Saw Palmetto
Palmier nain, Serenoa repens, Sabal Fructus
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (popular use)
- Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy:
Alopecia
- Indications with no proof of efficacy:
Antiseptic
Aphrodisiac
Inflammation of the genitourinary tract
Mild diuretic
Prostate cancer
Testicular atrophy
To increase breast size
To increase sexual vigor
Security
- Risk of Drug Interactions:
Low
- Adverse Effects:
Rare
Description
Part of the plant used: fruits
Saw palmetto is widely found in the United-States, from the Carolinas to Texas. This small palm tree is 1,8 to 3 meters tall. Its fan-like top is 60 to 120 cm tall and is made of long, dentate leafs. The applicable part of saw palmetto is the fruit.
The saw palmetto berry contains polysaccharides, fixed oils, volatile oil, steroids, including b-sitosterol. Saw palmetto is thought to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (by inhibition of dihydroxytestosterone binding at the androgen receptors and inhibition of 5-a-reductase activity on testosterone, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone). Anti-inflammatory properties also appear to be involved.
The product is available in capsules containing dried berries or lipophilic extracts containing 80 to 95% fatty acids and sterols.
Direction of use
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia:
It reduces the need to urinate at night, decreases the volume of residual urine and increases urine flow. Benefits were reported within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment.
Used doses: 1 to 2 grams of dried berry or 320 mg (in 1 or 2 doses) daily of lipophilic extract containing 80% to 90% of fatty acids.
- Alopecia:
Amount and quality of hair could improve in men showing androgenetic alopecia.
Used doses: 200 mg 2 times a day in combination with 50 mg of beta-sitosterol.
There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that saw palmetto is effective in any other indication.
Precautions
- Side effects
Saw palmetto is not associated with any specific toxicity. Rarely, it causes headaches and gastrointestinal problems.
- Interactions
Because saw palmetto appears to have hormonal properties (antiandrogen and estrogen), it may, in theory, interfere with hormonal drugs (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, etc.). Before taking saw palmetto, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are no interactions with your regular medication.
- Pregnancy and lactation
Because saw palmetto appears to have hormonal properties, it should never be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Clinical notes
- Saw palmetto is a very popular natural remedy. Its medicinal properties in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia are well established. However, always consult your physician before using this product.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Lininger S. et Al. The Natural Pharmacy, Prima Health, 1998
- Barnes J. et Al. Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition, Pharmaceutical Press, 2002
- Pierce Andrea, Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999
- Alan Low "Benign prostatic hyperplasia: a review", Pharmacy Practice, September 2000
- Passeportsanté.net. Palmier nain. www.passeportsante.net
- Taylor J. CE: Phytomedicinals: Uses, precautions, and drug interactions. Drug Topics 2003;1:79
- Rotblatt M. et Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine, Hanley & Belfus, 2002
- Gordon AE et Shaughnessy AF. Saw Palmetto for Prostate Disorders. American Family Physician, March 15, 2003
- Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
- The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
- Health Canada, Natural Products Database
