Saw
Palmetto Herb Extract - Saw Palmetto Information
What Is Saw Palmetto?
Saw Palmetto is a small, palm like North American
plant. The Saw Palmetto extract comes from berries of small palm
trees, and the extracts comprise of different fatty acids and
sterols. Native Americans have used the Saw Palmetto berry to
treat genital, urinary tract, and reproductive system problems.
Saw Palmetto is widely researched and used in Europe, and is now
gaining popularity in North America, and being used for its benefits
for the urinary tract.
Saw Palmetto herb extract has been marketed
as an aphrodisiac for men and women, and it's also anabolic (muscle
building), and helps build muscle tissues. Saw Palmetto is made
up of Fatty acids - Saw Palmetto contains a variety of fatty acids
including lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic
acid, Phytosterols (plant sterols), and polysaccharides.
What's Saw Palmetto Herb Extract Used For?
One of Saw Palmetto's key uses is treating benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is enlargement of the prostate
gland, and can block the urethra and require surgery. Saw palmetto
is believed to inhibit the actions of testosterone on the prostate,
which causes enlargement of the prostate which interferes with
urinary flow. Saw Palmetto herb helps improve urinary flow, and
reduces the frequency and urgency of urination in men with BPH.
Saw Palmetto is also used to treat bladder inflammation,
chronic bronchitis, among other conditions. The fatty acids in
Saw Palmetto are thought to have testosterone inhibiting effects
on the prostate. Saw Palmetto also prevents testosterone from
converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes prostate
cells to multiply, and also leads to male balding. Saw palmetto
herb prevents the binding of DHT to androgen receptors, thus playing
a key role in helping prevent and treat prostate enlargement,
and also hair loss.
Saw Palmetto Herb Extract Benefits
Of the many benefits associated with Saw Palmetto,
treating BPH is obviously the most significant. Below are some
health benefits of Saw Palmetto.
Saw Palmetto inhibits testosterone action
on the prostate, thus is used widely for BPH treatment
Saw Palmetto also prevents binding of DHT
to androgen receptors, hence helps with hair loss
It inhibits androgen and estrogen receptor
activity and helps both men and women to balance hormones
Saw Palmetto herb helps treat bladder inflammation
and helps with urinary flow
Saw Palmetto is also used to treat impotence,
frigidity, and also used as an aphrodisiac
Some new evidence shows that Saw Palmetto
may also help with thyroid deficiencies
Saw Palmetto is used to clear chest congestion,
treat coughs, asthma, and bronchitis
Saw Palmetto Side Effects
There are no documented significant side effects
of using Saw palmetto. However, it lacks conclusive research documenting
its long term side effects. If you have any concerns, the best
thing to do is to consult your doctor before using Saw Palmetto
herb extracts.
Generally, many men over the age of 50 experience
BPH to some extent, and hence supplementing Saw Palmetto can be
very beneficial. The recommended dosage is at least 160mg per
day - usually in the ranges of 160 to 320mg per day is sufficient.
