Can Saw Palmetto Treat Depression?

According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of disability reports, and in the United States women are two times more likely to encounter depression than men. Typically, depression treatments include undergoing psychotherapy as well as taking prescription medications; however, it may be possible to curb the severity of depression through the use of herbs.

Saw palmetto has built a reputation for helping men maintain healthy prostates; however, herbal remedy proponents claim this herb can also help reduce the severity of depression symptoms. While the scientific community does not completely support the use of saw palmetto for depression, preliminary studies do suggest this herb has potential regarding depression treatment. If you are interested in taking saw palmetto for depression symptoms, you should first discuss the benefits and potential side effects of taking this herb with your physician.

Saw Palmetto and Depression - Scientific Evidence:

Upon writing this article, there are no definitive studies regarding the use of this herb for depression; however, what limited studies that have been performed suggest that the antioxidant compounds found within saw palmetto may be able to treat depression symptoms.

According to scientists, antioxidants help safeguard your mind from damage due to free radicals such as cognitive decline. Because this herb contains such a high concentration of antioxidant compounds known as flavonoids, saw palmetto may help reduce depression symptoms caused by free radical damage, or oxidation.

Saw Palmetto Compounds:

There are four primary active compounds found in saw palmetto: polysaccharides, fatty acids, plant sterols and flavonoids. According to research, the most active of these constituents include flavonoids and plant sterols; however, polysaccharides are known to inhibit inflammation within your body as well as support your overall immune system.

Dosage:

Although there are no official dosage recommendations for saw palmetto regarding its potential use for depression, the University of Maryland Medical Center states you can consume up to 320 mg of saw palmetto divided into two 160 mg doses per day.

If you are interested in taking saw palmetto, you should consume a saw palmetto standardized extract that contains anywhere from 85 to 95 percent plant sterols and fatty acids. While saw palmetto teas are available, the primary active compounds are not water soluble, thus they will not dissolve in water.

References Used:

http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/

World Health Organization: Depression

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/saw-palmetto-000272.htm

University of Maryland Medical Center: Saw Palmetto

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200307/flavonoids-antioxidants-help-the-mind

Psychology Today: Flavonoids: Antioxidants Help the Mind