Saw palmetto – how does it support the treatment of hair loss and prostate problems?
Saw palmetto is an exceptionally attractive plant which, in addition to its exotic, tropical appearance, has remarkable medicinal properties that have led to its growing popularity. Supplements based on saw palmetto are successfully used to support prostate and urinary tract health, as well as to prevent hair loss. Currently, saw palmetto products are effective, natural remedies for many problems. What should you know about them and how to use them?
Saw palmetto – what is it?
Saw palmetto is the common name for a small American palm tree, whose scientific name is Serenoa Repens. Saw palmetto grows on the sunny coasts of Florida, among other places, where it stands out from the local vegetation with its large, fan-shaped leaves. In autumn, the saw palmetto bears fruit, producing dark red berries with seeds rich in fats.
For the indigenous people of Florida, the Seminole, these berries were an important food source. Although they had a very bitter taste, they are known for their rich nutritional content and health properties. Europeans who arrived in the area adopted the Seminole tradition of using sabał palm fruit in herbal medicine, bringing their knowledge back to Europe. For over seven decades now, saw palmetto has been gaining popularity in health food shops around the world, as well as an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Properties of saw palmetto – what should you know about them?
Over the past decades, the effectiveness of saw palmetto extracts has been demonstrated in dozens of local and international clinical trials. Preparations obtained from saw palmetto fruit have the following properties, among others:
- Diuretic;
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Hormone regulating.
Laboratory studies show that the phytosterols found in saw palmetto-based products have an effect similar to that of hormones found in the human body. As a result, dietary supplements or herbal preparations made from saw palmetto play a significant role in the prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Saw palmetto – how does it affect the body?
The properties of saw palmetto have a direct impact on the numerous positive effects of products based on this plant. These include:
- Improved urine flow (e.g. in cases of frequent urination problems);
- Reduction in the amount of residual urine in the bladder;
- Reduced need to urinate at night;
- Prevention of inflammatory irritation of the lower urinary tract;
- Prevention of androgenic alopecia;
- Improved skin and hair condition.
The above effects of saw palmetto are determined by the inhibition of the 5α-reductase enzyme, whose purpose is to initiate the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. In addition, the phytosterols and flavonoids contained in saw palmetto have antiviral and antioxidant properties and support the immune system.
Saw palmetto for hair – does it help with androgenic alopecia?
One of the causes of androgenic alopecia, which affects almost 70% of men and about 30% of women during their lifetime, is the aforementioned enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into a much stronger version: dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT produced in the scalp appears to promote the so-called miniaturisation of hair follicles, which shrink, thereby stretching and stopping hair growth. This process creates the typical image of male pattern baldness, determined by the so-called receding hairline appearing on the sides of the first hair growth line.
Saw palmetto supplements and medicines based on its active ingredients are one of the main options and are most often recommended for androgenetic alopecia. Unlike other medicinal products, they do not have a number of unpleasant side effects. What is more, they are able to reduce the activity of 5α-reductase by approx. 70%, thus enabling hair regrowth in areas affected by baldness.
Saw palmetto and testosterone
Due to its ability to slow down or stop 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, saw palmetto can successfully reduce the effects of DHT.
Consequently, some studies note a correlation between the use of saw palmetto-based products and the regulation of testosterone levels. Studies conducted in the 20th century seemed to confirm that men who took saw palmetto-based medicinal products had statistically higher testosterone levels than men in the placebo group.
Saw palmetto and the prostate – how does it help with BPH?
Saw palmetto fruit extract is currently one of the most effective treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition involves an increase in the volume of the prostate gland, which compresses the bladder and urethra, causing many disorders related to the urinary system.
The causes of BPH are still not fully understood. However, it is known that there may be a genetic predisposition that increases the risk of developing BPH. In addition, dozens of studies consistently confirm that dihydrotestosterone also influences the potential development of prostate problems. Research results indicate that saw palmetto extract inhibits the enzymatic activity of 5α-reductase. This inhibition reduces the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prevents the further development of prostate problems.
According to numerous clinical studies, saw palmetto is as effective as specialised drugs designed exclusively for the prevention of BPH. However, it is worth noting that, unlike available medical products, saw palmetto does not have many potential side effects. European and global health organisations recommend the use of saw palmetto extracts in the treatment of disorders caused by benign or intermediate prostate hyperplasia.
Saw palmetto tablets – an effective supplement?
Saw palmetto fruits are processed into numerous ready-made preparations. The most popular of these are tablets, which are often combined with other active ingredients to increase their therapeutic effectiveness. These include nettle extracts. The tablets are usually taken in the morning and evening, washed down with water, and begin to work as soon as they reach the stomach.
The advantage of saw palmetto tablets is certainly the multitude of options available. A wide range of products with different dosages allows the product to be tailored to individual needs.
Saw palmetto – what is the correct dosage?
The dosage of Saw Palmetto depends on the purpose for which we want to use the preparation. However, the standard recommended daily dose is usually between 500 and 800 mg, and the dose may be lower or higher if recommended by a specialist. This dosage is effective in preventing not only androgenic alopecia, but also BPH and other conditions associated with 5α-reductase activity.
The effects of saw palmetto extracts and preparations begin to be noticeable after 4 to 6 weeks. It is worth remembering this, as many people may decide to increase the dosage during this period due to the lack of visible effects of the substance. This is extremely dangerous behaviour and should be avoided.
Saw palmetto – side effects and contraindications
Unlike many medicinal plants, saw palmetto products have no documented serious or dangerous side effects. However, there are some precautions that are worth remembering. It is therefore important to pay attention to a few more specific contraindications:
- Saw palmetto is contraindicated in children and women (especially during pregnancy and lactation);
- People using finasteride or other drugs to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia should refrain from using Saw Palmetto;
- Saw palmetto-based products are not recommended for people struggling with slow blood clotting or before an upcoming operation (risk of haemorrhage).
As for possible side effects, these include:
- Nausea;
- Abdominal pain;
- Upset stomach;
- Constipation and diarrhoea.
In extremely rare cases, there may also be a decrease in libido, headaches or high blood pressure. Bibliography
‘Saw Palmetto for Men & Women: Herbal Healing for the Prostate, Urinary Tract, Immune System and More’ – D. Winston, Storey Publishing, 1999.
‘Saw Palmetto Hair Loss: Healthy Long Hair Loss Prevention and Fast Regrowth! Grow Beautiful, Healthy, Natural Hair’ – M. Prescott, M. Edlin, 2013.
Saw palmetto and lower urinary tract symptoms: what is the latest evidence? – A. L. Avins, S. Bent, Current Prostate Reports scientific journal, Current Science, 2006.
Intraoperative haemorrhage associated with the use of extract of Saw Palmetto herb: a case report and review of literature – P. Cheema, O. El-Mefty, A. R. Jazieh, Journal of Internal Medicine, John Wiley & Sons, 2001.
‘Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia’ – K. T. McVary, scientific journal Current Urology Reports, Springer, 2006.
‘Efficacy and Safety of Hexanic Lipidosterolic Extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials’ – G. Novara et al., European Urology Focus, Elsevier, 2016.
‘The effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto fruit extract on serum prostate specific antigen: analysis of the CAMUS randomised trial’ – G. L. Andriole et al., scientific journal The Journal of Urology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013.
‘Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events’ – T. B. Agbabiaka, M. H. Pittler, B. Wider, E. Ernst, scientific journal Drug Safety, Springer, 2009.