Saw Palmetto: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Saw palmetto is one of the types of palm trees, and it is also known as “serenoa repens”. These trees are found on the southeast coast of the U.S during a warm climate.

In ancient times, people of the Seminole tribe used to eat berries from the trees of saw palmetto to decrease reproductive and urinary tract problems.

Leaves of this plant are used for the treatment of male reproductive problems by increasing the level of testosterone.

It is used in herbal remedies and is widely used by people of Europe and the US. Extracts of saw palmetto are available in tea, tablet, and liquid form.

For the treatment of disorders related to testosterone deficiency, saw palmetto is widely used by the people of the US.

Dosage of Saw Palmetto

Appropriate dosage of saw palmetto depends on medical history, gender, and age. According to research evidence, patients are recommended to take a dose of 320 mg per day for about two months before the surgery of prostate glands.

Uses and health benefits of saw palmetto

There are many uses and benefits of saw palmetto, such as:

1.     Saw Palmetto for Enlarged prostate

Saw palmetto had been taken by people for treating enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

This is a walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive tract. With aging prostate gland enlarges, consequently decreasing the amount of testosterone in males.

2.     Saw Palmetto for Prostate cancer

In addition to traditional treatment, supplementing with saw palmetto can be helpful for treating prostate cancer because it is helpful for decreasing the growth of cancerous cells in patients with prostate cancer.

Hence, saw palmetto can be used during prostate cancer with proper physician’s advice.

3.     Saw Palmetto for Sex drive

As saw palmetto is the natural source of increasing testosterone level, which increases sexual desires and the amount of eggs and sperms.

So, saw palmetto can be taken for improving testosterone level and enhancing sexual derives.

4.     Hair Saw Palmetto

With the aging, the levels of testosterone decreases in males. As a result, dihydrotestosterone (by-product of testosterone) level reduces, and then men experience hair loss.

So, taking saw palmetto in an appropriate amount may be helpful for reducing hair loss in men.

Side Effects of Saw Palmetto

There are many side effects of saw palmettos, such as dizziness, constipation, bad breath, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

If taken for a longer time, it may cause enlargement and tenderness of the breast in females and erectile dysfunctionality in males.

Changes in sexual desires are also seen due to saw palmetto.