Frequently asked questions about Saw Palmetto

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw Palmetto is an herb that has been shown in clinical studies to have some beneficial effects in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Saw Palmetto (sometimes referred to as Sabal in Europe) grows naturally in the southeastern United States. Georgia, Mississippi and particularly Florida have vast areas where Saw Palmetto grows wild.

What’s in Saw Palmetto?

There are a variety of compounds within the saw palmetto berry. These can be divided into four major categories:

• Free Fatty Acids: Quite a number of fatty acids are present in saw palmetto. The ones highest in concentration include oleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid.
• Phytosterols: These plant sterols have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol. The most commonly found in saw palmetto are betasitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and cycloartenol.
• Free Fatty Alcohols: These are usually made up of the fatty acids joined to an alcohol molecule.
• Monoglycerides: These are single fatty acids attached to a three carbon glycerol molecule.

How does Saw Palmetto work?

Many herbal and natural medicines have had far less research money devoted to them than they deserve. Saw Palmetto is no exception. Consequently more data is available about clinical test results than in how results were achieved. Most data that does exist points in the direction that the unique combination of ingredients in saw palmetto berry extract act as an inhibitor in the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) present in prostate tissue. Saw Palmetto seems to reduce the binding of DHT to androgen receptors in prostate cells, and the anti-estrogenic action in prostate tissue. This synergistic effect works against the abnormal amount of DHT stored in prostate tissue as we age and helps to keep the the hormone level in balance and can significantly reduce swelling or enlargement of prostate tissue (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Is Saw Palmetto Safe?

No significant side effects have been reported in any clinical studies regarding saw palmetto. There is no evidence that saw palmetto interferes with other medicines.

Does Saw Palmetto help with urinary tract problems?

Since BPH or prostate enlargement has a direct effect on urinary flow, yes, use of saw palmetto will help with problems in this area. In Europe from 1983 to 1990 there were seven major studies of the effects of saw palmetto. In these studies 350 men were given saw palmetto extract for one to three months. In five of the seven studies the majority experienced less urgency to urinate, got up less often at night to go to the bathroom and had greater flow rates. In all of these studies the majority of the subjects reported fewer problems with sex drive and performance as well.

Berries or Extract?

Since the extract is more concentrated than dried berries, the best results can be obtained from a topically applied cream, which contains saw palmetto berry extract in large amounts.

Can Saw Palmetto work with other herbs?

The action of the saw palmetto extract is enhanced by the presence of Uva Ursi and Bayberry which are both natural astringents that have an affinity for the urinary system. Some forms of Ginseng, which are adaptogens and work on the glandular system, also enhance the performance of saw palmetto cream. In addition, if Wild Yam is added the body then naturally produces the right amounts of progesterone, which results in the correct amount of testosterone and adrenal corticosteroid levels in the body.

These questions and answers adapted from research publications by Dr. H G Preuss and Dr. Ray Sahelian