Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto Supplement

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a hardy plant with dense thickets and fan-shaped leaves, earning it the nickname "dwarf palm. Saw Palmetto is exceptionally resilient and can withstand extremely harsh conditions, including droughts and fires. The plant is native to the southeastern regions of North America, primarily Florida and the Gulf Coast, and thrives in sandy soil and subtropical climates. Though Saw Palmetto berries are a favourite among wildlife, serving as a vital food source for animals like black bears and birds, humans have long used these berries in supplements for medicinal applications.

Indeed, long before the advent of modern medicine, Native American tribes recognized Saw Palmetto's therapeutic potential. The berries were traditionally used to address a variety of ailments, including urinary and reproductive issues. Early European settlers quickly adopted these practices and Saw Palmetto became a cornerstone of folk medicine.

From a biochemical standpoint, the Saw Palmetto's berries are loaded with fatty acids, plant sterols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Most notably, they contain beta-sitosterols, which the body cannot convert to testosterone, unlike cholesterol. Beta-sitosterols are one of the primary reasons why Saw Palmetto is so beneficial for the treatment of BPH, Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, and the most common benign tumour in men.

Key Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto

• Anti-Androgenic 
• 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor (slows conversion of testosterone to DHT)
• Enhances Hair Growth
• Improves Urinary Function 
• Promotes Healthy Libido & Fertility In Men
• Treatment For Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
• Treatment For Hair Loss (Inhibits hormone responsible for hair loss)

Who Should Consider Saw Palmetto?

Saw Palmetto supplements are recommended first and foremost for the support of prostate health. Unsurprisingly, men are the biggest consumers of Saw Palmetto. They use it principally to manage symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate, nighttime urge to pee, trouble starting to pee, weak urine stream, dribbling at the end of urination, and inability to fully empty the bladder.

Men looking to prevent or slow male pattern baldness may also be interested in giving Saw Palmetto a try, as may those concerned with libido, fertility and sexual function.

Saw Palmetto Supplement Varieties

Saw Palmetto supplements exist in many forms, including dried berries, capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas and liquid extracts. To ensure you get a quality product that will deliver on what it promises, look for one that indicates that contents are standardized to 85-95 % fatty acids and sterols.

While Saw Palmetto supplements come in various potencies, a general daily dose is typically in the 160–320 mg range. Your healthcare practitioner may recommend a different dose based on your health status.

Considerations & Potential Side Effects

While Saw Palmetto supplements are effective at managing the symptoms associated with BPH, individuals experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate should consult their healthcare provider before starting supplementation. 

Common side effects of Saw Palmetto supplementation include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, individuals with a history of allergies may be at risk of experiencing allergic reactions to Saw Palmetto. People with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, should exercise caution, as Saw Palmetto may influence hormone levels. If you take anticoagulant medications or have a bleeding disorder, consult your healthcare provider before using Saw Palmetto.

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