Saw Palmetto
It is a species of palm in the Arecaceae family, belonging to the monotypic genus Serenoa. It grows in southeastern America, mainly on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, in Florida. It is a small plant 2-4 m tall. The trunk is multi-branched, the leaves are large, fan-shaped, consisting of 20 leaflets.
Saw palmetto is used as a dietary supplement for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), as well as for chronic pelvic pain, decreased libido, migraines, hair loss, and other conditions.
also sometimes used in:
- low sperm count
- low libido
- Hair loss
- bronchitis
- diabetes
- inflammation
- migraine
- prostate cancer
The substance has the ability to block the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The latter form is more androgenic and can cause hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals.
In one study, saw palmetto was effective in improving hair growth in 60% of men aged 23 to 64 with male pattern baldness.
Some research suggests that saw palmetto may have anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful in treating certain conditions.
Consumption
Although the active compound(s) are not yet known, they are known to exist in a fraction of the fruit called the “liposterol” fraction. If you are using Saw Palmetto, choose a product that states the percentage of the supplement that is this fraction.
Supplements are typically 160–320 mg taken once daily and contain 80–90% liposterol compounds. It has not been confirmed whether Saw palmetto should be taken with food due to the fat-soluble nature of this fraction, and is therefore not recommended.
Effects on women
There is some evidence that saw palmetto may help regulate specific female hormones. It may have estrogen-like effects and balance the effects of testosterone in women.
It may also help reduce high androgen and prolactin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS have elevated levels of male hormones in their bodies. This causes a specific set of symptoms, including irregular and heavy periods, excess body and facial hair, and acne.
Most of the studies were conducted on animals, so they can’t confirm the link between PCOS and the effects of saw palmetto in humans. However, they are still useful because they show that the supplement can block prolactin receptors in ovarian cells that overexpress them. Regulating these receptors may reduce PCOS symptoms.
Sexual function
Low testosterone levels reduce sex drive, or libido, in both men and women. Some people believe that saw palmetto can improve libido by reducing the breakdown of testosterone, and there is some evidence to support this.
One study published in the journal Urologia Internationalis found that men taking saw palmetto experienced improved sexual function.
In a study involving 120 men with enlarged prostate glands, researchers monitored:
- urine flow
- blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
- prostate symptoms
- erectile function
- quality of life
They found that saw palmetto improved prostate symptoms and sexual function after 2 years. This improvement was significant, especially in the first year.
Side effects
Although Serenoa is a plant, it can cause side effects, including:
- headache
- stomach ache
- Bad breath
- nausea
- vomiting
- heartburn
- constipation
- diarrhea
It can also cause adverse effects in people taking anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and iron supplements.
Prepared based on foreign press.
