The American medical community does not strongly embrace saw palmetto. The U. According to the Mayo Clinic , more than 2 million American men use saw palmetto to treat the condition. The fruit of saw palmetto is available in several forms, including liquid tablets, capsules, and tea.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Your prostate typically gets bigger with age. However, a prostate gland that grows too large can place pressure on your bladder or urethra. This can cause urinary problems. Saw palmetto works by stopping the breakdown of testosterone into its byproduct, dihydrotestosterone. This byproduct helps the body hold on to more of its testosterone and create less dihydrotestosterone, which can slow or stop the growth of the prostate gland. Saw palmetto can help alleviate some of the symptoms of BPH by stopping prostate growth.
These symptoms include:. Shop for saw palmetto. Low testosterone levels are associated with low libido in both men and women. Saw palmetto may boost libido by stopping the breakdown of testosterone in the body. In men, sperm production is guided by testosterone.
Too little testosterone results in low sperm count. Saw palmetto may increase both male and female fertility by affecting the balance of free testosterone in the body. High levels of dihydrotestosterone are associated with hair loss , while high levels of testosterone are associated with hair growth. A study in found that a supplement containing saw palmetto increased testosterone levels. However, the researchers noted that further research would be needed to establish the role of saw palmetto in effective testosterone regulation.
When taking saw palmetto, like any remedy, it is important to check the recommended dosage on the packet.
It is a good idea to speak to a doctor when taking saw palmetto for the first time. A doctor can check that it is safe to take saw palmetto alongside existing medicine. As saw palmetto may interact with other hormones, women who are taking the birth control pill should not take it.
It can also slow blood clotting and people who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin , should also avoid saw palmetto. Saw palmetto products are available to purchase online , but you should check with a doctor before using them, to ensure they are safe. Since it acts as a hormone, the American Pregnancy Association advises women not to take saw palmetto during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Women considering taking a herb or supplement during pregnancy should discuss it first with a doctor.
More research is required to conclude whether saw palmetto is an effective treatment for prostate-related conditions. While there is some evidence to support the fact that saw palmetto might have a positive impact, its potential side effects have not been well studied.
Although inconclusive, current evidence does not undermine the experience of people who have found saw palmetto helpful. Taken correctly, it may be worth trying as a complementary treatment. A new study finds a strong link between low total testosterone and chronic diseases in men of all ages, especially in the under and plus age….
Testosterone is a sex hormone that regulates sexual development, muscle mass, and red blood cell production. It originates mainly in the testicles and…. In male hypogonadism, the testes do not produce enough testosterone and sperm. This can have a range of effects on the body, including delayed sexual…. In this Spotlight, we examine the debate surrounding testosterone therapy for aging-related hypogonadism, looking at the arguments for and against its….
Dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that, to date, is not well-understood. It is classed as a performance-enhancing…. Uses and dosage of saw palmetto. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What is saw palmetto Uses of saw palmetto Effectiveness Dosage and interactions Side effects Conclusion We include products we think are useful for our readers.
What is saw palmetto. Share on Pinterest Saw palmetto grows in warm climates. Uses of saw palmetto. Share on Pinterest An extract from the saw palmetto berries may be turned into a liquid, a tea, or a tablet. It may also prevent hair loss by reducing the uptake of DHT in the hair follicles, which decreases its ability to bind to specific hormone receptors 2. Saw palmetto may ward off hair loss and increase hair density by decreasing levels of a specific enzyme related to hair loss.
Urinary tract symptoms are common among older men and can include issues like incontinence and difficulty urinating 4. Saw palmetto may improve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia BPH — a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland and results in decreased urine flow. One week study in 92 men showed that taking two capsules daily of Prostataplex, a mix of herbal supplements that includes saw palmetto, helped improve urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH 5.
Similarly, another study in 85 men over the age of 45 found that treatment with mg of saw palmetto twice daily reduced lower urinary tract symptoms, increased urine flow, and improved overall quality of life after 6 months 6. However, more research is needed to determine whether saw palmetto may also improve urinary tract function in the general population, including for those without prostate issues. Saw palmetto may improve urinary tract function and could aid in the treatment of urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH.
Still, more research is needed. The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis in men, which is responsible for maintaining sperm health 7. Some research suggests that saw palmetto could support prostate health and may aid in preventing issues like BPH and prostate cancer. According to one test-tube study, saw palmetto berry extract was able to decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells 8.
Another test-tube study showed that saw palmetto blocked the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells by deactivating specific receptors involved in cancer development 9. Other human and animal studies indicate that it may be effective at reducing urinary symptoms and inflammation related to BPH as well 5 , 6 , Further high-quality research is needed to evaluate how saw palmetto may affect prostate health in humans.
Test-tube studies show that saw palmetto may help decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells. It may also help improve symptoms of BPH, but research is inconclusive.
Saw palmetto contains the antioxidants epicatechin and methyl gallate — compounds that prevent damage to cells, decrease inflammation, and protect against chronic disease 14 , Some research shows that saw palmetto may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in treating certain conditions.
For example, one study observed that giving saw palmetto extract to mice with enlarged prostate glands decreased swelling and several markers of inflammation, including interleukin 6 IL-6 Another study in obese rats with BPH found that saw palmetto was effective at decreasing inflammation and improving antioxidant status Although these results are promising, additional studies are needed to determine how saw palmetto may impact inflammation in humans.
Saw palmetto is high in antioxidants and has been shown to decrease inflammation in some animal studies. Nonetheless, more high-quality human studies are needed.
0コメント