If you do want to try natural remedies, talk to your doctor first. Some herbal treatments can interact with prescription medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the quality or purity of herbal supplements. Inhibitory activity of individual fatty acids has been found to vary in different studies as described below, probably due to the use of different assay systems. When two isoforms of 5α-reductase were tested separately, lauric acid was active against both isoforms whereas palmitic acid and stearic acid were inactive against both isoforms (Raynaud et al., 2002).
Little research exists on effective dosages when the saw palmetto berries are eaten whole or steeped to make a tea. More serious side effects like liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death have been reported in isolated cases. However, it isn’t always clear whether saw palmetto was the cause (21, 25, 26, 27). 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). Although promising, the research on saw palmetto’s effect on hair loss is limited.
Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition among aging men. It can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine stream, and difficulty starting or stopping urination. Many men turn to natural remedies like saw palmetto to help alleviate these symptoms.
According to test-tube studies, it may also have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but more research in these areas is needed. Therefore, use is strongly discouraged in children, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. Still, it’s unclear whether Permixon has the same effect in healthy men or whether other saw palmetto formulations offer similar protective benefits. It’s possible that the effects vary based on the strength of the individual formulation.
Other men may feel like they need to pass urine all the time, or they are awakened during sleep with the sudden need to pass urine. Early BPH symptoms take many years to turn into bothersome problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition among people over 50 years old and current research doesn’t show a clear way to prevent it.
Studies have suggested that phytosterols may be beneficial in BPH treatment due to their anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects (Freeman and Solomon, 2011; Scholtysek et al., 2009). Î’-Sitosterol inhibited proliferation of human prostate cancer cells (von Holtz et al., 1998) and growth of tumors derived from PC-3 human prostate cancer cells (Awad et al., 2001). In spite of various concentrations of total fatty acid depending on SPE products, the composition of saw palmetto prepared by a similar extraction method was found to be comparable (Booker et al., 2014).
It’s generally thought to be safe for adults when you take it as directed. But it can affect the way other supplements or medicines work. It may also have mild side effects like stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness, tender breasts, and a decline in sexual desire. A man’s prostate gland, which is about the size of a walnut, helps make seminal fluid (semen). BPH, which is very common among men as they get older, happens when that gland gets larger than it should be. That can start to block the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of a man’s body, and cause trouble with urination, like starting or stopping, peeing too often, or having to pee during the night.
What is saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. Its berries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat urinary and reproductive issues, including BPH. The active ingredients in saw palmetto are thought to help reduce inflammation and improve urine flow.
Does saw palmetto work for enlarged prostate?
While some studies have shown that saw palmetto may help improve symptoms of BPH, the evidence is not conclusive. Some men report feeling relief from their symptoms after taking saw palmetto supplements, while others see no improvement.
It’s important to note that saw palmetto is not regulated by the FDA, so the quality and dosage of supplements can vary. Before starting any new treatment for BPH, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks.
In conclusion, saw palmetto may offer some relief for men experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. As with any natural remedy, it’s important to approach it with caution and seek advice from a medical professional.
