Saw Palmetto (None)
Saw palmetto is a small palm-like plant native to the southeastern United States. Its berries are used medicinally, particularly for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and related urinary issues in men. Modern research explores its efficacy and safety, while traditional uses highlight its role in addressing reproductive and urinary health.
Botanical name: Serenoa repens. Also known as: Sabal, Serenoa, Cabbage Palm.
Properties
Inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase, Anti-inflammatory effects, Androgen receptor blockade
Dosage
Standardized extract: 320 mg daily, often divided into 160 mg twice daily. Crude berries: 1-2 g daily. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Astringent, Sweet
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Vatahara
- Pittahara
- Kaphahara
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Traditional uses
- Mutrakrichra (dysuria)
- Prostate vriddhi (prostate enlargement)
- Balya (strength promoting)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts are commonly formulated into capsules or tablets.
- Liquid Extracts/Tinctures: Concentrated liquid forms for quick absorption.
- Teas/Infusions: Made from dried berries, often mixed with other herbs for flavor. May be less potent due to lower concentration of active compounds.
- Lipid-soluble extract (LESP): Extracts standardized to 70-95% free fatty acids, often used in clinical studies.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis)
- Individuals scheduled for surgery (discontinue at least 2 weeks prior)
- History of bleeding disorders
- Liver disease (use with caution)
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased libido
- Rhinitis
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bruising
- Oral bleeding
Interactions
- Medications that slow blood clotting (anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel)
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Estrogen therapy
- Medications metabolized by the liver
- Iron supplements (may slow absorption)
- Other treatments for BPH (e.g., finasteride)
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 25 RCTs and databases tracking 40+ studies show mixed results regarding the efficacy of saw palmetto for BPH symptoms. Some trials suggest improvement in urinary tract symptoms, while others indicate no significant difference compared to placebo. There is no evidence to support the use of saw palmetto for prostate cancer or prostatitis. Combination therapies involving saw palmetto show some promise.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vatahara
- Pittahara
- Kaphahara
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Classical clinical indications
- Mutrakrichra (dysuria)
- Prostate vriddhi (prostate enlargement)
- Balya (strength promoting)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)