Condition
Treatment Support
urinary antiseptic
Application
extract in capsule
Saw Palmetto
(Serenoa repens)
Also know as Sabal
Botanical Information
A small scrubby palm with fan-shaped leaves and purple berries.
Working with Saw Palmetto
Part(s) Used
Fruit
Herb Forms
Standardized extract in capsule, tincture
Christopher Hobbs:
“Saw palmetto is a male tonifying herb, especially beneficial to the prostate gland and urinary tract. Several studies have proven it effective in reducing the frequency of nocturnal urination and as a remedy for benign prostatic hypertrophy with symptoms such as burning or incomplete urination and reduced flow. It has also been used for chronic congestive conditions. It is often considered a good tonic for the sexual and urinary systems of both men and women.
The most effective kind of extract of saw palmetto may be what is called a supercritical C02 extract. This uses C02 as a solvent to extract the active fatty acid fraction, preserving freshness because it is a cold process. These extracts do not contain the solvent hexane, as other types of extracts may. A tincture might also be effective.
Saw Palmetto has a taste of PUNGENT, SWEET and a temperature of WARM.”
Historical Uses
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a small palm native to North America, has been traditionally used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, particularly for urinary and reproductive health. Early European settlers adopted it for similar purposes.
Modern Clinical Uses
- Herbalists & Naturopaths: Saw palmetto is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in men that causes urinary issues. It is also used for urinary tract health, hormone balance, and sometimes as an anti-inflammatory.
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Saw palmetto contains fatty acids, phytosterols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and hormone-modulating effects. It is thought to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor in BPH and hair loss.
Clinical Trials
Numerous studies have explored saw palmetto’s efficacy in treating BPH, with mixed results. Some clinical trials have shown moderate benefits, such as improved urinary symptoms, while others suggest that it is no more effective than a placebo. Overall, more robust research is needed to definitively establish its clinical effectiveness.
In conclusion, saw palmetto is a widely used herbal remedy with some promising uses in prostate health and urinary conditions, though its clinical efficacy is still debated, and it should be used cautiously, especially by individuals on certain medications or with underlying conditions.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Saw palmetto is generally considered safe when used in appropriate amounts. Side effects are rare but can include mild gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or dizziness. It may interact with blood thinners and hormone therapy, so caution is advised for people on medications or with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Conditions treated with Saw Palmetto
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tablet, capsule, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
tonic, anti-inflammatory
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
