Serenoa repens, also known as Saw Palmetto, is part of the Arecaceae family and is native to the West Indies and East coast of the USA. It is a small, low-growing palm tree with leaves segmented sword-shaped leaf blades that radiate from the central stem, looking much like a fan. It fruits small black berries that grow in clusters.
Historical Use:
Serenoa repens was traditionally used by indigenous North Americans to treat urogenital irritations, impotence and male infertility.
Fun Fact:
The name “saw palmetto” is due to the plant’s sharp saw-like stems that have spikes protruding from the sides.
Part Used:
- Dried berries
Major Chemical Constituents:
Short-chain fatty acids including capric, caprylic, myristic, and lauric acid, glycerides, phytosterols including sitosterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, cycloartenol, essential oils, and polysaccharides.
Therapeutic Benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory: Counteracts inflammation
- Antiandrogenic: Inhibits or modifies the action of androgens (male sex hormones)
- Anti-hyperprostatic: reduces symptoms and enlargement of the prostate gland
Clinical Uses:
Saw palmetto has long been under investigation for its role in treating and managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It has successfully shown various benefits in managing BPH symptoms with evidence that the anti-androgenic fatty acids can cause relaxation of muscle tone and inhibition of testosterone metabolism. Phytosterol (b-sitosterol) has also been demonstrated to effectively reduce prostatic inflammation. Additionally, saw palmetto showed to improve the overall quality of life of people living with BPH.
The main reason for using saw palmetto to manage BPH is due to its beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which is a common problem for BPH patients due to the prostate gland being just beneath the bladder. Due to this, saw palmetto is also indicated for conditions like chronic cystitis, painful urination, frequent urination, excessive urination at night time, and urinary retention.
Contraindications:
- Not to be taken during pregnancy
- Not recommended for children under 12 years due to possible hormonal effects
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References
Alcaraz, A., Rodríguez-Antolín, A., Carballido-Rodríguez, J. et al. Efficacy and tolerability of the hexanic extract of Serenoa repens compared to tamsulosin in moderate-severe LUTS-BPH patients. Sci Rep 11, 19401 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98586-5
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2014). Herbs and natural supplements, volume 2 : An evidence-based guide. Elsevier.
Carole Fisher. (2018). Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books.
Kwon Y. (2019). Use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Food science and biotechnology, 28(6), 1599–1606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-019-00605-9
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