Saw palmetto information
Saw palmetto fruit is used
by herbal practitioners as an anti-inflammatory, anti-prostatic, male tonic.
Saw palmetto fruit can be used for:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Inflammation of the
genitourinary tract, e.g. cystitis
Prostatitis (inflamation of the prostate)
Impotence or low sex drive
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Sex hormone disorders
Chronic cough
Side effects
Saw palmetto is well
tolerated, but minor gastrointestinal problems such as nausea have been
reported. These are usually resolved
when saw palmetto is taken with meals.
Some practitioners advise
that recipients are tested for prostatic cancer prior to taking Saw palmetto as
it may mask the symptoms. Seek advice if taking warfarin
Active compounds
Volatile oils, steroids,
fatty acids, tannins, resins
What herbal practitioners say about Saw palmetto
fruit
Saw palmetto is well known
as a male reproductive system tonic, often used in the treatment of prostrate
problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH (enlargement of the prostate
gland). Saw palmetto blocks 5-alpha
reductase enzyme which converts testosterone to DHT, which is about five times
more potent than testosterone and promotes BPH.
It also increases sex hormone binding globulin SHBG which removes
testosterone from circulation. It is
used in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS to reduce circulating
androgens, thereby helping to reduce symptoms such as hirsutism and abdominal
body fat, also having a positive effect on insulin resistance. Saw palmetto is also useful in the treatment
of infections of the genitor-urinary tract, such as cystitis and
urethritis. Saw palmetto combines well
with horsetail in the treatment of urinary and prostate problems, and with
licorice in the treatment of PCOS.
Saw palmetto combines well
with horsetail in the treatment of urinary and prostate problems, and with
licorice in the treatment of PCOS.
Tincture dose
Adult dose 0.5 – 1.5mls three
times a day.
Children’s dose – do not use
for children.
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