Saw Palmetto is mainly used to help relieve symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland in men. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a condition that causes urinary discomfort both day and night. Saw Palmetto can significantly improve urinary flow and control the need to frequently urinate both during the day and night.1-3

Saw Palmetto is a scrubby palm tree native to the Atlantic coast of North America from South Carolina to Florida. The plant has bunches of red-brown to black berries which contain its most important active ingredients, lipids and sterols.5

Action and uses of Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto has been used for centuries by Native Americans to fight urinary tract infections and European settlers adopted Saw Palmetto – sometimes called the old man’s friend – as a treatment for frequent urination and other symptoms associated with prostate problems.
Concentrated standardised extracts of Saw Palmetto is now an accepted treatment for conditions such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate), particularly in Europe.4
Saw Palmetto appears to work in a number of ways. Laboratory tests suggest that it can act as an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and inflammation. It can also stimulate the immune system. One of the active ingredients is beta-sitosterol that may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to the hormone DHT, stopping prostate enlargement and even reversing growth.
Saw Palmetto may also relax the smooth muscle in the prostate, relieving pressure on the urethra.4
There are a growing number of scientific studies that support the efficacy of Saw Palmetto and any side effects are extremely rare.1-3		  

How much do you take?
Standardised extracts are available and a daily dose equivalent up to 3 grams of Saw Palmetto fruit daily is normal.4

Side Effects/Safety
Not suitable for children.
Saw Palmetto is generally well-tolerated and any side effects are rare. However, if for any reason you feel that you have experienced side effects, please consult your pharmacist or doctor.
It is safe to take Saw Palmetto with other supplements and there is no evidence that it interacts with prescribed medications at the recommended dosage. As with any herbal supplement, if you believe you have a condition requiring medical treatment, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Saw Palmetto.4
Saw Palmetto can be taken on an ongoing basis or for as long as the symptoms persist. However, if symptoms do persist, you should consult your doctor in order to ensure that the symptoms are not a sign of a more serious condition or illness.