Saw Palmetto Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Saw palmetto is a plant featuring palm-like leaves, white flowers, and edible berries.¹ The berries start out yellow but turn brownish black when they’re ripe.¹ Saw palmetto can grow as a tree or shrub, reaching approximately 10 feet high.¹ The plant grows in warm climates, such as in areas across the southeast coast of the United States.¹ When ripe, the berries are picked, dried, and used for medicinal purposes.¹ Fruit extracts can be found in capsules or tablets, or the plant can be made into a tea.²

Saw Palmetto Uses and Health Benefits

Saw palmetto contains anti-inflammatory properties and is said to affect certain hormones within the body.³ It’s not clear how exactly the herb affects hormones, but it’s believed to impact testosterone and decrease the enzyme that promotes prostate cell growth.¹ Because of these saw palmetto benefits, it has a strong reputation for helping treat a range of prostate-related conditions. Medical conditions it’s believed to help with include:

• Prostatitis - Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, and saw palmetto may be useful in treating symptoms.
• Prostate Cancer - Among saw palmetto benefits, it may help in reducing tumor cell growth, which can decrease the risk of prostate cancer.¹
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Saw palmetto has long been used to treat the condition and reduce symptoms like frequent urination, although more research is needed.^1,3
• Menopause Symptoms - Saw palmetto’s hormonal effects may also help women control their menopause symptoms when taken orally.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - It’s suggested that oral use of saw palmetto may help ease polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms.

Saw Palmetto Side Effects and Precautions

Though saw palmetto has long been used as a remedy for prostate conditions, research on its effectiveness is mixed.¹ In addition, regulations on the herb as a remedy for prostate issues are in place in the United States, and you may need a prescription from your doctor to use it.⁴ However, natural remedies prepared with saw palmetto are not known to produce any adverse side effects.⁴ Saw palmetto side effects may include interactions with other medications and herbs, such as birth control pills, blood-thinning medications, and any other medications used to treat BPH.⁵ Do not use saw palmetto if you are pregnant, nursing, or have liver disease, a pancreatic disorder, or a blood clotting disorder.³

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/saw-palmetto
2. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/palmetto/ataglance.htm
3. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d04415a1
4. http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_saw_palmetto.htm
5. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb-interaction/possible-interactions-with-saw-palmetto