Natural Factors Saw Palmetto Berries 500mg - 90 Caps

Saw Palmetto Berry

Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata) consists of the ripe, dried fruit of Serenoa repens. The berry contains fatty acids (principally lauric acid and ethyl laurate), with phytosterols and polysaccharides.

Saw palmetto, in many cases, relieves the symptoms of prostate enlargement just as well as conventional medication. Prostate growth is stimulated by excess levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw palmetto works by inhibiting the production of DHT, stopping DHT from binding in the prostate and increasing the rate at which DHT is metabolized in the gland.

Excess estrogen slows the removal of DHT from the prostate. By inhibiting estrogen saw palmetto also improves BPH. It has been shown in clinical studies to decrease the size of the prostate without altering PSA levels (the hormone that is a marker for unhealthy cell in the prostate).

Saw palmetto's medicinal qualities are most abundant in fat-soluble extracts of the berries. Saw palmetto herb can vary in quality and medicinal value. Saw palmetto should be taken with meals that contain fat to improve its absorption.


Prostate Facts:

Getting up frequently at night, pain in the groin, painful urination, and reduced sexual function - all symptoms of common prostate conditions.The prostate is the organ responsible for producing the fluid part of seminal emissions, helping to control the flow of urine, and for the contractions that cause ejaculation during orgasm. It's no wonder that when a man has a concern with his prostate that it can be troublesome.

Prostate problems occur when the gland becomes infected or swollen. The most common prostate condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It occurs in men over the age of fifty (but can occur earlier) due to hormonal imbalances, heredity, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies or high cholesterol. The growth of malignant or benign tumours can also cause prostate swelling. Your PSA level (prostate specific antigen) can indicate the degree of enlargement; it can also indicate whether or not you are at risk for compromised cells. Make at least yearly appointments past age forty for this test.

Prostate Enlargement:

BPH affects one in three men over age 50. Symptoms appear when the prostate becomes large enough to interfere with urination. Dribbling, frequent and urgent urination occur and often cause men to wake at night to urinate. Starting and stopping urination can be difficult. When bladder emptying is impaired there is an increased risk for the development of urinary stones and infections. Drug therapy for BPH uses finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone into dehydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT stimulates the growth of prostate cells. Side effects of drug therapy include impotence, decreased libido and difficulty detecting unhealthy cell in the prostate.