Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. Its berries have been used for centuries by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes. Today, saw palmetto is commonly used as a natural supplement to promote prostate health in men and to support hormonal balance in women.
Further research, particularly in females and children, is needed to know more about the safety and side effects of saw palmetto. However, a 2020 study looked at the effects of saw palmetto fruit extract on urination issues in 44 adult men between the ages of 40 and 69, compared with a placebo. It is also sometimes used, in combination with other herbs, to treat prostate cancer. Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a small palm tree with medicinal berries. Native to the southeast coast of North America, saw palmetto trees grow in South Carolina down to Florida.
A happy side effect of taking saw palmetto for prostate health is better sexual function. After 24 weeks of supplementation, one group of men found that they were much better able to have an erection—and as a result, felt better about their quality of life. Although the reason behind this benefit is still a mystery, scientists have learned that supplements with higher beta-sitosterol concentrations offer the greatest sexual benefits. When a man’s prostate gland becomes enlarged it puts pressure on the urethra, causing a range of uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing urinary symptoms.
If you’re using the pill to treat acne, but its persistence has you questioning adding saw palmetto, it may be time to find a new treatment for your acne. While it may be tempting to jump on saw palmetto given its benefits, it’s important to note that it is not for everyone. Extracts, on the other hand, mean the fruit has been through a process to extract the active ingredients.
Prostate Health
Saw palmetto has shown promising results in supporting prostate health. It is believed to help reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in men that causes enlargement of the prostate gland. Studies have suggested that saw palmetto may help improve urinary flow and reduce nighttime urination frequency.
Saw palmetto’s anti-androgenic properties may support men’s urinary health. But, its potential to improve women’s urinary function is unlikely to be linked to the anti-androgenic properties of the herb. Among women, this type of hair loss is known as female pattern hair loss and is quite common, although understandably not talked about. FPHL prevalence increases with age with one study showing that 38% of women above the age of 70 who presented to a dermatology clinic for non-hair loss related symptoms experienced FPHL.
Hormonal Balance
For women, saw palmetto can be beneficial in maintaining hormonal balance. It is often used to alleviate symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause. Saw palmetto may help regulate testosterone levels in women, which can contribute to the management of symptoms such as acne, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Very few therapies have been proven effective for pelvic pain, yet supplementing with saw palmetto extract for 12 weeks has been found to reduce symptoms in 73 percent of patients. And unlike many prescription-based therapies, saw palmetto has few side effects. That said, there have been documented reports of saw palmetto supplements causing significant adverse side effects, such as pancreatitis and liver damage. Because saw palmetto has the potential to cause some side effects, it’s important only to take saw palmetto under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
Hair Loss Prevention
In addition to its prostate and hormonal benefits, saw palmetto is also thought to help prevent hair loss. By blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), saw palmetto may inhibit the activity of DHT on hair follicles, reducing hair thinning and promoting hair growth.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Research suggests that saw palmetto possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. By decreasing inflammation, saw palmetto may help alleviate pain and improve overall quality of life.
In conclusion, saw palmetto offers a range of benefits for both men and women. From supporting prostate health and hormonal balance to preventing hair loss and reducing inflammation, this natural supplement has become a popular choice for those looking to improve their overall well-being.
