Traditionally used by Native Americans to promote strength, Saw Palmetto berries have become one of the principal natural choices in the treatment of an enlarged prostrate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH). The berries are regarded by some people as an aphrodisiac and are also used to treat a range of endocrine (hormone) imbalances in both men and women as well as being a general tonic.
It is a small palm, that may either grow upright, or may branch to grow flat across the ground or even become buried.
Between three and seven fan-shaped leaves grow from each stem annually. The length of the stems, together with the leaf scars, can be used to date the plants. Some elderly plants have been dated to between 500 and 700 years old.
Exploring Saw Palmetto
Native to North America, Saw Palmetto is mainly found among the coastal dunes, sand hills and pinelands of the south-eastern states of the US, from South Carolina to Florida, and west to Louisiana, as well as in southern California.
Where to Find Saw Palmetto
A hardy dwarf palm, Saw Palmetto is found most commonly in the sandy hinterland of the coastal regions of the south-eastern states. It grows wild in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina and is cultivated in southern California. It can also be found in other warm climates, such as the West Indies. Saw Palmetto is also a popular garden plant because it needs no fertiliser and is resistant to insects, drought and fire.
Commercial Growers
Saw Palmetto has been grown commercially in the US for decades and currently about 175,000 acres of the plant are under cultivation there. Initially, most of the crop supplied the European herbal market. Now, interest in the US has meant increased demand for this herb and therefore, a need for additional cultivation. Foreign investors have purchased farms in the South specifically to grow the plant and some ranchers are finding that it produces more profit than raising cattle. As a result, a growers' co-operative has also developed in the region.
Requirements for Growth
When grown in its' natural habitat, Saw Palmetto requires little assistance to support its' growth. Indeed, the plant is so hardy that pioneer settlers in the south-eastern states, wishing to clear the land to grow other crops, found that it was impossible to eradicate the plant - it was resistant to fire. Instead, it was necessary to remove each plant by hand, separately, until machinery was introduced to facilitate the task.
Native Americans knew of the healing powers of Saw Palmetto long before European settlers came to North America. Traditional plant remedies were the only medicines available and Saw Palmetto berries were taken to treat ailments ranging from painful urination to lack of appetite. Today research supports many of the plants' historical uses.
It is known that Native Americans regularly consumed both fresh and dried Saw Palmetto berries as a tonic. They had probably seen animals eat the fruit and then tried it for themselves. One recent report confirms the appetite that some animals have for Saw Palmetto, stating that an adult female bear was found to have consumed more than 30lb (13.5kg) of the plants' fruit.
In the early 1700's, it was observed that Saw Palmetto berries were vital to the native tribes of the Florida peninsula; they used them to treat inflammation of the prostrate and atrophy of the testes. The berries were also used for cases of impotence and to stimulate sexual activity in men. More generally, they were taken as a wide-acting tonic.
Native Americans did not only use Saw Palmetto medicinally. Tannin from the stems was employed to cure hides, while the leaves and branches were utilised to make items such as baskets, brooms and hats.
Similarly in early European settlers in North America used Saw Palmetto berries to treat disorders of the genitourinary and reproductive systems.
The berries, although usually known for their treatment of conditions suffered by men, were historically used to treat women too. In particular, they were taken to alleviate painful periods and infertility. They were also prescribed to stimulate the growth of under-developed breasts and to increase the amount of milk produced by nursing mothers.
Historically, the berries have also been used as a bronchial expectorant and tonic, as well as an appetite stimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent.
European Settlers
It was not until the late 19th century that the white European medical community began to take an interest in Saw Palmetto. Farmers had reported that their animals appeared in particularly good health when they had eaten the fruit of the plant. Decoctions were soon being tested by herbal practitioners and articles about the plants' beneficial effects began to appear.
By the end of the 19th century, physicians of the Eclectic movement, which aimed to combine the best of scientific knowledge with traditional herbal remedies, are known to have included Saw Palmetto berries in their repertoire of herbs. Felter and Lloyd, for example, in their influential revision of King's American Dispensatory in 1898, referred to Saw Palmetto as 'the old man's friend' and clearly supported its' use in relieving symptoms associated with an enlarged prostrate, saying it could help treat irritation of the prostrate, painful urination and dribbling of urine.
They also wrote that the berries had a direct influence on the glands of the reproductive system. As such, they said, the berries acted on the prostate, testes, ovaries and breasts, supporting their function and restoring them to normal size.
Recent History
After World War I, Saw Palmetto was considered one of the most important natural remedies in the southern states. Word of its' healing powers began to spread worldwide and in the 1960's French researchers began to study the chemical constituents of the berries and their medicinal value. The result was the first trademarked Saw Palmetto product, Permixon, which was released in 1981.
The berries are the part of Saw Palmetto commonly used for medicinal purposes. They contain a large number of natural chemicals that have beneficial effects on the entire body, but particularly the hormonal system - for example, improving prostrate health.
Berries
Although Saw Palmetto berries are best known for their role in promoting prostate health, historically they have been used as a tonic, appetite stimulant, expectorant and nutritive. They are also capable (in a limited way) of normalising the function and size of reproductive organs; for instance, they can help reduce an enlarged prostate and can rebuild vaginal tissue as well as increase the size of women's breasts.
Chemical Constituents
When put them chemical analysis, Saw Palmetto extract is found to contain mostly fatty acids, which are probably the key, vital component and comprise some 80% of the active constituents. The extract contains small amounts of sterol compounds, which act in a similar way to oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, depending on whether it is taken by a man or a woman. Other constituents include small quantities of polyphenols (long-chain alcohols) and polysaccharides, as well as alcohols, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, volatile oils and tannins. Sesquiterpenes are a type of compound that often taste bitter and are present in many essential oils. They may be responsible for the plants' antiseptic action.
When fresh, about 87% of the berry is composed of water, which reduces to about 7.5% when the fruit is air-dried. The sweet taste of the extract is due to the presence of the sugars fructose, glucose and sorbitol, which account for some 10% of the fruit.
A nutritional profile of the Saw Palmetto berry, calculated on berries that have been completely dried, shows they are very high is phosphorus and zinc and high in calories, chromium, crude fibre, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, silicon and thiamine. They contain average amounts of cobalt, dietary fibre, fat, protein, sodium, vitamin A and a little calcium and vitamin C.
Saw Palmetto berries are mainly known for their effect on the prostrate. They are also useful in the treatment of subfertility and debility. While the plant has been under-researched, further investigation may reveal new uses for this wonderful Native American remedy.
Relieves the symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH) and prostatitis (inflamed prostate), which include the urge to urinate frequently, poor urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, cystitis and painful urination.
Helps nourish the urinary tract and kidneys.
Regulates the sex hormones.
Supports the normal development and activity of the reproductive organs.
Promotes reproductive strength.
Helps the growth of new body tissue, especially reproductive tissue.
Helps restore lost hair.
Beneficial for colds, asthma, mucus and lung conditions.
Stimulates the appetite and can help people to regain weight.
Many of the body's systems are affected by the naturally occurring chemical constituents found in Saw Palmetto berries. In the main, however, they affect the genitourinary, reproductive and digestive organs. The herb is a prime nutrient and stimulant of the reproductive system, reputedly with progestogenic, estrogenic and testosterone-like actions. Well known and regarded in the treatment of BPH, its' effects on the reproductive system are beloved to extend much further.
Even though modern scientific research has not yet been able to substantiate the claims made for Saw Palmetto, it has been used for centuries as a sexual tonic and aphrodisiac, helping to raise general energy levels. As such, it has been prescribed by herbal practitioners and therapists for impotence or frigidity or simply for those with a temporarily absent or reduced sex drive.
For the digestive system, Saw Palmetto is given as a tonic to stimulate appetite and assist assimilation of food.
The most noteworthy therapeutic properties of Saw Palmetto berries are as follows:
Diuretic: Saw Palmetto has a therapeutic effect on the neck of the bladder and the prostate gland, promoting a good flow of urine.
Hormone tonic: this herb supports the organs of the endocrine system, including the adrenals, thyroid, ovaries and pancreas.
Tonic and nutritive: Saw Palmetto is used as a general tonic and also as a subtle booster for the sex drive and the immune system.
Caution
If you have an enlarged prostate, consult a doctor to rule out other, more serious conditions. Saw Palmetto is often more effective in conjunction with other herbs, rather than on its' own, so seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
It is unfortunate that relatively few studies have been made of the possible uses of Saw Palmetto in the treatment of cancer, particularly of cancer of the prostate. In 1996, studies at the University of La Sapienza in Rome showed that extracts of Saw Palmetto berries could inhibit the activity of certain hormone-dependent prostate cancers. In 1997, in animal tests carried out by researchers H. Shimada, V. E. Tyler and J. L. McLaughlin in the US, two substances isolated from the berries, monolaurin and monomyristin, had a moderate effect against certain cancerous pancreatic and kidney cells and a lesser effect against certain cancerous cells of the prostate. It is clear that Saw Palmetto needs to be examined more carefully and eventually tested in scientific conditions on humans to see if it may be of therapeutic value in treating cancer.
Despite its' long historical usage, medical studies of Saw Palmetto's effectiveness have been extremely limited. Scientific studies already discussed showed that two substances isolated from Saw Palmetto berries were moderately active in inhibiting some renal and pancreatic cancer cells. Also according to Kate Udall in Saw Palmetto: The Natural Choice for Prostate Health, preliminary data suggests that Saw Palmetto may be able to help people with thyroid deficiency.
Saw Palmetto is a remarkably safe herb. However, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor if it is safe to take it. This is especially important since Saw Palmetto berries are known to act upon the endocrine and reproductive systems and are therefore best avoided during pregnancy.
No significant side effects have been reported from either the use of Saw Palmetto products or the ingestion of crushed berries. There have been a few cases of very minor side effects, but they occurred in only a few people and were limited to gastrointestinal upsets and nausea. Detailed toxicological studies have also been performed using animals and no adverse effects were detected.
Allergic Reaction to Saw Palmetto
There have been no reports in medical literature of serious allergic reactions against Saw Palmetto berries. As with almost any medication, there is a tony risk of systemic allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. This is more likely in people who have already shown an allergy to other plant extracts or herbal remedies. In the case of a massive shock reaction to any substance, call an ambulance or immediately take the person to the nearest accident and emergency department.
It is possible that people prone to allergic reactions might get a rash from handling the berries.
Saw Palmetto is very safe and clinical trials have shown that side effects are very rare and limited. Do not take it if you are pregnant, however, because of the herb's hormonal actions.
Pregnancy
Saw Palmetto berries contain constituents that have both estrogenic and progestogenic effects on the body. It would therefore not be advisable to take it in pregnancy.
Caution
Saw Palmetto has estrogenic chemical components, so if you have a gynaecological cancer that is stimulated by oestrogen, check with a qualified herbalist or medical practitioner before taking the herb.
Children
Little is known about Saw Palmetto as a children's remedy - either from written records or from traditional folklore. However, since the herb improves digestion and helps to put on body weight, it may have been used for underweight and sickly children in regions where it grew wild. Today, because of its' slight hormonal effects, it is best to consult a herbalist before giving the herb to your child. A little of the herb in a stew would be a safe way for children to receive Saw Palmetto.
Elderly People
The elderly are perhaps the people who benefit most from taking Saw Palmetto berries. Benign prostatic hyperplasia may affect half of all men over the age of 50, so it would seem that the berry is very important for alleviating the symptoms in a huge number of elderly people. In this way, Saw Palmetto can help cut the costs in the budgets of many health programs, which are usually oriented around expensive drug and surgical treatments. Saw Palmetto is also very nutritive and strengthening, which can be useful for some elderly men and women who have lost muscle mass and feel week.
Caution
It is normally safe to take Saw Palmetto alongside other prescription medicines, but check with your doctor or qualified herbal practitioner first.
Case Study:Depression
Ben had been married for some 15 years when his wife announced that she was divorcing him. When she finally left, taking their children with her, Ben's life seemed to cave in around him. Although friends tried to help, he remained depressed, fatigued and quite unable to consider forming another romantic relationship. Finally he consulted a herbalist who advised him to take Saw Palmetto. He took 2 (80 per cent fatty acid content) capsules, 3 times daily for 2 weeks and then 1 capsule three times daily for 4 months. As the months went by, Ben felt stronger and fitter than he had for years. Colleagues at work began to compliment him, telling him he was looking exceptionally well. Ben began to feel that he had found a 'secret weapon' to help keep him healthy and attractive. The future began to look more promising and the idea of having a special girlfriend was rather pleasing too.
Saw Palmetto is composed of many beneficial substances that act upon the body's systems in ways that are not yet fully understood scientifically. Past use of Saw Palmetto suggests a wealth of future uses just waiting to be discovered.
In studies, scientists have analysed the chemical composition of Saw Palmetto in order to understand how it achieves its' therapeutic results. The berries have been shown to be composed chemically of compounds such as volatile oil and resin; bitter compounds such as saponins (sitosterols), and unidentified substances with antiandrogenic properties and mucilaginous compounds, including pectin.
Some of the effects of these ingredients are well-known. Volatile oil, for example is known to stimulate blood circulation and cause sweating.
Main Effects
The actions of Saw Palmetto are attributable to its' chemical constituents. Among these, the largest group is the fatty acids. It is not yet clear what effect these have. Saw Palmetto also contains sterols that give the herb its' hormonal action.
To sum up Saw Palmetto's actions, it:
Inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Protects the prostate cells from harmful DHT.
Stops oestrogen's effects on the prostate.
Reduces the action of growth factors that encourage prostate tissue to enlarge.
Dihydrotestosteone (DHT) is thought to increase the numbers of prostate cells and consequently enlarge the gland. Some research, according to American physician Dr. Sahelian, suggests that Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of DHT, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Recent Controlled Studies
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a report in 1998 detailing controlled studies on the use of Saw Palmetto to relieve the urinary symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH). In the review of 18 clinical studies, it was concluded that Saw Palmetto was just as effective as the standard drug, Finasteride, in relieving the symptoms of moderate BPH, with fewer side effects. In Germany and Austria, doctors prescribe Saw Palmetto as first choice when treating BPH. Men there are twice as satisfied and report fewer sexual complaints than those taking Finasteride.
Research Results
Although some work has been conducted in to the therapeutic effects of Saw Palmetto, it is clear that much further investigation needs to take place. There has been some interesting research showing promise in anti-cancer therapy and hopefully this may stimulate further study. Considering the decades of beneficial results from using this plant, there has been a paucity of scientific enquiry into Saw Palmetto.
