What are saw palmetto supplements?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Saw palmetto is an herbal treatment for a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlarged prostate gland).
It is made of the ripe fruit of the saw palmetto plant. The oil soluble (fatty acid) part of the fruit liquid is active in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Many saw palmetto products are standardized based on the fatty acid content. Most saw palmetto extracts used in clinical studies for BPH are berry extracts prepared with lipophilic non-polar solvents containing 80% to 90% free fatty acids.
Saw palmetto has also been used to combat male pattern baldness, prostate cancer, underactive bladder, and prostatitis. However, it has not been proven to help with any of these conditions.
Other names for saw palmetto are:
- palmetto scrub
- saw palmetto berry
- cabbage palm
- palmier de amerique du nord
- American dwarf palm
- dwarf palm
- palmier nain
- Arecaceae/Palmae/serenoa
- Serenoa serrulata
- Serona repens
- Sabal fructus
- savpalme
- sabalfruchte
- sabal
There are a number of brand names of saw palmetto, such as Elusan Prostate, Prostagutt, Strogen, Prostaserine, Permixon, and others.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulSaw palmetto is an herbal treatment for a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlarged prostate gland). It is made of the ripe fruit of the saw palmetto plant. The oil soluble (fatty acid)... More -
dotFIT answered:Saw palmetto is generally associated with prostate health including the urinary track. Saw palmetto extract (SP) is from the fruit of serenoa repens, which is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols. SP is used in alternative medicine for different conditions but primarily for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It has also been used as an energy tonic and treatment of urinary and reproductive system disorders. Other historical applications include treating infertility in women, PMS and as an appetite stimulant. Results of scientific reviews of studies are mixed but differing results may be due to the forms and dosages. One major review concluded: "The evidence suggests that SP (Serenoa repens) provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures comparable to common drug therapy with less side effects”. On that note, few side effects or allergic reactions are related to the use of SP. The most common adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, which may be attenuated by consuming the extract with meals. Although rare, SP may increase the risk of bleeding or affect sex hormones. Simultaneous use of other drugs with like-actions/mechanisms should be avoided.
Saw palmetto is generally associated with prostate health including the urinary track. Saw palmetto extract (SP) is from the fruit of serenoa repens, which is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols. SP is used in alternative medicine for... More -
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata) is used popularly in Europe for symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate). Although not considered standard of care in the United States, it is the most popular herbal treatment for this condition.
Historical use of saw palmetto can be traced in the Americas to the Mayans who used it as a tonic and to the Seminoles who took the berries as an expectorant and antiseptic.
Saw palmetto was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1906 to 1917 and in the National Formulary from 1926 to 1950. Saw palmetto extract is a licensed product in several European countries.
Multiple mechanisms of action have been proposed, and saw palmetto appears to possess 5-%u03B1-reductase inhibitory activity (thereby preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone). Hormonal/estrogenic effects have also been reported, as well as direct inhibitory effects on androgen receptors and anti-inflammatory properties.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata) is used popularly in Europe for symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate). Although not considered standard of care in the United States, it is the most... More
