 |
| Photo copyright Steven Foster |
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata)
| |
| Photo copyright Steven Foster |
Parts used and where grown: Saw palmetto (sometimes referred to as Sabal in Europe) is a native of North America. The berries of the plant are used.
In what conditions might saw palmetto be supportive?
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
Historical or traditional use: In the early part of this century, saw palmetto berry tea was commonly recommended for benign enlargement of the prostate.1 2 3 4 5 It was also used to treat chronic urinary tract infections. Some believed that the berry increased sperm production and sex drive in men.
Active constituents: The lipophilic (fat-soluble) extract of saw palmetto provides sterols and the fatty acids caproic, lauric, and palmitic which reduce the amount of dihydrotesterone in the prostate. The fatty acids in saw palmetto also discourage the actions of inflammatory substances that otherwise contribute to BPH.
How much should I take? For early-stage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), many people take 320 mg per day of saw palmetto herbal extract in capsules or tablets—which are rich in fatty acids, sterols, and esters. It may take four to six weeks to see results with BPH; if improvement is noted, the saw palmetto can be continued. The powdered dried fruit can also be taken as a tea; since this is weaker than the herbal extract, 5-6 grams may be taken per day. Liquid extracts of whole herb at 5-6 ml per day may also be effective.
Are there any side effects or interactions? No significant side effects have been noted in clinical studies with saw palmetto extracts. Saw palmetto extract is not believed to interfere with accurate measuring of prostate-specific antigen—a marker for prostate cancer. Please note that BPH can only be diagnosed by a physician; use of saw palmetto extract for this condition should only occur after a thorough work-up and diagnosis by a doctor.
References:
1. Champault G, Bonnard AM, et al. The medical treatment
of prostatic adenoma in a controlled study: PA-109 versus placebo in 110 patients. Ann
Urol 1984; 6:407-10.
2. Tasca A, Barulli M, et al. Treatment of obstructive symptomology caused by prostatic
adenoma with an extract of Serenoa repens: Double-blind clinical study vs. placebo.
Minerva Urol Nefrol 1985; 37:87-91.
3. Braeckman J. The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign prostatic
hyperplasia: a multicenter open study. Curr Ther Res 1994; 55:776-85.
4. Romics I, Wschmitz H, Frang D. Experience in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy with
Sabal serrulata for one year. Inter Urol Nephrol 1993; 25:565-9.
5. Dathe G, Schmid H. Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with extractum Serenoa
repens. Urologe 1991; 31:220-3.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.