Is Saw Palmetto Safe?

Saw palmetto is a medicinal herb that comes from the saw palmetto palm tree, native to the Southeastern part of the United States and the West Indies. This plant is also known as a cabbage palm or an American dwarf palm tree. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that saw palmetto is generally safe; however, there are a few associated side effects, so talk to your health-care provider before taking it.

Purpose

Saw palmetto's main medicinal purpose is to improve symptoms of urinary problems from an enlarged prostate or symptoms of prostate cancer. It is also used for irregular hormones and a low sex drive, hair loss, bladder disorders and ongoing pelvic pain.

Side Effects

Side effects from taking saw palmetto include stomach discomfort, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and headache. However, MedlinePlus explains that these side effects occur just as much with a sugar pill, so it is not confirmed that the saw palmetto is the cause. There is also a chance that saw palmetto can cause pancreas and liver damage, although not enough research has yet backed this up.

Special Populations

Certain populations do need to use caution with saw palmetto. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use this herb because it mimics hormones, causing it to be a potential danger. Also, it might slow blood clotting and cause too much bleeding during and after surgery. MedlinePlus recommends stopping taking it two weeks or more before your surgery. Further, children should not take saw palmetto

Medications

Saw palmetto can also interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before taking saw palmetto along with birth control pills and estrogen because of its hormone-like qualities, or with drugs to slow blood clotting. It can also counteract iron absorption and should not be taken with medications for BPH.