GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Saw palmetto was traditionally used as a remedy for chronic cystitis (bladder inflammation), urinary tract infections, sex hormone disorders,
impotence and frigidity, and respiratory tract diseases.
Today, Saw palmetto is most widely used as an herbal remedy
for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms, including discomfort and excessive
night-time urination.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Saw palmetto contains a number of compounds
with potential therapeutic effects. Researchers have not yet identified with certainty the BPH related compounds, although the evidence
points to certain fatty acids and sterols with either enzyme
or hormone-related effects. A recent study found that a saw
palmetto extract significantly reduced excessive
urination both at night and during the day. 85% of the study’s participants had their condition either stabilize or improve over the study’s three-year period. Results of a study by
Goldmann et al revealed that Saw Palmetto Berry
Extract (SPBE) inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells
and decreased the expression of the enzyme Cox-2. Increased expression of Cox-2 is associated
with an increased risk of prostate cancer, thus the findings
suggest that Saw Palmetto may help to protect against this
common disease. Animal studies have suggested that the fruit and extracts also have anti-allergic
and immune-system-stimulating properties.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Saw palmetto is sold in capsules, liquids, and
standardized extract; it is frequently combined with pygeum (Pygeum africanum), an herb with a
somewhat less-established reputation for improving prostate
health. Although saw palmetto is also available as a tea,
the fatty acids in the herb thought to be at least
partly responsible for its effects do not dissolve
well in water; thus, drinking a tea would not be effective against BPH. An average dose
of saw palmetto is 160mg of an extract standardized for 85
to 95% fatty acids and sterols.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No long-term toxicity has been reported. Large amounts of the berry are reported to cause
diarrhea. Given Saw palmetto’s welldocumented hormonal
actions, the herb may interact with prostate medicines or
hormonal treatments (including hormone replacement
therapy), possibly cancelling out their effectiveness
or causing unwanted side effects. Saw
palmetto should also be avoided in patients with a
hormone-dependent illness such as breast cancer, and those
who are pregnant or lactating.
