Saw Palmetto Berry and Powder Profile
Also known as
Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata, Palmetto scrub, Cabbage palm
Introduction
A miniature palm growing 2 to 4 feet (60 to 130 cm) high, the saw palmetto occupies sandy flatlands of the US from South Carolina to South Texas. Saw palmetto was used as a food source and general tonic for Native Americans in Florida, and a survival food for early American settlers. American botanist John Lloyd was one of the first to note the positive effects that the fruit had on grazing animals and concluded that this may very well carry over to humans. By the 1870's it was used widely for general health and disposition, as well as fro an appetite stimulant. It fell out of favor in the 1950's as science could not seem to account for the observed actions of the berries. Once the preferred treatment for prostate disease in American medicine, saw palmetto regained its status in the 1960's when French researchers isolated the specific compounds with statistically demonstrable effects on the prostate. The whole berries, however, continue to be used with success in herbal medicine.
Constituents
Beta-sitosterol, capric acid, ferulic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid.
Parts Used
Berries, dried and cut or powdered.
Typical Preparations
Teas, tinctures, encapsulations.
Summary
Modern research in Europe has shown that saw palmetto may help heal Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)and prostatitis by stopping the conversion of 5-dehydrotestosterone into testosterone, but the whole berries have a gentler effect on the hormone producing effects which help preserve male potency, while offering a wider range of effects to treat the conditions. In cases of prostate infection, the berries gently stimulate urination, causing the infectious microorganisms to be "flushed out" with urine. Other noted modern uses have been for natural breast enlargement, and for hair loss. There has been little or no published research, however, to verify the validity of any claims to these effects.
Precautions
According to the German E Commission monograph, there have been extremely rare cases of stomach problems.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
