Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement extracted from the berries of the saw palmetto tree. Supplements containing saw palmetto have many reported uses, including treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. While saw palmetto is suspected to cause interactions with certain medications, complications with the chemical taurine are not widely reported. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking saw palmetto or taurine.
Saw Palmetto
The saw palmetto plant, also called seronoa repens or sabal serrulata, is a small palm tree that commonly grows throughout the southeastern United States. The berries of the saw palmetto tree can be eaten whole, or can be dried, ground and consumed as a powder. Alternatively, extracts from the berries can be formulated into capsules or tablets.
Taurine
Taurine belongs to the categories of biochemicals known as amino acids. Unlike most other amino acids, taurine is not used to synthesize proteins, and instead acts in the body as a single molecule. Taurine occurs naturally in many types of fish and meat. Additionally, taurine is commonly added to energy drinks, and may boost athletic and mental performance, although additional research into these topics is needed, the MayoClinic.com says.
Interaction
Interactions between saw palmetto and taurine are not widely reported. Many health authorities, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center, do not consider taurine a high risk for interacting with saw palmetto. In fact, some manufacturers combine taurine and saw palmetto in libido-enhancing health supplements, although the safety and effectiveness of this combination has not been thoroughly tested.
Known Interactions
Saw palmetto may cause interactions with other prescription medications and over-the-counter health supplements. Saw palmetto can possibly affect the activity of estrogen, and may decrease the effectiveness of medications that contain estrogen, such as hormone replacement therapy and certain birth control pills, reports MedlinePlus. Additionally, saw palmetto may mimic the activity of the prescription drug finasteride, and should not be taken at the same time. Saw palmetto may also have blood-thinning properties, and should not be taken at the same time as other blood-thinners, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or warfarin.
References
- MedlinePlus: Saw Palmetto; December 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto; July 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions with: Saw Palmetto; Steven D. Ehrlich et al.; May 2007
- "Alternative Medicine Reviews"; Therapeutic Applications of Taurine; T.C. Birdsall, April 1998
- MayoClinic.com: Taurine is Listed as an Ingredient in Many Energy Drinks. What is Taurine? Is it Safe?; Katherine Zeratsky; June 2010
- New York Langone Medical Center: Saw Palmetto; August 2011
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