L-arginine is classified as a semiessential amino acid, while saw palmetto supplements are derived from the saw palmetto plant and are used by men throughout the world to promote prostate health. A semiessential amino acid is a compound your body typically produces in substantial amounts, yet supplementation may be required due to circumstances such as during growth spurts or if you have a genetic condition that hinders your ability to synthesize this compound. Before supplementing with L-arginine or saw palmetto, talk with your doctor regarding its safety.
About Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has been used as a food and medicine by Native Americans for generations. Some of its traditional uses include increasing sperm production, enhancing sex drive and treating urinary tract infections in men. While most of its traditional uses have been debunked by modern science, researchers believe this herb may be beneficial for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is the noncancerous growth of the prostate gland. The primary active compounds in saw palmetto include plant sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids and polysaccharides. While preliminary research found saw palmetto to be as effective at treating BPH symptoms as a prescription medication, other studies found no benefit over the placebo. Further studies are underway to determine the true medicinal value of saw palmetto on BPH and other conditions.
About L-Arginine
L-arginine is one of the chemicals responsible for the production of nitric oxide, which is used by your body to widen blood vessels. Initial evidence suggests arginine may indirectly help treat conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, erectile dysfunction and other vascular diseases by increasing artery width and enhancing blood flow. While most people naturally create ample amounts of L-arginine, supplementation may be used to treat medical conditions or enhance athletic performance. The use of L-arginine supplements should be overseen by your physician to ensure you are not receiving too much or too little of this amino acid.
Dosage Recommendations
Saw palmetto may be consumed in capsule or tea form. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 160 mg of saw palmetto two times per day. Make sure you use a supplement with an 85 to 95 percent fatty acid concentration for maximum effectiveness. While you can consume saw palmetto as a tea, it may not be an effective intake method, because the primary active compounds of this herb are not water-soluble so they may not be absorbed by the water.
The exact dosage of L-arginine varies according to the reason you're supplementing with this compound. MayoClinic.com reports the average therapeutic dosage of arginine ranges from 400 to 6,000 mg per day. Talk with your doctor to determine the best dosage for you.
Safety Warnings
While saw palmetto is generally considered safe for healthy adults, side effects such as minor headaches and upset stomach have been reported. Because saw palmetto may affect hormone levels, pregnant or lactating women should not use this herb. As with any supplement, L-arginine carries the risk of adverse side effects, which include diarrhea, bloating, rash and low back pain.
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