The palmetto shrub is a small American palm. Its fruit resembles small dates and has been consumed for a long time in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and other states of southeastern America. Ancient native inhabitants of the region already knew the fruit’s medicinal properties and even used it as an aphrodisiac. Recently, some fascinating active components have been discovered in the fruit, part of several pharmaceutical preparations.
- Prostate Supplements for Men – Havasu Nutrition is the leading saw palmetto supplement for a reason: we feature the finest complex of saw palmetto extract to help support prostate health for men and decrease BPH levels.
- Perfect Pairing – As men age, prostate health becomes more important. We’ve made it easy for men to take one capsule a day to reduce symptoms of enlarged prostate. You can even pair this saw palmetto once daily with our night time saw palmetto to help reduce urination frequency at night.
Palmetto Shrub Scientific Facts
- Scientific synonyms: Sabal serrulata Schult.
- Other names: Saw palmetto.
- French: Serenoa.
- Spanish: Sabal, serenoa, palmerita.
- Environment: Sandy soils and coastal regions of the southwestern United States, especially Florida. It also grows in some Central American areas.
- Description: Palm of the Palmaceae family, growing up to 3 m high, with ivory-colored flowers. The fruit is date-like, around 2 cm long, blackish when ripe.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The fruit when ripe.
Healing Properties and Indications
After being dissolved in a fatty environment, the fatty extract obtained from the fruit of the palmetto shrub contains several phytosterols, especially beta-sitosterol, a triterpenic alcohol (cycloartenol), and fatty aliphatic alcohols of high molecular weight. All of them have anti-inflammatory properties on the prostate. Their hormonal action mechanism prevents the proliferation of androgens in prostate tissues.
- Prostate. The use of saw palmetto is helpful for prostatic hypertrophy or adenoma. It stops prostate gland enlargement and notably reduces the significant discomforts of the prostatic syndrome: dysuria (difficulty to urinate), pollakiuria (urge to urinate often), and vesicle tenesmus (permanent sensation of desire to urinate). It is also recommended for prostatitis, both acute and chronic.
- Diuretic. Besides its antiprostatic properties, this plant mildly promotes diuresis. It also has mild pectoral properties.
Saw Palmetto Berries
The saw palmetto plant’s berries benefit bronchitis, asthma, and colds. They are excellent for head and nose congestion, whooping cough, and all throat ailments. A tea made from dried berries effectively treats catarrhal problems and mucous congestion. It is a urinary antiseptic and diuretic. Tea is also a general tonic that aids in building strength during recovery from illness.
Saw palmetto can treat male and female diseases of the reproductive organs. It helps to promote quicker recovery from glandular disorders. The herb can also inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone, which is a form of testosterone that contributes to prostate enlargement. Steep one teaspoon of dried berries in one cup of water and take one to two cups daily.
How to use Palmetto
- Ripe fresh fruit. An amount of 50-100 g per day can be consumed.
- Decoction
- Extracts
Infusion: Steep for five to fifteen minutes and take six ounces two to three times daily. Tincture: Take fifteen to sixteen drops two to three times daily. Fluid Extract: Take ten drops two to three times daily. Powder: Take two to four #0 capsules (10 to 20 grains) two to three times daily.
Frequently Asked Question
I’ve heard that the palmetto shrub is good for prostate health. Is this true, and how does it work?
There’s evidence that the palmetto shrub may benefit prostate health, particularly in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cases. While the exact mechanisms are still debated, researchers think it might work by:
Preventing the exchange of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with prostate hypertrophy.
Can saw palmetto help with hair loss?
Limited evidence suggests that saw palmetto may help with hair loss, mainly male pattern baldness. It may work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is associated with hair loss.
Does the palmetto shrub interact negatively with any medications?
Yes, potential interactions exist. Saw palmetto might interfere with:
Hormone medications: May affect treatments using estrogen or testosterone.
Blood thinners: Saw palmetto could increase bleeding risk.
Always consult your doctor before starting to use palmetto shrub, especially if you take medication.
Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
The palmetto shrub is generally considered safe, but mild side effects can occur:
Digestive issues: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea.
Headaches
Rarely, it might increase the risk of bleeding
Does the palmetto shrub boost testosterone levels?
While saw palmetto is often marketed as a testosterone booster, the evidence is limited. It seems to primarily impact DHT, a derivative of testosterone, rather than directly boosting testosterone production.
Can women take the palmetto shrub?
Yes, although women less commonly use it. Some women may take it for conditions like:
Hair loss (pattern baldness)
Hirsutism (excessive hair growth due to hormonal imbalances)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms
Women must consult their doctor before seeing palmetto, especially if they have hormonal conditions.
How long does it take for saw palmetto to start working?
You may notice some effects within 4-6 weeks. Still, maximum impact could take several months if any effects are experienced. It’s essential to remember that individual responses can vary widely.
Is there a specific dosage I should take?
Dosage recommendations vary. A standard dose of 160 mg of a standardized extract twice daily is recommended. Always carefully follow the directions on the product label and consult your doctor to determine the best dosage for you.
Besides saw palmetto, Are there other natural remedies that can benefit prostate health?
Yes! Some other options include:
Pygeum africanum
Pumpkin seeds
Lycopene (found in tomatoes)
Stinging nettle
Where can I find reliable information about saw palmetto and its health benefits?
Trustworthy sources for information include:
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://www.mskcc.org/
The Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
University medical centers (.edu websites)
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 610. Print. [palmetto shrub]
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 179.
Last update on 2024-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API