Saw Palmetto

Monday 9th November 2009 9:58am

Saw Palmetto is a type of palm tree, also known as Dwarf Palm and its primary medicinal value lies in the oily compounds found in its berries.

Saw palmetto’s phytochemicals are believed to block the cell receptors that are activated by a very potent form of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone or DHT for short. These receptors only exist in two areas of a male’s body, the prostate and the scalp.

By blocking these receptors in the prostate saw palmetto is able to reduce some of the side effects of mild to moderate benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) such as poor urine flow, hesitancy and the disturbed sleep that comes with frequent nocturnal urination.

It is important to note that BPH needs to be medically diagnosed before starting any treatment.

It is also important to let people know that as men age their prostate enlarges only slowly so the action of saw palmetto in reducing mild to moderate BPH is also something that takes time. People can’t expect immediate results and it is suggested that at least a 6 to 8 week trial of saw palmetto be tried before passing judgement on how effective the treatment is.

Some evidence exists that the effects of saw palmetto on the sensitive receptors in the cells of the scalp can help reduce the signs of excessive action of DHT in this area. So called “male pattern baldness” can respond in some people to treatment with saw palmetto however not all forms of hair loss are related to the action of DHT on the receptors in the scalp. A minimum of 6 to 8 weeks would be needed before deciding whether or not a person was seeing any benefit.

With both BPH and male pattern baldness results only remain while being actively treated with saw palmetto. These problems will return if treatment stops.

Several studies suggest 160mg twice daily of liposterolic extract.

Herb Valley Saw Palmetto 1800 contains 180mg of extract in a convenient gelatin capsule.

Herb Valley Saw Palmetto 1800 is a concentrated high potency herbal extract.

Herb Valley uses Indena® SabalSelect®, a highly standardized extract, with particular and reproducible phytochemical characteristics.

This information is not intended as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult a properly qualified health care practitioner.