Saw palmetto has long been regarded as a primary phytomedicine -- botanical remedy -- and today is placed among the top 10 herbal supplements in the United States, largely because of its use for symptomatic treatment of benign enlargement of the prostate, or BPH. However, there are safety concerns about using saw palmetto, including effects on the liver. Ask your doctor before using saw palmetto.
How It Works
Saw palmetto contains several active substances: fatty acids, plant sterols and flavonoids. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, saw palmetto might lower the amount of an enzyme that enhances prostate cells' growth, an effect that may be responsible for its actions in managing benign prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto may also produce anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic and sedative effects, says DrugDigest.org.
Preparations
Saw palmetto supplements are available in capsule, tablet, tincture and liquid extract form. Some take saw palmetto as a tea made from the dried berries. However, UMMC reports that because the active ingredients in saw palmetto are not soluble in water, the tea may not be very effective. Saw palmetto supplements in capsule form that are standardized to contain 85 percent to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols are recommended, says UMMC.
Liver Problems
According to the National Institutes of Health, several cases of liver problems have been reported from saw palmetto use. A report of possible acute liver toxicity from saw palmetto was published in "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" in 2010. After the patient discontinued saw palmetto, all symptoms disappeared within a few weeks. However, an animal study published in the journal "Phytomedicine" in 2007 found no evidence of liver toxicity from saw palmetto.
Other Considerations
Saw palmetto may cause some mild and temporary side effects such as stomach upset, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache and light-headedness. Because saw palmetto may slow down your blood clotting, avoid taking it within two weeks of surgery or with medicines that also slow blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or warfarin. You should not take saw palmetto if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Always ask your doctor before using any supplement, particularly if you have health problems or are taking other medicines.
References
- Drugs.com: Saw Palmetto
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Saw Palmetto
- DrugDigest.org: Saw Palmetto
- National Institutes of Health: Saw Palmetto
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Acute Liver Damage Due To Serenoa Repens: A Case Report; F Lapi, et al.; May 2010
- "Phytomedicine"; Hepatotoxicity Potential of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) in Rats; YN Singh, et al.; Feb 2007
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