If you're struggling with common issues such as prostate problems or hair loss, it's possible to wonder if supplements from nature can aid.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa Repens) is a species of palm native to the southeast United States. It is commonly used in supplements to enhance prostate health, regulate hormone levels, and stop hair loss among men.
Additionally, it's linked to numerous other benefits, such as reduced swelling and improved urinary tract function.
Here are five promising advantages and benefits of saw palmetto and a few of the principal risks and consequences.
1. May prevent hair loss
Hair loss is a typical problem that can be caused by a range of factors, such as genetics, medical conditions, hormonal changes, and the use of medicines like stimulants or blood thinners.
Saw palmetto is frequently utilized to balance hormone levels and fight hair loss.
According to one study, saw palmetto could help block the activities of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that transforms testosterone into the sexual hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) associated with hair loss.
Saw palmetto is also a good way to stop hair loss by decreasing DHT intake in hair follicles. This decreases DHT's capacity to bind to hormone receptors.
One study review discovered that topical and oral supplements containing saw palmetto increased the quality of hair by 60 percent, increased the hair count by 27%, and increased the density of hair for 83% of those who suffer from hair loss.
While some studies show that saw palmetto could improve hair growth, further research is needed.
SUMMARY
Saw palmetto can help prevent hair loss and increase density by reducing levels of an enzyme linked to hair loss.
2. Could improve the urinary tract's function.
Urinary tract issues like constipation and urinary problems are common among people of older age.
Saw palmetto could help alleviate urinary symptoms that are associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition causes enlargement of the prostate gland that causes a decrease in urine flow.
In a small 12-week study, men who took 1,000 mg a day of oil from saw palmetto enriched by beta-sitosterol, a substance found naturally in a wide range of plants, saw significant improvement in BPH symptoms compared to those who took the unenriched palmetto oil.
Similar to a study of 24 weeks of 354 men, a daily intake of 320 mg of saw palmetto reduced the symptoms associated with BPH and increased urinary flow, quality of life, and sexual performance compared with the placebo.
However, the most recent review of 27 studies found that saw palmetto did not significantly affect symptoms of the lower urinary tract when used alone.
Thus, further research is required to determine if this supplement helps the functioning of the urinary tract in the general population, which includes people with prostate issues.
SUMMARY
Saw palmetto could aid in improving urinary tract function, especially for people with prostate problems. However, further research is required.
3. May support prostate health
It is ta iny gland that is located within the penis between the bladder and the enis. It's accountable for ensuring the health of sperm.
There is evidence that suggests that saw palmetto may help support prostate health and can help to in preventing issues such as BPH and prostate cancer.
Additional animal and human studies show that this supplement can help reduce inflammation and urinary symptoms caused by BPH.
Furthermore, an investigation of 15 years in 30 men found using 320 mg extract of saw palmetto every day could help to prevent the development of BPH.
However, some studies don't link saw palmetto with improvement in prostate health or BPH symptoms.
In this regard, more superior research is required.
SUMMARY
A few studies indicate that saw palmetto could help ease the symptoms of BPH. However, the research isn't conclusive.
4. May reduce inflammation
Evidence suggests that saw palmetto may have anti-inflammatory properties that could assist in treating certain diseases.
One study on mice with enlarged prostates showed that extracts of saw palmetto reduced swelling as well as several markers of inflammation, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6)
Another study of rats with BPH discovered that palmetto reduced inflammation and improved antioxidant status.
Although these findings are encouraging, human studies are not as thorough.
SUMMARY
Saw palmetto is rich in antioxidants and has been found to reduce the inflammation of animals in studies. However, high-quality human research is required.
5. May help regulate testosterone levels
Saw palmetto is commonly utilized by those looking to boost testosterone levels naturally.
Testosterone levels impact a variety of areas of our health, such as the body's composition, sex, mood, and brain functioning. The levels decrease with age, and research suggests lower levels can contribute to health issues like heart disease.
Saw palmetto reduces the activity of 5-alpha reduce-tase — the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT — to keep testosterone levels in check.
One study on test tubes found that the extract from saw palmetto was comparable to finasteride's efficiency in maintaining testosterone levels. Finasteride can treat hair loss and BPH by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase.
According to one study, saw palmetto can stop the absorption of DHT and reduce its capacity to connect to the androgen receptors by around 50 percent. This could aid in regulating testosterone levels.
A 14-day study also found the fact that 1,200 milligrams a day of Resettin, the supplement that is made of saw palmetto and astaxanthin, an antioxidant type that is found in algae, raised testosterone levels in the blood, by 38% when compared to a placebo.
Additionally, a study on rats revealed that saw palmetto increased testosterone synthesis, the endurance of muscles, and sperm count by altering the regulation of hormones.
SUMMARY
Human, Test-tube, and animal studies have shown that saw palmetto can assist in controlling testosterone levels by reducing the activity of the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.
What is the purpose of saw palmetto?
The active ingredients in saw palmetto have been believed to hinder the function of 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.
This can help to maintain your testosterone levels as you age. This could cause an improvement in body structure, sexual libido, and mood.
Because DHT is also a factor in the expansion of the prostate gland. the reduction of DHT through the use of saw palmetto could also benefit the health of your prostate and BPH
Also, saw palmetto could aid in maintaining hair health because DHT is a key factor in hair growth and can cause hair loss and hair loss.
However, the research isn't conclusive, so it's not clear whether saw palmetto's effectiveness is proven in any of these conditions.
SUMMARY
Saw palmetto can block the function of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme used to convert testosterone to DHT. This keeps testosterone levels in check and reduces DHT levels, which could cause prostate growth and hair loss.
Formulations and dosage guidelines
Saw palmetto can be found in supplements and is incredibly simple to include in your routine.
It is available in soft gel, tablet, or capsule form. It is usually used in combination with other ingredients that improve prostate health, like pumpkin seed extract.
It can also be present in dried, ground liquid extract or powdered tea.
The majority of research is conducted with saw palmetto, typically divided into two doses of 320 mg daily.
Specific experts suggest using the supplement in conjunction with food that can help reduce digestive problems and avoid negative consequences.
SUMMARY
Saw palmetto can be found in soft gel, capsule, tablet, and soft gel forms. It can be consumed at doses up to 320 mg every day. It can also be found in dried, ground, liquid extract, or tea form.
Potentially harmful side effects of saw palmetto
Saw palmetto has been thought of as safe and has been linked with minimal side adverse effects.
The most frequently reported adverse effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
However, seeing palmetto isn't recommended for everyone.
For instance, those who are nursing or pregnant should stay clear of this supplement because there is a lack of studies on the safety of this supplement and its long-term effects.
Since it can change hormone levels, Saw palmetto might also be inadvisable for women who are taking hormone replacement treatment and hormonal contraceptives. Further research is required to determine its possible effects.
Saw palmetto can also interact with blood thinners, such as Coumadin and Warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
If you suffer from any underlying medical conditions, are taking certain medicines, or are expecting or breastfeeding, make sure to speak with a medical expert before attempting to see Palmetto.
SUMMARY
Saw palmetto can cause mild adverse reactions and shouldn't be consumed by women who are nursing, pregnant, or taking certain medications.
The most important thing is the bottom line
Saw palmetto is a palm species used to make an ingredient with potential health benefits.
Recent research indicates that saw palmetto could boost testosterone levels as well as improve prostate health. Reduce inflammation, stop hair loss, and improve the function of the urinary tract.
However, some studies have yielded mixed results. Further large-scale human studies are required to understand better how saw palmetto impacts health.