That’s why Smarter Reviews compiled years of research on saw palmetto supplements, laying out what to look for, what to avoid, and 2021’s Top 5 supplements all in this quick guide. While there is some evidence to support the fact that saw palmetto might have a positive impact, its potential side effects have not been well studied. Since it acts as a hormone, women should not take saw palmetto during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Women considering taking a herb or supplement during pregnancy should discuss it first with a doctor.
This supplement lists a lot of great ingredients such as beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto, but it fails to use the clinically studied version of it. This means there’s a change that the version of saw palmetto that Proaxil was formulated with might be adulterated and watered down. 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 worse, many of these botanicals may contain unstudied chemicals that can have unknown long-term effects.
Some people take saw palmetto to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Other side effects are generally mild and comparable to other BPH treatments. However, patients with smaller prostates have a higher rate of scar tissue formation after this procedure. Compared to placebo, Pygeum africanum provided a moderately large improvement in bothersome urinary symptoms and in urinary flow.
Saw palmetto may reduce inflammation and protect your body against the growth of cancer cells. Though both produced negative side effects on male sexual function, the saw palmetto supplement led to smaller drops in libido and lower impotence compared to the conventional drug treatment (12). A review of 12 randomized controlled studies — the gold standard in nutrition research — compared Permixon with conventional drug therapy as a treatment for BPH and LUTS.
5α-Reductase derived from rat liver was also inhibited by the fatty acids (Liu et al., 2009). Inhibition of type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase activity was only observed with fatty acids whereas esterified fatty acids, alcohols, and sterols were inactive in inhibition of either type 1 or type 2 isoforms (Raynaud et al., 2002). In summary, anti-androgenic effect of SPE has been primarily studied in relation to its efficacy in BPH-related LUTS. As described above, studies also suggested that pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects are involved in beneficial effect of SPE (Fig. 1). Unfortunately, reported studies were largely conducted in vitro and the relevance of the mechanisms described above in prevention and treatment of BPH-related LUTS should be further validated at a clinical level (Fagelman and Lowe, 2001). It was also suggested that SPE efficacy may related to relaxation of lower urinary tract smooth muscles.
Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects many men as they age. It can cause urinary problems such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or maintaining a steady stream, and feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. While there are various treatment options available for BPH, some men are turning to natural remedies like saw palmetto as a preventative measure.
The makers of ProstaBiome disclose all ingredients in the formula upfront. We know the overall dosage of those proprietary formulas, but we don’t know the specific ingredients that make up those proprietary formulas. ProstaBiome is exclusively sold through ProstaBiome.com, where it’s priced at $59 per bottle. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about ProstaBiome and how it works today in our review. In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a type of palm tree native to the southeastern United States. The fruit of the saw palmetto plant has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat urinary and reproductive issues. Today, it is commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in supporting prostate health.
How Does Saw Palmetto Work?
The exact mechanism of action of saw palmetto in supporting prostate health is not fully understood. However, it is believed that saw palmetto may help reduce inflammation and block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to the growth of prostate tissue.
Is Saw Palmetto Effective for Enlarged Prostate?
While studies on the effectiveness of saw palmetto for BPH have yielded mixed results, some men report experiencing relief from urinary symptoms after taking saw palmetto supplements. It is important to note that saw palmetto is not a cure for BPH, but rather a complementary approach that may help alleviate symptoms.
FAQs about Saw Palmetto and Enlarged Prostate
- Can saw palmetto be used as a standalone treatment for BPH?
- Are there any side effects associated with saw palmetto?
- How should saw palmetto be taken for prostate health?
No, saw palmetto is not intended to replace conventional treatments for BPH. It should be used in conjunction with medical advice and prescribed medications.
While saw palmetto is generally considered safe for most men, some individuals may experience mild stomach upset or headaches. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Saw palmetto supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product label or as directed by a healthcare provider.
In conclusion, while saw palmetto may offer some benefits in supporting prostate health and alleviating symptoms of BPH, more research is needed to determine its full effectiveness. Men considering using saw palmetto as a preventative measure for enlarged prostate should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
