6 Effective Saw Palmetto Benefits - A Traditional Herbal Medicine
Saw Palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is a plant native to the coastal regions of the southern United States. Most world populations already used saw palmetto plant and its berries for medicinal purposes due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-exudative, diuretic, antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
This plant has been used for many years as a diuretic and sexual tonic. So, it gets popular easily. The benefits of saw palmetto extract show the result on the urinary tract function, preventing inflammation in the bladder, and infections, increased sexual desire, support balanced hormone level, good for hair and many more.
Saw Palmetto contains fatty acids, plant sterols, and flavonoids as main compounds. Its brownish-black saw palmetto berries are heavy in polysaccharides (sugars) with a high molecular weight, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. It also has a lot of lipids, which are important for hormonal activity.
Saw Palmetto can be used to treat the following conditions, among others.
- Increase the quantity and quality of sperm
- Increased sexual desire
- Urinary problems
- Strengthening and preventing hair loss
- Bronchitis
- Diabetes
- Gastric indigestion promotes digestion
- Inflammatory processes
- Migraine cases
- Prostate cancer
- Throat pain,
- Cough and cold symptoms
- Asthma
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Sleep disorders
- Strengthen the thyroid gland
- Balance metabolism
- Stimulate appetite
Let's pick out some of the major and promising saw palmetto health benefits.
Saw Palmetto Benefits
Effective in Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)
Hair loss is a common problem in every second person. It occurs due to many problems like genetics, food habits and hormonal imbalance in the body. Androgenic Alopecia is a well-known hair loss disease. It is characterized by the fact that men who suffer from it have high levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.
Saw palmetto benefits for hair by controlling the hormone balance by reducing dihydrotestosterone and combat hair loss.
Saw palmetto hair loss basically blocks the working of 5-alpha reductase enzymes that convert the testosterone into the Dihydrotestosterone. With its pure extract, the active compound from saw palmetto may reduce/block absorption of DHT by the panniculus and decrease the binding to androgen receptors, in such a way that the health of the hair is promoted, stimulating its growth. Users can get satisfactory results in their male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia by regular use of saw palmetto, at least after 12 months of use.
Support Urinary Tract Function
When men start getting older, they start having urine problems. Urinary tract problem is linked with the benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate enlargement. An enlargement of the prostate causes urinate frequently, nocturia or nocturnal urination, the urgency with which it occurs, urination scarce or choppy and painful discomfort when urinating.
Saw Palmetto counteracts the problems of urinary dysfunction and other disorders at the bladder level. It is a condition that affects one in four men over 55 years of age and increases with age.
Studies in patients with BPH ( benign prostate hyperplasia ) showed that after 9 weeks of treatment with Saw Palmetto, these symptoms may be reduced by 47%. If you have a moderate symptom of this pathology, then effective results will start in starting dosage.
Similarly, from another study, it is reported that having 160 mg of saw palmetto as a supplement of raw reduce the urinary tract symptoms, support proper urine flow and offer a healthy life.
Improve Male Impotence
Saw palmetto is a traditional and well-researched herb with a rich history to reduce sexual dysfunction and boost sexual interest. Due to saw palmetto's possible incidence at the hormonal level, by inhibiting the action of the dihydrotestosterone hormone DHT in the body, it supports an androgen or male hormone. Hence, it has been intended to treat male impotence, testicular atrophy and lack of libido in the male as well as female.
Saw Palmetto increase the sexual response that is best of fall. Moreover, being a natural aphrodisiac it offers good effects without side effects.
It is clear in one study that it improves the sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction in younger to old age men. Now you can have a satisfying sexual life with regular use of saw palmetto or saw palmetto extract. Well, it might take time to work on sexual function. As per the study, using it for 2 years shows results. Saw palmetto benefits for women too in sexual libido.
Regulate Healthy Testosterone Levels
Saw Palmetto is used to regulate a healthy and balanced testosterone level in men. Testosterone starts getting low with age, injury, infection and breakdown of testosterone. A lower level of testosterone in the body affects many conditions like low libido, heart problems, mood swings, cognitive function and many more.
Saw palmetto inhibits the 5-R enzyme, which is responsible for turning testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is required in the body by a very small amount. The conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone affects the testosterone level in the body. Being a DHT blocker, saw palmetto support a healthy male hormone- testosterone. For an effective result and testosterone level, it is suggested to consume it for a long time like 1-2 years according to one study.
Good testosterone levels are a symbol of strength, weight management and virility.
Support Prostate Health
Saw Palmetto is a natural remedy that supports prostate health. The prostate is the small gland in men situated between the bladder and the penis. It is sitting around the urethra, which carries urine to the penis. A prostate is used to produce the fluid that supports sperm in men. A healthy prostate is also linked with a healthy reproductive system like testosterone.
Some study shows that saw palmetto blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT, in this way it contributes to the proper functioning and condition of the prostate, reducing the risk of suffering from prostate cancer, lowering the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH). A progressive increase in the size of the prostate can also cause pressure on neighboring organs.
For prostate health, studies show that daily consumption of 320 mg of saw a palmetto extract from 4-6 weeks for the effective result.
Well-known Immunity Booster
Saw Palmetto and its extract enhance the activity of the immune system. Fatty acids, plant sterols, and flavonoids are active constituents in Saw Palmetto, which are recognized for reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
The immunity system is made by cell and chemical by the body that fights the free radicals. So, Saw palmetto has a remarkable improvement in patients with cold conditions, sore throat, congestion, among other flu symptoms. It also produces relief in migraine problems and terrible headaches, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Having a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prevents the body cells from damage and supports cell generation. A strong body may be expected with the regular use of Saw Palmetto in the 320mg amount in a day.
Saw Palmetto Dosage /Recommendations
The recommended daily intake by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for Saw palmetto is 320mg per day in pure form. For the consumption of 320 mg, it is available in saw palmetto oil, capsules, tablets, soft gel, powder and tea juice form.
Sometimes, it is combined with other ingredients to provide better health benefits. Like saw palmetto with pumpkin side for better prostate health, saw palmetto with Nettle root for Hair loss, etc.
Well, the recommended doses vary and change depending on the type of saw palmetto preparation used. The most widely used form is, the solid extract form, in this case, the doses range from 320-400 mg/day. Because sold extract saw palmetto contains standardized 85% of fatty acids and sterols.
The indicative doses for other forms of administration would be:
- Around 20g in a day, in the form of fresh fruit or berries.
- Around 2-4ml in a day, in the form of liquid extract (depending on the concentration of the extract, this dose may vary).
- Likewise, the dose varies with the active components of saw palmetto.
It is estimated it will take 4-6 weeks for an effective result. In some cases, it is also good to take more time.
In some conditions, if it is consumed on an empty stomach, it can cause nausea, in which case, consume it with food. These saw palmetto side effects vary as per the individual age, weight, food habits, and many other factors.
Risk Factor & Precaution
The active principle of plants like any medicine has pros and cons. There are also side effects of saw palmetto that occur in some cases. So, there are certain conditions that you need to consider before start saw palmetto treatment and consumption.
- Although it is a natural herb, it is important to consult with a doctor and healthcare professional for advice on drug or herb interactions.
- On the other hand, you need to check the composition of the saw palmetto written on the instruction label. Check if there is any product or element that causes allergy or hypersensitivity to you.
- Saw palmetto extract is contraindicated for children and women during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Well, there are no known restrictions. It is just for safety to avoid it or to ask your doctor.
- Likewise, Saw Palmetto is contraindicated for the one who undergoes hormone replacement therapy or any medication for hormonal change. It increases the testosterone hormone, so it interferes in the therapy and alters their action in the body.
- Saw Palmetto has similarities to finasteride and other medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia. So you need to pay attention if you are on medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia or consult with your doctor before starting treatment.
- Saw Palmetto is effective for the blood clotting process, So, if you taking aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, heparin, naproxen, or warfarin or any other blood-thinning medication, then should follow precaution by consult to doctor.
- If you are undergoing any surgery or invasive procedure, then you should stop the consumption of saw palmetto before 2 weeks and after 2 weeks. It has the potential to enhance the risk of bleeding.
- A very high intake of Saw Palmetto can cause diarrhoea. So, make sure to keep the dose in moderate amounts.
- This dietary supplement is not good for advanced prostate hyperplasia.
- If you are on estrogen pills or contraceptives, then it is not recommended. Saw palmetto lower the estrogen level and reduce pill’s effectiveness. It might cause you unwanted pregnancy even after contraceptive pills.
- Make sure about consumption while using Saw Palmetto with other extracts like Ginkgo Biloba or Garlic supplement. It may reverse the positive effect and risk your life.
- If you are already taking medication that affects the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, then consult a doctor. If he/she allows you, then you can start its consumption.
Basic FAQ Related To Saw Palmetto Benefits
What are some of the advantages of saw palmetto?
Saw Palmetto is a palm shape tree to block the DHT production. Saw palmetto benefits to increase the testosterone hormone, reduce hair loss, prostate enlargement, urinary tract disorder, digestion, inflammation and many more.
Is it safe to take saw palmetto regularly?
Yes, it is safe to use saw palmetto regularly. It is approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to use 160-320 mg of saw palmetto extract in a day.
What are some of the saw palmetto's adverse effects?
Like every herb, saw palmetto also has adverse effects in overdose situations. The side effects vary with the individual and include diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, nausea, constipation and vomiting. If you experience a strong side effect, immediately talk to your healthcare professional.
Is saw palmetto harmful to the kidneys?
No, saw palmetto is not harmful to the kidney. Either it protects the kidney from the heavy pressure. When a man has urinary tract disorder, it obstructs urine flow, causes weak urination and frequent urination. It put pressure and damage the kidney. But saw palmetto help kidney to get damage.
Does saw palmetto help with hair loss in women?
Yes, saw palmetto also helps in women's hair loss. Saw palmetto works as a DHT blocker, in the same way, they do for men. Saw palmetto can be used for all hair types, hair textures to bring hair thin and thickness again.
Is it true that saw palmetto lowers estrogen levels?
Yes, saw palmetto decrease the estrogen level in the body. That is why it is not recommended to use saw palmetto with estrogen pills.
Does saw palmetto benefits females?
Yes, saw palmetto benefits females too in many ways. It increases the libido, sexual desire in women. Moreover, it reduces the high level of androgen and prolactin and supports polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is also effective in including irregular or heavy menstrual periods.