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Saw Palmetto
(Serenoa serrulata)
Description
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the West Indies
and the Atlantic coast of America. Traditionally, this herb
is used for male reproductive health.
Herbal Uses
This herb is stated to possess
diuretic, urinary antiseptic, endocrinological and anabolic
properties.
Suggested Intakes
Part of the plant used:
FRUIT.
Herb powder 0.5-1.0 g three
times daily.
Supplemental Uses
Saw palmetto has been used
for chronic and acute cystitis, Inflammation of the membrane
in the genito-urinary tract, diminution in size and function
of the testis, for sex hormone disorders and prostate enlargement.
Sex Hormone Problems:
Saw palmetto extracts can inhibit the production of androgens
(male sex hormones) (1). High levels of beta-sitosterol within
saw palmetto gives this herb oestrogenic (female hormone)
properties (1). This is useful for people with over secretion
of male hormones.
Benign Prostatic
Hypertrophy - Prostate Enlargement:
This is caused by a build up of the testosterone-derivative
"dihydrotestosterone" in the prostate. Saw palmetto
extracts can inhibit the formation and build-up of dihydrotestosterone
thus helping to maintain normal prostate size and function
(2,3). It has also been shown to alleviate BPH symptoms, such
as difficult and frequent urination. Usually, signs of improvement
take 4 to 6 weeks to appear. Saw palmetto has also been shown
to shrink enlarged prostate (4,5). A number of controlled
studies have proven saw palmetto to be effective for the treatment
of prostate disease (6,7).
Frequent and Painful
Urination:
Studies into prostatic hypertrophy have also found that saw
palmetto statistically decreases both frequency of urine production
and pain during urination (8,9).
Fluid Retention:
Studies have shown that saw palmetto can reduce fluid retention
caused by histamine release (allergic-type reactions) (10)
and due to hostile chemicals.
Anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing
properties have also been noted for saw palmetto extracts
(11,12).
SIDE-EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS
Saw palmetto is well tolerated.
Human studies have shown that one man reported gastric side-effects
when taking this herb.
Pregnant and lactating women
should consult with a qualified medical health professional
before taking saw palmetto.
Saw palmetto is not suitable
for use by children.
N.B. Clinical research shows
that the results of standard blood chemistry tests were normal
following saw palmetto therapy.
Interactions and Contra-Indications
Saw palmetto should not
be taken by those on hormone therapy. Due to the anti-androgen
and oestrogenic activities of saw palmetto it may interact
with oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy.
References
1. "Herbal Medicines
A Guide for Health-care Professionals", C A Newall, L
A Anderson, J D Phillipson, The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
2. Carilla E et al. Binding of permizon a new treatment for
prostatic benign hyperplasia, to the cytosolic androgen receptor
in the rat prostate. .J Steroid Biochem, 20:521-523, 1984.
3. Sultan C et al. Inhibition of androgen metabolism and binding
by a liposterolic extract of "Serenoa repens B"
in human foreskin fibroblasts.J Steroid Biochem 20:515-519,
1984.
4. Braeckman J. The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment
of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A multicenter open study.
Curr Ther Res 55: 776-785, 1994.
5. Romics I, Schmitz H, and Frang D. Experience in treating
benign prostatic hypertrophy with Sabal serrulata for one
year. Int Urol Nephrol 25: 565-569, 1993.
6. Plosker GL, et al. Serenoa repens (Permixon). A review
of its pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy in Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia. Drugs Aging 9(5): 379-395, 1996.
7. Carraro J, et al. Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon)
with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia:
A randomized international study of 1,098 patients. Prostate
29(4): 231-240, 241-242, 1996.
8. Champault G, Patel JC & Bonnard AM. A double-blind
trial of an extract of the plant Serenoa repens in Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia.Br J Clin Pharmacol, 18:461-462, 1984.
9. Tasca A et al. Trattamento della sintomatologia ostruttiva
da adenoma prostatico con estratto di Serenoa Repens. Minn
Urol Nefrol, 37:87-91, 1985.
10. Stenger A et al. Pharmacology and biochemistry of hexane
extract of Serenoa repens. Gazz Med Fr, 89:2041-2048, 1982.
11. Wagner H, Plachsbarth H. A new antiphlogistic principle
from Sabal serrulata, I. Planta Med, 41:244-251, 1981.
12. Wagner H et al. A new antiphlogistic principle from Sabal
serrulata, II. Planta Med, 41:252-258, 1981. | 
