Anti-inflammatory, Reduces swelling, Diuretic, Supports prostate health, May reduce DHT levels
Terpenoids, Phytosterols
This Site is for Educational Use Only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Saw palmetto is most commonly known as the prostate herb, and if you have a man in your life over a certain age who takes any supplements at all, there is a solid chance saw palmetto is one of them. It's one of the most widely used herbal remedies for male health specifically, and the research backing it up is reasonably solid.
Its primary application is moderating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, meaning it can improve urine flow and help with fully emptying the bladder. Not glamorous but genuinely important for quality of life. It works as a male tonic, balances hormones and the reproductive system, and is anti-inflammatory in that context.
Oh and it's also traditionally considered an aphrodisiac, which is a fun bonus for something that spends most of its time being discussed in the context of urology. Good for it.
Where it gets interesting beyond male health: the extract is thought to have antiandrogenic activity, meaning it may help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome by addressing the androgen excess component. So while it has a reputation as a specifically male herb, it has relevant applications across hormonal health more broadly.
Safety note: Occasional gastrointestinal upset, headaches, and nausea are possible side effects. Generally well tolerated otherwise. If you're on any hormonal medications, worth cross referencing with your provider given its hormonal activity.
Saw Palmetto https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto
Pharmacological effects of saw palmetto extract in the lower urinary tract https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4002402/
Saw palmetto's therapeutic uses https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/saw-palmettos-therapeutic-uses
Medicinal Herbs by JJ Pursell
Herbal Remedies by Andrew Chevallier
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by use of this site. The author makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of plants or remedies described herein.
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