Are you considering taking saw palmetto supplements for prostate health or other benefits? Here are some key points to keep in mind before making a decision:
What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. The berries of the plant have been used for centuries by Native Americans as a natural remedy for various health issues.
This article takes an unbiased look at the possible uses and benefits of saw palmetto, as well as potential risks, side effects, and interactions you should be aware of. They could mix poorly with medicines such as aspirin, NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), blood thinners, and hormone treatments. Saw palmetto is commonly used in Europe and the United States as a treatment for enlarged prostate. Individuals interested in taking saw palmetto can discuss dosing information with a health care provider knowledgeable about the herb.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regards dietary supplements like saw palmetto as generally safe for use. Saw palmetto is thought by some to help treat a condition in males called chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). This is a condition of unknown origin that causes pelvic pain lasting for at least six months that is severe enough to limit your ability to function normally. By suppressing androgens, saw palmetto is seen by some as an inexpensive and attractive alternative to prescription hair loss drugs like topical Rogaine (minoxidil) and oral Propecia (finasteride). Saw palmetto contains a variety of compounds that are thought to have medical benefits.
Potential Benefits
Research suggests that saw palmetto supplements may be helpful in managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in aging men. Some studies also indicate that saw palmetto may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Considerations Before Taking Saw Palmetto
- Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
- Be aware of potential side effects such as stomach upset, headache, and dizziness.
- Choose a reputable brand of saw palmetto supplements to ensure quality and safety.
People who have issues related to the prostate or cancer must particularly keep this in mind, as saw palmetto might interfere with other medicines. Similarly, children and pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking this supplement. As a precaution, you must not take saw palmetto supplements on your own or above the recommended dosage. Always consult your physician to know if you require them and decide the dosage.
Saw Palmetto by Nature’s Craft contains 500 mg of saw palmetto berry extract, which is not as high as some products geared toward men. Our favorite in this category is great for women experiencing hair loss. Each bottle of Havasu Nutrition Saw Palmetto provides you with a hundred capsules. The recommended dosage is one capsule per day, so you get three months’ supply with each purchase.
Proaxil comes with a 60-day, money-back guarantee, which is not as comprehensive as the other supplements on this list. Overall, Super Beta Prostate P3 is a solid choice to help improve your prostate health, but there are just simply better options available on the market. This supplement does come with a 365-day, money-back guarantee, giving the customer plenty of time to try the product and decide if it’s the right fit for them. This supplement uses some great ingredients, 320 mg of high-quality Saw Palmetto Oil, 260 mg of Pumpkin Seed Oil, 15 mg of Cranberry Seed Oil, plus a powerful polyphenol antioxidant blend. However, this formula lacks a clinically studied saw palmetto extract and does contain some fillers, such as magnesium stearate.
What’s more, additional studies list decreased libido as a potential side effect of taking saw palmetto supplements — so more research is needed to confirm this (21). Still, it’s unclear whether Permixon has the same effect in healthy men or whether other saw palmetto formulations offer similar protective benefits. Although promising, the research on saw palmetto’s effect on hair loss is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from saw palmetto supplements?
Results may vary, but some individuals report improvements in urinary symptoms within a few weeks of starting saw palmetto supplementation.
Can women take saw palmetto supplements?
While saw palmetto is commonly used by men for prostate health, some women may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
