Saw Palmetto

The berries of the Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) plant are predominately used for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), a condition suffered by older men who, due to the enlargement of the prostate gland, experience symptoms of urinary frequency, hesitancy, urgency and nocturia (night time urination). This is because of the close proximity of the prostate gland to the bladder. It is an anti-androgenic herb which means it lowers the levels of testosterone in the body, more specifically a more potent form of testosterone called 5α-dihydrotestosterone. This is also higher in conditions such as acne, male pattern baldness and female hirsutism and therefore the herb can also be used for these conditions. The help is also a relaxant and urinary antiseptic so is useful where a urinary tract infection is present.

Saw Palmetto contains a number of lipophilic (can dissolve in fat) essential and fixed oils, most notably lauric acid which has the ability to inhibit a particular enzyme which converts testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw Palmetto also appears to block the binding of DHT to receptor sites on the prostate. Although it has been proven that Saw Palmetto does not interfere with Prostate Specific Antigen (the marker for prostate cancer) it is important to rule out cancer before treating BPH with Saw Palmetto.

References

1. Bone, K (2007) The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Phytotherapy Press: Warwick, Australia.

2. Pengelly, A (2004) The Constituents of Medicinal Plants. CABI Publishing: Washington, USA.

3. Mills, S. (1988) The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Herbal Therapy. Healing Arts Press: Vermont.

4. Philip, R.B. (2004) Herbal-Drug Interactions & Adverse Effects: An Evidence Based Quick Reference Guide. McGraw Hill: USA

5. Wren, RC, Williamson, EM, Evans, FJ (1998) Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. The CW Daniel Company Ltd: Essex, UK