Botanical Name: Serenoa repens
This is a herb that is commonly known and used to treat male health conditions, I have found that this herb is a gem in helping with certain female related conditions as well, and would like to share a little bit of information about it.
Saw palmetto is a low growing palm with fan shaped leaves. Its origin is in the USA. It has these small dense clusters of single seeded fruits that are dark brown or black in color and oblong in shape. These matured seeds are the part commonly used for medicinal purposes. They contain a number of short chain fatty acids lauric acid being one of them, as well as phytosterols, flavonoids and essential oil among other things.
This herb is commonly used for men who have benign enlargement of the prostate as it has been found to assist with the symptoms associated with the condition like an increase in the frequency of urination, a weak stream of urine and frequent urination at night. It should be noted that the herb has been found to alleviate symptoms but not necessarily reduce the size of the prostate. Men over the age of 40 should have regular yearly medical testing of the prostate. This herb has an anti-inflammatory action making Saw palmetto a good selection for conditions such as cystitis.
Active compounds found in this herb are thought to inhibit the enzyme 5 alpha reductase this is the enzyme that converts testosterone to it’s active form dihydrotestosterone in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme and preventing its binding to androgen receptors Saw palmetto reduces androgenic activity in the body. Making it useful in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, female/male hair loss, excessive male pattern hair growth in women and other conditions associated with androgen excess. Keep in mind that these conditions are complex and often call for a number of herbs Saw palmetto being just one possibility.
This herb should not be used during pregnancy due to it’s hormonal effects. Men who are taking this herb for an enlarged prostate may need to take it for at least four weeks before they experience any improvement in their symptoms.
