However, the cream also included skin-soothing ingredients like sesame seeds and argan oil, so larger studies are needed to establish a better connection between saw palmetto and skin benefits. However, eating the whole natural saw palmetto herb won’t provide you with additional medicinal benefits. When it comes to prostate health, it seems that many look for solutions in supplement bottles. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with saw palmetto does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
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. You need to keep these and other things in mind if you’re taking or planning to take saw palmetto supplements. Saw palmetto also improved muscle endurance, increased sperm count, and boosted testosterone production in rats, according to one study. Saw palmetto can be purchased as dried berries, powdered capsules, tablets, liquid tinctures, and liposterolic extracts.
They tracked their symptoms for up to 72 weeks and concluded that the extract (even at high levels) was no better than a placebo at alleviating symptoms. Dietary supplements such as saw palmetto are not regulated the same way that prescription drugs are. Supplement makers are not required to prove to federal regulators that their products are safe, that they’re effective, or that they’re accurately labeled. That said, studies suggest that saw palmetto supplements are generally safe for most people.
Dried saw palmetto berries are responsible for the plant’s health-supporting properties, per the University of Rochester Medical Center. Accordingly, you can eat the fruit by itself or as an extract in supplement form, such as berry powder, gel caps or tea (though tea may not be as effective as the other options, per Mount Sinai). The berries of the palmetto tree are packed with more than 100 different molecules linked to health perks, including compounds known as fatty acids, long-chain alcohols and sterols. According to July 2020 research in ​BMC Urology​, the berries’ phytosterols and fatty acids are most likely responsible for its positive health benefits.
Significantly, saw palmetto also reduces your level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Before you take saw palmetto, or any supplement for that matter, talk with your doctor first. They may interfere with prescription medicines, other treatments, or tests you might need.
The product label should indicate that contents are standardized and contain 85% to 95% fatty acids and sterols. Read labels carefully, and buy only from reputable companies. It can reach heights of 10 feet in warm climates, with leaf clusters that can reach 2 feet or more. In the United States, saw palmetto grows in the warm climates of the southeast coast, from South Carolina to throughout Florida. The berries turn brownish black when ripe and are dried for medicinal use. Historically, studies have been inconclusive as to whether saw palmetto can offer effective relief from BPH.
Saw palmetto is a popular natural remedy used to help relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Many men turn to saw palmetto as an alternative to prescription medications due to its potential benefits and fewer side effects.
What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. The berries of the saw palmetto plant have been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat urinary and reproductive issues. Today, saw palmetto supplements are commonly used to support prostate health.
How Does Saw Palmetto Work for Prostate?
Saw palmetto contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and block the production of certain hormones that contribute to prostate enlargement. It is believed to work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can stimulate prostate growth.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
The time it takes for saw palmetto to work for prostate can vary from person to person. Some men may experience symptom relief within a few weeks of starting saw palmetto supplementation, while others may not notice any significant changes for several months.
Factors That Can Affect How Quickly Saw Palmetto Works:
- Severity of symptoms
- Dosage of saw palmetto taken
- Overall health and lifestyle factors
FAQs About Saw Palmetto and Prostate Health:
Q: Is saw palmetto safe to use for prostate health?
A: Saw palmetto is generally considered safe for most men when taken as directed. However, it may interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting saw palmetto supplementation.
Q: Can saw palmetto cure BPH?
A: Saw palmetto is not a cure for BPH, but it may help alleviate symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying.
Overall, saw palmetto can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive approach to prostate health. While individual results may vary, many men find relief from BPH symptoms with regular use of saw palmetto supplements.
