Saw Palmetto: A Natural Drug to Treat Prostate Symptoms

Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy used for generations not only as an aphrodisiac but also to treat symptoms of urinary tract and testicular infection, coughs and respiratory congestion. Although there are unsupported reports that it helps with metabolism, digestion, appetite and sexual dysfunction, it is best known for treating enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH), which across their lifetimes affects about half of all men, who dread its symptoms of painful urination. Prescribed for women and men for various symptoms, in herbal tradition and modern medicine it is an asset for men's health.

Saw palmetto does not directly reduce an enlarged prostate, but it does affect the levels of various hormones believed to be responsible for such enlargement. Clinical trials have shown saw palmetto works better than common prescription drugs, such as Proscar. Saw palmetto is effective in nearly 90% of patients after six weeks of use, while Proscar is effective in fewer than 50% of patients. Also, saw palmetto is much less expensive.

The saw palmetto palm (Serenoa repens), indigenous to the southern United States, is particularly common in Florida. Saw palmetto berries have been used traditionally for centuries as an aphrodisiac and for treating prostate symptoms, both by Native Americans and whites. Juice from the berries (which, by the way, have a terrible taste) was used as an all-purpose tonic, to stimulate weight gain, to promote a relaxed mood, and to treat sexual dysfunction.

Dr. J.B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia, first documented medicinal uses of saw palmetto in the April 1879 issue of The American Journal of Pharmacy: "By its peculiar soothing power on the mucous membrane it induces sleep, relieves the most troublesome coughs, promotes expectoration, improves digestion, and increases fat, flesh and strength. Its sedative and diuretic properties are remarkable."

Saw palmetto tea, made from the berries, was also used as an aphrodisiac, although there is no scientific evidence to support that claim today.

Since the 1960s, clinical studies of saw palmetto have been conducted in Europe. A review of twenty-four European trials involving some 3,000 men appeared in the November 11, 1998 issue of the The Journal of the American Medical Association. Some of the men took saw palmetto, others took Proscar, a prescription drug for benign prostate hyperplasia, and others took a placebo. Men taking saw palmetto had a 28% improvement in urinary tract symptoms, a 24% improvement in peak urine flow, and 43% improvement in overall urine flow. The results were virtually comparable to the results from the group taking Proscar and superior to the results from men taking the placebo.

There has not been much scientific research on women's use of saw palmetto. Since studies show that Proscar can stop unwanted facial and body hair growth in women as well as treat thinning hair, it is thought that saw palmetto might be similarly effective. It has also been used to treat urinary tract inflammation and relieve menstrual symptoms.

One of the problems with using herbs is that there is such a range of products available. Not many of us are going to stalk the wild palmetto, especially since folk wisdom says that clumps of saw palmetto are favorite habitats of rattlesnakes. The problem was identified by the American Urological Association in their report: "Our Association believes it is inappropriate to cite the safety data on pure saw palmetto products currently marketed in Europe ... as proof of the safety of the mixed products containing saw palmetto being marketed in the United States."

Preferred saw palmetto products should contain 85-95% fatty acids and sterols. Dosages vary depending on the type of saw palmetto preparation used. Check the label, and consult with your health care provider. ConsumerLab.com's testing found nineteen saw palmetto products provide the proper amount and quality of saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol known to improve symptoms; three saw palmetto supplements did not. Check this report for more information.

There are no particular precautions for using saw palmetto, even in high doses, but untreated BPH can become serious. If you are a man over 50, you should have an annual prostate exam. You should take saw palmetto under a doctor's supervision if you have prostate cancer, breast cancer, or sex hormone related diseases. If you are pregnant, you should not take saw palmetto. If you are a woman taking birth control pills or estrogen replacement treatment, consult a physician before taking saw palmetto. If you take testosterone or other anabolic steroids, do not take saw palmetto without consulting your doctor.

Allergic reactions have been reported: constriction of the throat, difficult breathing, hives, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking saw palmetto and seek immediate medical care. Minor side effects including diarrhea, headache, cramps, and nausea are also reported but rare.

Since I found a good bit of conflicting information as I researched this article, I would like to refer you to the following for further reading:

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I need to know about Prostate Problems
U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition: Dietary Supplement Claim for Saw Palmetto Extract and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Denied

American Urological Association: From Comments and Testimony Prepared for the U.S. FDA regarding food supplements containing saw palmetto.

Saw Palmetto Extracts for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, A Systematic Review

Research into complementary and alternative medicine: problems and potential

This information is for educational purposes and not as a recommendation as a cure for any disease. It is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified licensed health provider who understands your needs and individual condition.