it can cause interactions with other medications, so check with your doctor before taking.
The Plant
Saw palmetto is a plant that typically grows in southeastern United States. Also known as the American Dwarf Palm Tree, the plants may reach heights of up to 10 feet. The plant produces white flowers and berries. The berries are a yellow/orange color and begin to turn black as they ripen. Berries are typically harvested between late August and early October each year.
Acne
Saw palmetto may work as an acne treatment because it can prevent testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, in the body. The conversion takes place through an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase and MayoClinic.com states that saw palmetto appears to inhibit the conversion process. Too much DHT in the body may create acne, so if saw palmetto prevents the formation of DHT it can stop acne. This has not been proven scientifically.
Dosage/Usage
Jacqueline Jacques, M.D., a naturopathic physician and medical director and board member of Catalina Lifesciences LLC, states that saw palmetto can be beneficial to hormone-related acne. Her recommended dosage is 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice daily.
Saw palmetto may also be purchased in whole berry capsules, and MayoClinic.com recommends 1 to 2 grams daily. Other doses include 2 to 4 mL of tincture three times daily and 1 to 2 mL of liquid extract of berry pulp.
Tea can be made by mixing 2 tsp. of dried berries with 24 oz. of water and simmering until 12 oz. of water remains, but may not be effective since saw palmetto's active ingredients are not soluble in water.
Safety
Saw palmetto is widely regarded as a safe supplement, with the most common reported side effects being nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea and headaches.
Saw palmetto may interfere with some prescription drugs, such as blood-thinners and finasteride, a treatment for male pattern baldness, and should not be taken without consulting a physician first.
Saw palmetto is not recommended for children and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, due to possible changes in the hormones. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that women who have had hormonal-related cancer or who are at risk of it should also refrain from saw palmetto.
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