| Saw Palmetto is a
small, palm-like plant native to North America. Native Americans and early
American settlers used the berries to treat problems associated with the
genitals, urinary tract and reproductive system. The herb saw palmetto is
called the "plant catheter" due to its therapeutic effect on
the neck of the bladder and the prostate in men. Saw Palmetto is widely
used in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and now the U.S. for
nutritionally benefiting the prostate and urinary tract. It has been marketed
as an "aphrodisiac" for both men and women. The active constituents
are volatile oil, steroidal saponin, tannins, and polysaccharides. Saw Palmetto
is a tonic, and is one of the few herbal remedies that are considered to be
anabolic - it strengthens and builds body tissues.
For men, saw palmetto treats an enlarged and weakened prostate
gland. Saw palmetto has shown significant action in treatment of
conditions associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Saw palmetto
extract works to prevent testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone,
the hormone thought to cause prostate cells to multiply, leading to an
enlarged prostate. Saw Palmetto is chiefly used as a diuretic and to tone
the bladder by improving urinary flow, and relieving strain. Regular use of
saw palmetto may decrease urinary frequency, especially during the night, by allowing
complete bladder expulsion and reducing inflammation of the bladder and enlarged
prostate.
Saw palmetto inhibits androgen and estrogen receptor activity and may be
beneficial for both sexes in balancing the hormones. Because of it hormonal
effects it can aid the thyroid in regulating sexual development and
normalizing activity of those glands and organs.
Women have used the herb to stimulate breast enlargement and lactation as well
as treating ovarian and uterine irritability. It has been prescribed for
reduced or absent sex drive, impotence and frigidity. Because of its potential
hormonal effects, pregnant women should not use it.
The berries have been recommended in treatment of diseases that deprive the body
of strength and growth. Preliminary evidence exists to also suggest saw
palmetto may also aid those suffering from thyroid deficiency. Saw palmetto
is a good expectorant for use in clearing chest congestion and can be used
to treat coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
Saw Palmetto has also been used to stimulate appetite, improve digestion,
nourish the nervous system and increase the
assimilation of nutrients to the body.
Two excellent review articles have recently been published on the mechanism of
action of saw palmetto. The first, published in the new journal Phytomedicine
(Nieferprum, et. al.), explores the 5-a-reductase inhibiting properties of the
free fatty acids in the saw palmetto berry. This activity is not only critical
to saw palmetto's efficacy with BPH but may also open the door for saw palmetto
as a potential deterrent to prostate cancer.
The second study (Koch & Biber) examines the role that dihydrotestosterone,
5-a-reductase, estrogen, and sexual-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) play in the
pathogenesis of BPH. This paper not only explores saw palmetto extract's
5-a-reductase inhibiting and anti-edematous actions but also explores the
efficacy of urtica (nettle) root in the BPH treatment. A translation of this
article appears in the Summer 1995 issue of the "Quarterly Review of
Natural Medicine".
It is clear that the next step in clinical research with saw palmetto extract is
a comparative study with finasteride (Proscarâ). In the meantime, healthcare
practitioners utilizing saw palmetto extract in their practices have excellent
research documentation to support their choice. - Donald Brown, N. D.
One of the more positive trends, the 1990’s will be remembered for is the
willingness of mainstream medicine to examine the scientific legitimacy of
natural therapies versus their synthetic counterparts. With Saw Palmetto
cost being nearly 25-30% less than Proscar, and proving to be more than
twice as effective in half the time it takes Proscar to reveal even modest
results, saw palmetto offers new hopes to million of sufferers worldwide. With
all the commotion being made about proper prostate maintenance saw palmetto
will enjoy continued success, offering relief to more than 50% of the 45-60 year
old males.
Saw Palmetto is also known as:
Serenoa repens, Windmill palm, Sawtooth palm
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