Saw Palmetto: Berry Health Benefits, Side Effects, Medicinal Uses

In the early 1900s, German and French researchers studied the herb and recognized its potential to treat urinary and reproductive issues. Saw Palmetto extract became popular in Europe and eventually made its way to the United States, where it was widely used as a natural remedy for prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw Palmetto remains a popular herbal remedy today, especially for men’s health conditions. Scientific studies have found that it may be helpful for reducing symptoms of BPH, as well as for reducing the incidence of prostate cancer. It is also sometimes used to treat hair loss and acne.

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is an extract derived from the berries of the saw palmetto plant, a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. It has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for a variety of health problems, including an enlarged prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In some Southern Native American cultures, it was believed to be a sacred plant. It was used in ceremonies to bring balance and harmony and was seen as a symbol of strength and resilience. It was also believed to have spiritual healing properties and was used as an offering or gift to the spirits. Saw palmetto was thought to be a powerful protector against negative energy and to bring good luck. 

  • Scientific Binomial: Seronoa repens / Serenoa repens
  • Common English: Sabal / Palmetto Palm / Cabbage Palm
  • Ayurvedic:
  • Unani:
  • Sanskrit:
  • Hindi / Urdu: Krakach Tal
  • Bengali:
  • Marathi:
  • Telugu:
  • Tamil: Panam Palam
  • Gujarati:
  • Kannada:
  • Malayalam:
  • Oriya:
  • Punjabi / Sindhi:
  • Assamese:
  • Kashmiri:
  • Konkani:
  • Manipuri:
  • Dogri:
  • Bhojpuri:

Saw Palmetto Nutritional Value Chart

The nutritional value is not well understood, as it is not a food source. However, it is known that plant berries contain a high amount of fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. The berries also contain phytosterols and carbohydrates, such as fructose and glucose. Saw palmetto is also a source of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, lignans, and catechins, which are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive components, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Nutritional value per 100 g berries:

  • Biotin: 0.1 µg
  • Calcium: 25 mg
  • Carbohydrates (Carbs): 12.9 g
  • Chloride: 15 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Choline: 0.1 mg
  • Chromium: 0.1 µg
  • Copper: 0.1 mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 7.7 g
  • Energy (Calories): 61 kcal
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Iodine: 0.2 µg
  • Iron: 2.3 mg
  • Magnesium: 28 mg
  • Manganese: 0.1 mg
  • Molybdenum: 0.1 µg
  • Pantothenic Acid: 0.2 mg
  • Phosphorus: 20 mg
  • Potassium: 221 mg
  • Protein: 0.9 g
  • Saturated fat: 0.1 g
  • Selenium: 0.5 µg
  • Sodium: 9 mg
  • Sugars: 1.1 g
  • Vitamin A: 0 µg
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.1 mg
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.1 mg
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.6 mg
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.2 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 52 µg
  • Vitamin B12: 0.1 µg
  • Vitamin C: 0.4 mg
  • Vitamin D: 0 µg
  • Vitamin E: 0.2 mg
  • Vitamin K: 0.3 µg
  • Water: 73.5 g
  • Zinc: 0.1 mg

Interesting Facts

  • It is a small fan palm, native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States.
  • It is the sole species in the genus Serenoa and is known by many other names, including sabal, palmetto, cabbage palm, and blue palm.
  • It has been used for centuries by Native Americans for a variety of medical purposes, including as a tonic for the urinary and reproductive systems.
  • Berries have been used in traditional medicines for centuries to treat urinary tract problems, impotence, infertility, and prostate enlargement.
  • Studies have also suggested that it may help reduce inflammation, improve hair growth, and possibly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
  • It is also a popular ingredient in many natural supplements, including those marketed for hair health, male health, and prostate health.

Medicinal Health Benefits

The use of Saw Palmetto as a medicinal remedy dates back centuries to the Native Americans of the southeastern United States. They used it to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive and urinary disorders. The Seminole people of Florida and Georgia are credited with introducing the herb to early settlers of the region. The berry is used. Saw Palmetto is useful for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, colds and is also a sedative. Also great for reproductive organs. Saw palmetto’s blue-black, single-seeded berries are used to make the premier herbal medicine for treating prostate problems. It is useful for acne, baldness, prostate enlargement, bladder infection prevention (men), polycystic ovarian syndrome, prostatitis.

  1. Prostate Health: It is most commonly used to support prostate health, as research has suggested that it may be beneficial in reducing the size of an enlarged prostate, as well as reducing prostate inflammation. It has also been used to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. Studies have shown that it may be effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer, as well as other types of cancers. 
  2. Urinary Tract Health: It has been used to help support urinary tract health, as it may help reduce inflammation in the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. It has been used for centuries to help improve urinary tract health. It has been used to help reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and weak urine stream. 
  3. Joint Health: May help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. It can also help reduce inflammation in the body, helping to reduce pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. 
  4. Supports Libido: May help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help enhance libido. It can also be used to help improve libido and sexual function. It has been used to increase testosterone levels in men, as well as improve sexual performance. 
  5. Hair and Skin Health: It has been used to help support hair health, as it may inhibit the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for hair loss. It has also been used to help improve skin health, reducing acne and other skin conditions. It can also help protect the skin from sun damage, reducing the risk of early signs of aging. 
  6. LDL Cholesterol Reducer: Can also be used to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can help reduce LDL cholesterol, as well as improve blood flow and circulation.

Berries Uses

Fresh or dried berries of the saw palmetto in a tea make an excellent remedy for asthma and sore throats. It is especially good with colds, and helps with bronchitis and even whooping cough. The berries are also good for diabetes, and here you should definitely check an herb doctor to see if he thinks they are all right to use. It is also recommended as a treatment for infertility in the female and as an all-around tonic for the body. Berries also reduces inflammation and edema by inhibiting the effects of inflammation-producing chemicals called prostaglandins. It has long standing traditional use in chronic urinary tract problems such as cystitis and urethritis. It is also useful for weakness and impotence in men.

Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss

Do you suffer from hair loss or thinning hair? If so, you may be interested in the natural remedies that are available to help you overcome this embarrassing condition. One such remedy is saw palmetto, a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. This natural herb has been used for centuries to treat hair loss, and recent studies have shown that it may be effective in helping to prevent and treat hair loss. Saw palmetto contains a variety of compounds that may be beneficial for hair loss. A primary component of this herb is beta-sitosterol, which has been shown to block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a hormone that can lead to hair loss when present in high levels. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, saw palmetto can help reduce the levels of DHT in the scalp and potentially stop or slow down the hair loss process. In addition to beta-sitosterol, saw palmetto also contains a variety of other compounds that are thought to be beneficial for hair loss. These include flavonoids, fatty acids, and plant sterols. All of these compounds work together to nourish the scalp and hair follicles, which can help promote healthy hair growth. If you’re looking for a natural way to help treat hair loss, saw palmetto may be worth considering. This herb is available in many forms, including capsules, tablets, and creams. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if this remedy is right for you.

Best Saw Palmetto Products

The best brand depends on your individual needs and preferences. Popular brands include Nature’s Way, Solaray, Now Foods, and Jarrow Formulas. It is important to research the quality and purity of products before purchasing to ensure the best results.

  1. Nature’s Way Saw Palmetto Berries: It is a dietary supplement made from the berries of the plant. They are used to support prostate and urinary health, as well as to boost overall health and vitality. Berries contain fatty acids, plant sterols, and other active ingredients that are thought to help reduce inflammation and improve prostate health.
  2. Nature’s Bounty Saw Palmetto Herbal Supplement:  The herbal supplement is used to support prostate health and urinary tract health, and may be beneficial for those with an enlarged prostate. The plant has also been used to treat hair loss, although the results are inconclusive. The supplement is available in capsule, tablet, and softgel forms.
  3. Solaray Saw Palmetto Capsules
  4. Natrol Saw Palmetto Berries Extract
  5. Nature’s Answer Saw Palmetto Extract
  6. Piping Rock
  7. Now Foods Saw Palmetto Extract
  8. Jarrow Formulas Saw Palmetto Plus
  9. Nature’s Plus
  10. Puritan’s Pride

Side Effects and Disadvantages

Is taking saw palmetto safe? what are the long-term side effects of it? Long-term side effects of saw palmetto are not well studied and are not known. However, some potential side effects could include gastrointestinal upset, headaches, and dizziness. Avoid during pregnancy and while nursing, at least until further research has been done to ascertain its safety during these times. Saw palmetto can cause mild stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, headache, high blood pressure, and itching. Due to its possible hormonal effects, saw palmetto is not recommended for people on hormone therapy or for pregnant women. However, women are unlikely to take this herb anyway. Not for use by children.

FAQs.

Q. Does any Patanjali product contains Saw Palmetto?
No, none of the Patanjali products contain Saw Palmetto.

Q. How to grow Saw Palmetto?
The United States is the largest producer of the plant, followed by Brazil, Mexico, and China. It is a species of palm native to the southeastern United States and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Plant prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soils. It is drought tolerant once established, but will benefit from supplemental irrigation during extended periods of drought. It is tolerant of salt spray and wind, but can be damaged by extended cold temperatures. You can grow single plant in a big pot or home garden. It is best to plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny location. You should also provide adequate water to keep the soil moist. Mulching around the base of the plant will help to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.

  1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
  2. Prepare the soil by digging up the area and mixing in a generous amount of organic matter such as compost or manure.
  3. Plant your palm in the prepared soil, spacing the plants between 3 and 5 feet apart.
  4. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  5. Fertilize the plants with a general-purpose fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
  6. Prune the saw palmetto in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches.
  7. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases such as scale, mealybugs, and fungal diseases and treat them as needed.
  8. Enjoy the beauty of your saw palmetto as it grows.
  9. The most useful part of the plant is the ripe, dried berries. 

Q. Does it work hair loss and acne?
Beta-sitosterol found in saw palmetto may increase hair growth in men. This herb has historically been used by herbalists for hair loss. Recent research shows it to be effective for men. Take an 85% liposterolic extract, as per recommendation by physician. Vitex (chasteberry) and saw palmetto together alleviate hormone related to acne, as it blocks excessive DHT of the sebaceous glands. Take 95% liposterolic standardized extract or drops of tincture, as per recommendation by physician.

Q. What are top saw palmetto products in India?
Before buying the product, check the ingredients of the product and make sure that it contains all the natural ingredients that are beneficial for your health. It is also important to read the reviews from customers who have used the product in the past. This will help you get an idea of the quality of the product, as well as the effectiveness of the product.

  1. Baidyanath Saw Palmetto Capsules 
  2. Himalaya Himplasia Tablets 
  3. Nature’s Way Standardized Extract Capsules 
  4. Organic India Saw Palmetto Capsules 
  5. Organic India Prostate Health Capsules 
  6. HealthKart Saw Palmetto Capsules 
  7. Nutriherbs Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules 
  8. Healthvit Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules 
  9. Nutrafirst Saw Palmetto Capsules 
  10. Herbal Hills Extract Capsules

Q. Is saw palmetto is best for prostate? What is the home remedy associated with it?
In Europe, saw palmetto is one of several herbal medicines routinely prescribed by doctors to treat symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate. Strong research evidence supports its use in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and the urinary difficulties that go with it. To treat prostate enlargement make a spread of saw palmetto, licorice and pumpkin seeds. Place a 1/2 cup of fresh pumpkin seeds in a food processor. Add one saw palmetto capsule contents (without the capsule), and add a few drops of licorice extract. Blend until smooth. Eat a couple of tablespoonfuls every day. Make small batches at a time to insure freshness. OR Taking tablets of saw palmetto bark is also effective, but consult your doctor for dosage according to individual requirements.

Q. How many mg of saw palmetto should I take for enlarged prostate?
Take saw palmetto in capsule form as per doctor recommendation. Look for an extract containing 85% to 95% fatty acids and sterols. This supplement, which contains extracts of the berries, seems to block the action of a hormone called dihydro testosterone, which stimulates growth in the prostate gland. There is evidence that it also decreases inflammation. Saw palmetto is able to reduce inflammation of the prostate. If you have prostate problems, see your doctor for a diagnosis before using this supplement.

Q. Does saw palmetto, pygeum and damiana change hormones?
Saw palmetto can reduces the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the prostate cells. It effects on estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and their receptors, which are other mechanisms for slowing the growth of the prostate. All of these effects translate into easing the symptoms of BPH by enhancing urinary flow rates, reducing pain with urination, and decreasing nighttime urination. Native Americans of the southeastern United States used the berries for urinary complaints. Saw palmetto is often used in combination with pygeum and the root of stinging nettle. Like saw palmetto, it has a long history of relieving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), apparently by interfering with dihydrotestosterone. Remedies such as damiana and saw palmetto have hormonal effects, stimulating the male reproductive system while also acting as useful nerve restoratives.

Q. How to make saw palmetto tincture at home? How to use it for kidney stone and prostate problems?
To make saw palmetto and nettle root tincture:

  • Dig up, wash, and finely chop two or three handfuls of fresh nettle roots.
  • Place in a jar and cover with saw palmetto tincture (available from specialist herb stores).
  • Leave for two weeks, shaking from time to time.
  • Strain and bottle. Dose: 30 drops, 3 times daily, for prostate problems.
  • As soon as you have symptoms of a kidney stone, take capsules, as per doctor recommendation. If the stone does not pass right away, continue taking the same daily dose until it does.

Q. How berry extract works for urinary problems?
The blue-black fruit of the saw palmetto, which has been called “plant catheter” and “old man’s friend,” has long been used as a home remedy for urinary and prostate problems. Saw palmetto relaxes the ureter, which makes it easier to pass a stone. It undoubtedly has hormonal activity and may improve libido. The extract is thought to have antiandrogenic activity and is used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, a gynecological condition in which androgen levels are raised. Reduces inflammation and frequent urination, lessens pain, and enhances blood flow.

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