How is Saw Palmetto used in Herbal Medicine?

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a widely used herb, treating the common condition in older men of a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The plant is a small palm tree that produces berries that were a staple food and medicine for the Native Americans of the southeastern United States. Its main application today is to relieve some of the symptoms associated with the common problem of BPH, especially difficulties with passing urine.

Clinical studies suggest that it is effective for treating the discomforting symptoms of BPH, including too-frequent urination, having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate during the night. Some studies suggest that Saw Palmetto is as effective in treating the symptoms of BPH as the commonly prescribed medication, without the unpleasant side effects such as loss of libido.