Saw palmetto, extracted from the American dwarf palm tree, has been widely used for addressing various aspects of prostate and urinary health, such as urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate and the pain and inflammation resulting from prostatitis. Rich in fatty acids and sterols, saw palmetto offers optimal benefits when used in conjunction with other prostate supplements.
Enlarged Prostate (BPH) And Saw Palmetto Health Benefits
Saw palmetto is used across the United States and Europe to promote the health of men with an enlarged prostate (BPH). Its active ingredient, beta-sitosterol, functions by reducing DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels and the inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase and receptor sites on cell membranes. This prevents cells from absorbing DHT, which is associated with BPH.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that saw palmetto works best for addressing the symptoms of BPH when it is used in combination with stinging nettle root extract, quercetin, and curcumin. According to a 2011 study, the long-term (2 years) use of a 320 mg ethanolic extract of saw palmetto in 120 patients suffering from mild or moderate urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH led to significantly improved scores in various domains, including the International Prostate Symptom Scores, quality of life, urinary flow, and the International Index of Erectile Function. The study’s authors concluded that long-term treatment with ethanolic saw palmetto extract is effective in reducing urinary obstruction and improving LUTS, overall quality of life, and sexual function.
BPH Surgery
Additionally, saw palmetto has been proven helpful when taken before BPH surgery (prostate surgery). A study showed that patients who took 320 mg of saw palmetto daily for two months before prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate experienced fewer post-surgery complications, no complications during surgery, no need for transfusion, shorter catheterization, and shorter hospital stays than the non-treated group.
Prostatitis And Saw Palmetto
Prostatitis, a common prostate condition characterized by the swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, can cause painful urination, groin pain, and flulike symptoms. Saw palmetto can help alleviate prostatitis symptoms. A 2010 study involving more than 100 patients found that saw palmetto helped reduce the patients’ pain and discomfort.
A separate study divided prostatitis patients into two groups. One group was given antibiotics, while the other received antibiotics in combination with a saw palmetto supplement containing curcumin and quercetin. Almost 90% of the patients who received the supplement experienced complete symptom resolution after one month, compared to only 27% of the group that received antibiotics alone. Furthermore, none of those who received saw palmetto as a supplement experienced a recurrence of prostatitis within the following six months, while a significant number of patients in the other group continued to suffer from recurring problems.
Saw palmetto has also been compared to the medication Flomax (tamsulosin) for men suffering from chronic prostatitis. In one study, 157chronic prostatitis sufferers were randomly assigned to take either 160 mg saw palmetto twice a day or 0.4 mg Flomax for six weeks. At the conclusion of the study, men in both groups experienced similar improvements in their Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) scores. However, those who took saw palmetto reported a more significant decrease in pain scores. Moreover, saw palmetto is not associated with negative sexual side effects, unlike Flomax.
How To Take Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is best absorbed in supplement form and is often used as an ingredient in supplements designed for men’s health. It is usually taken at a dose of 320 mg per day and is most effective when combined with quercetin, stinging nettle, and curcumin. For example, the prostate supplement Prost-P10x contains 640 mg of saw palmetto along with other natural ingredients. While saw palmetтоо is available as a tea, some of the active ingredients are not water-soluble, meaning that supplements are recommended. Side effects of saw palmetto may include some back pain and headaches.
