If you have questions regarding safe dosing of saw palmetto supplements, contact your healthcare provider for advice. Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. The effects of supplements vary from person to person and depend on many variables, including type, dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements.
Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement known for its potential benefits in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. However, there has been speculation about the effects of saw palmetto on heart health.
Studies have shown that saw palmetto may have some impact on cardiovascular health. Some research suggests that saw palmetto can potentially lower blood pressure, which could be beneficial for individuals with hypertension. However, there is also concern that saw palmetto may have negative effects on the heart.
Saw palmetto is best known as an alternative or complementary treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. Compounds in saw palmetto are thought to improve lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH, including nocturia (nighttime urination), frequent urination, decreased urine flow, incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary urgency. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a type of palm native to the southeastern United States, is commonly used in supplements to improve prostate health, balance hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men.
On a more positive note, saw palmetto may be of use in reducing PSA levels if raised levels are found. Pregnant women or those breast feeding should not take saw palmetto; there is not enough research on saw palmetto and its effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Supplements can increase the chances of unplanned pregnancy by making contraceptives less effective. Saw palmetto is considered safe and generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Some of the most common side effects that you may experience when taking saw palmetto supplements, though, include constipation, nausea, headache, and dizziness.
One of the main concerns is that saw palmetto may interact with medications commonly prescribed for heart conditions. This could potentially lead to adverse effects or interfere with the effectiveness of these medications.
About one-half of adults in the United States say they have used one or more supplements in the past 30 days. But only about 25% of people who take herbal supplements tell their health care providers. And as many as 25% of people also take medicines ordered for them by their health care providers, also called prescription medicines. Even though higher doses of saw palmetto have been used in research studies, it doesn’t mean that high doses of saw palmetto are more effective or appropriate for everyone.
Some people think that saw palmetto prevents testosterone from being broken down. When testosterone cannot break down naturally, the levels of the hormone in the body go up. Saw palmetto remedies contain an extract taken from the berries of the tree. Traditionally, Native Americans of the Seminole tribe ate berries from the saw palmetto tree to ease urinary and reproductive problems, among other ailments.
Participants took 320 milligrams (mg) of the extract as a capsule each day for 12 weeks. There is not yet enough research on saw palmetto for the treatment of OAB. This article looks at whether saw palmetto may help with OAB and other treatment options for OAB.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking saw palmetto, especially if you have a history of heart problems or are currently taking medication for a heart condition. Your doctor can provide guidance on whether saw palmetto is safe for you to use and if there are any potential risks involved.
In conclusion, while saw palmetto may offer benefits for certain health conditions, there is a possibility that it could have an impact on heart health. It is essential to approach the use of saw palmetto with caution and seek medical advice before incorporating it into your routine, particularly if you have underlying heart issues.
