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Saw Palmetto
 General Information Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. Its fruit was used medicinally by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Common Name(s) saw palmetto, American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm Scientific Name(s) Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata How is Saw Palmetto usually used? The ripe fruit of saw palmetto is used in several forms, including ground and dried fruit or whole berries. It is available as a liquid extractextractto get, separate, or isolate a desired active ingredient, tablets, capsules, and as an infusioninfusionthe process of steeping or soaking plant material in hot or cold water to isolate its active ingredient or a tea. What is Saw Palmetto used for? Saw palmetto is used mainly for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Saw palmetto is also used for other conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorders, decreased sex drive, hair loss, and hormone imbalances. Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions. What else should I be aware of? Several small studies suggest that saw palmetto may be effective for treating BPH symptoms. In 2006, a large study of 225 men with moderate-to-severe BPH found no improvement with 320 mg saw palmetto daily for 1 year versus placebo. NCCAM cofunded the study with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of saw palmetto for reducing the size of an enlarged prostate or for any other conditions. Saw palmetto does not appear to affect readings of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is protein produced by cells in the prostate. The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor patients who have had prostate cancer. Saw palmetto may cause mild side effects, including stomach discomfort. Some men using saw palmetto have reported side effects such as tender breasts and a decline in sexual desire. Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking. Source(s) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Herbs at a Glance. Saw Palmetto. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/palmetto/ Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
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