Benefits of Saw Palmetto And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Apr 20, 2024
The primary benefit of using saw palmetto lies in the cure of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).It is also active in increasing breast size, improving sexual vigor and as an aphrodisiac.It helps stimulate hair growth, prevent colds, coughs, irritated mucous membranes, sore throat, asthma, chronic bronchitis, migraines and cancer, particularly prostate cancer.It is used as a nutritive tonic, relieving the symptoms of menstruation, improving muscle tone and muscle building.
Saw Palmetto
The scientific name of this fan palm is Serenoa repens. It is an extremely hardy and long-lived plant. Some saw palmetto plants live over 700 years. The petiole of the plant is covered with sharp teeth or spines, which can break the skin. Saw palmetto has lush, green leaves that fan out from its thorn stem.
Nutritional Value of Saw Palmetto
The fatty acids contained in saw palmetto are lauric acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and myristic acid. The polysaccharides; galactose, arabinose, and uronic acid, are also found in the fruit.
Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto
Treats Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
Saw palmetto inhibits testosterone from binding to and stimulating prostate cells, which reduces the multiplication of prostatic cells and prostatic enlargement.It also helps to increase testosterone naturally and improve prostate health the natural way.
Reduces Risk of Prostate Cancer
Saw palmetto supplements as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors , that is it slows down the conversion of testosterone to DHT by blocking the enzyme and stopping its formation. According to research, DHT is responsible for prostate enlargement, which may be a cause of prostate cancer. It functions by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates cellular reproduction in the prostate and thus,this lowers the chances of developing prostate cancer.
Protection against Hair Loss
Saw palmetto extracts and supplements aid as hair loss remedies because they keep testosterone levels balanced in the male body.The conversion of testosterone by 5-alpha reductase in the hair follicles causes male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). By inhibiting the action of this enzyme, saw palmetto may lessen hair loss and stimulate hair growth.Saw palmetto extract also contributes to hair regrowth.
Treats Impotence
Saw palmetto extract has long been known as a herbal treatment for impotence.It can boost sexual performance and increase virility.
Urinary Frequency
Saw palmetto supports the urological system in men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia. It also helps to cure urinary dysfunction and overactive bladder. Saw palmetto is also advantageous to treat weakening urinary organs in elderly people or women after menopause because it strengthens the urinary organs and has been recommended as a natural remedy for kidney stones.
Increases Muscle Mass
Saw palmetto can postively impact on testosterone in the body and thus, is responsible for muscle mass increase.
Boosts Immunity
Side-Effects & Allergies of Saw Palmetto
The most frequently reported adverse side effects of suing saw palmetto are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased libido and rhinitis.Saw palmetto may be unsafe to use during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. It acts like a hormone, and this could be harmful to the pregnancy.Some birth control pills contain estrogen, and saw palmetto might decrease the effects of estrogen in the body. Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting and be responsible for any particular hormone blocking.
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Cultivation of Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a fan palm that is native to North America, primarily in the southeast region near the eastern and Gulf coasts. It is well cultivated in sandy coastal lands or as undergrowth in pine forests.
References
- MacDonald R, Tacklind JW, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. Serenoa repens monotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): an updated Cochrane systematic review. BJU international. 2012 Jun;109(12):1756-61. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Plosker GL, Brogden RN. Serenoa repens (Permixon®). Drugs & aging. 1996 Nov 1;9(5):379-95. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Cheema P, El‐Mefty O, Jazieh AR. Intraoperative haemorrhage associated with the use of extract of Saw Palmetto herb: a case report and review of literature. Journal of internal medicine. 2001 Aug 19;250(2):167-9. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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