Saw palmetto berries are packed with more than 100 different molecules linked to health benefits, including compounds known as fatty acids, long-chain alcohols, and sterols . The berries' phytosterols and fatty acids are most likely responsible for the positive health benefits. Saw palmetto is also believed to work by relaxing smooth muscle, affecting insulin levels, or having an anti-inflammatory effect.
These fruits can be eaten on their own or as an extract in supplement form such as berry powder, gel caps, or tea (although tea may not be as effective as the other options). However, eating the whole saw palmetto herb will not provide additional medicinal benefits.
Although it's not clear exactly how long it may take for benefits to start to be seen, experts note that symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia improved after three months of daily supplementation.
How much quantity should be taken?
The most commonly used doses in clinical trials are typically 160 milligrams twice a day or 320 milligrams a day. However, most of the science has focused on men, so more studies in women are needed to establish the best doses for a larger population.
While it's not known how much is too much, keep in mind that many over-the-counter saw palmetto supplements can go as high as 1,200 milligrams, which is significantly more than the amounts used in trials. That is, it is recommended to speak with a doctor about the appropriate amount and which brand of supplement to try.
In addition, there is no established best time of day to take it, so it is recommended to follow the instructions of a specialist. If the supplement upsets your stomach, taking it with food may help.
Saw Palmetto and Prostate Health
This supplement is commonly used as a prostate health aid, specifically to reduce the size of the prostate in cases where it is enlarged. In fact, in Europe it is used as the treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Current research on the use of saw palmetto for the prostate is promising. There are studies that claim that taking it is effective in reducing some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as a weak urine stream or sexual dysfunction. They ensure that you can urinate more effectively than before treatment. However, in those with moderate to severe disease, he found that benign prostatic hyperplasia did not help urinary obstruction.
The most important thing you can do if you are considering trying Saw Palmetto for prostate health is to visit a doctor first. That way, it can be confirmed that the symptoms are due to benign prostatic hyperplasia and not to other causes, such as a bladder infection or prostate cancer.
Positive health effects
Saw palmetto is advertised as a source of additional benefits, although most are not backed by solid science. However, we collect the best known advantages of taking this supplement, both in men and women.
Regulates estrogen levels
The exact effect of saw palmetto on estrogen is not clearly understood. However, there are studies that defend that estrogen plays a role in the enlargement of the prostate, so saw palmetto does not affect in any way and may favor the regulation of estrogen levels.
But overall, much more research needs to be done to understand the exact effect, if any, that saw palmetto has on estrogen levels.
Influence on testosterone
In addition to reducing inflammation around the prostate, this supplement has a huge impact on testosterone levels. It helps prevent testosterone from breaking down into dihydrotestosterone, which increases the size of the prostate.
Some studies have shown that Saw Palmetto helped stabilize testosterone levels. Even men taking a supplement containing saw palmetto were able to increase their testosterone levels.
increased libido
Saw palmetto can help increase libido, especially in people who have had sexual dysfunction due to an enlarged prostate. This supplement helps decrease the size of the enlarged prostate, which then helps to remove sexual barriers. An enlarged prostate could interfere with the ability to get or maintain an erection, for example.
An increase in libido can also result from improved testosterone levels in the body for men. There are even doctors who recognize an increase in sperm count and sexual potency with saw palmetto supplementation.
Hair growth
Saw Palmetto may be able to help treat androgenetic alopecia , which is a type of hair loss caused by unbalanced sex hormones and often associated with an enlarged prostate. However, if the hair loss is due to a different cause, the oil from this plant may not be effective in helping with hair growth.
It is recommended to speak with a doctor before trying these types of supplements for hair loss. Supplements are not normally required to be proven safe or effective before they are sold, so there is no guarantee that any supplement you take is safe, contains the ingredients it claims, or produces the results it claims.
Improves polycystic ovary syndrome
This plant is considered to be a potential anti-androgen, or something that can lower sex hormones in the body. People with PCOS typically have unbalanced sex hormones, including an excess of androgens. That's why Saw Palmetto can help balance those levels.
Reducing the levels of androgen hormones in the body might help decrease certain symptoms of PCOS, such as facial hair or excessive body hair growth. However, the science is not conclusive enough to say if this supplement is effective for PCOS.
Acne and Saw Palmetto
The elevated androgen hormone levels of PCOS can cause oily skin in addition to hair growth. High amounts of testosterone are also associated with high levels of androgens. And excess oil can get trapped in your pores and cause acne.
As Saw Palmetto is an anti-androgen, it has the potential to lower androgen levels to soothe oily skin and improve acne. However, there are few studies that specifically explore the impact of saw palmetto on the skin. Some studies have looked at applying a cream containing saw palmetto to help regulate oil and improve skin.
However, the creams also include skin-soothing ingredients like sesame seeds and argan oil, so larger studies are needed to better establish a connection between saw palmetto and skin benefits.
Possible drawbacks
Saw Palmetto is safe for most people, although there are no known major side effects from its use. However, even though it is considered a very safe supplement, this supplement can interact with certain antiplatelet and blood thinning medications such as aspirin.
It can also increase the side effects of NSAIDs , including liver damage. Pregnant and lactating people should not use this supplement. There are studies that ensure that there are other side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
It is important to note that while Saw Palmetto may help with some symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it will not help if prostate cancer is the cause. The supplement is only potentially useful in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is not cancerous.
Additionally, there is some concern that saw palmetto may be linked to birth defects and may prevent the normal development of male genitalia. Therefore, its use is not recommended in children, as well as in pregnant or lactating women.
