Does Saw Palmetto Elevate Blood Pressure?

Valued as an herbal treatment for male prostate disorders, saw palmetto is an anti-androgenic herb, meaning it inhibits the effects of male sex hormones, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." Sold in grocery stores and in health food stores, saw palmetto is safe for most people, but some side effects are possible. If you suffer from high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using saw palmetto, or any other herbal remedy.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious medical disorder that puts you at an increased risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Your blood pressure reading, written in two numbers, one over the other, indicates the force with which blood pumps through your vessels. A reading of 120/80 mm Hg, or lower, is optimal. If your blood pressure reading is consistently higher, your doctor may prescribe medications and lifestyle modifications.

Saw Palmetto

The saw palmetto plant, or Serenoa repens, is native to the United States, where it grows abundantly in the southern Pacific coastal region. The herb contains steroids, flavonoids, fatty oils and polysaccharides, which may be responsible for its effects on male hormones. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" does not list elevated blood pressure as a known side effect of saw palmetto, but extensive studies on the adverse actions of the herb are lacking.

Saw Palmetto's Effect on Blood Pressure

There is no scientific research indicating saw palmetto affects blood pressure. However, MayoClinic.com lists "high blood pressure" as a reported, but unconfirmed, complaint from use of the herb. Since the safety of saw palmetto cannot be verified, only your doctor can determine whether the herb is right for you.

Considerations

MayoClinic.com notes that there are few severe side effects of saw palmetto noted in scientific literature, but user complaints include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bad breath, diarrhea, and constipation. Avoid taking saw palmetto if you have any health disorders or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA does not oversee the manufacture of herbal remedies so you have no guarantee that the herb you purchase is free from chemical or botanical contaminants, which may trigger additional side effects. Buy saw palmetto from a reputable manufacturer, and use the herb under a doctor's supervision.