Saw palmetto is also known as Serenoa Repens. It is a plant that belongs to the palm tree family. The tree even gets fruits. They are large reddish-black drupes and are an important food source for wildlife. Saw palmetto is often used in complementary and alternative medicine to treat hair loss, migraines, enlarged prostate, and even chronic pelvic pain. It is widely sold as a soft gel, liquid extract forms, powder, and capsule. You can even get oil-based saw palmetto serums that you can apply directly to the hair.
Health Benefits Of Saw Palmetto
1. Prevent Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common condition that can be caused by many factors such as certain medical conditions, genetics, or hormone changes. Saw palmetto is usually used to balance hormone levels and combat hair loss. Most people suffer from hair loss when their DHT hormone levels are increased. Saw palmetto can help in blocking the activity of 5-alpha reductase. And can prevent hair loss by reducing the uptake of DHT in your hair follicles, which decreases DHT’s ability to bind to specific hormone receptors.
2. Improve Urinary Tract Function
Urinary tract functions such as difficulty in urinating, pain, or incontinence. Even the medical condition, benign prostatic hyperplasia, can cause an enlarged prostate and generate urinary tract symptoms that affect urine flow. Saw palmetto can be effective and it can relieve pressure on the tubes responsible for urine flow. It can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. According to studies an increase in urine flow showing saw palmetto benefits in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms.
3. Relieve Symptoms Of PCOS
Women suffering from the problem of PCOS will have a higher level of the Estrogen hormone. Which will affect the balance of hormones LH and FSH. These hormones are necessary for a healthy menstrual cycle. Saw palmetto can regulate the progesterone receptors. It can help reduce estrogen levels in order to maintain a healthy hormonal balance.
4. Decrease Inflammation
Saw palmetto is a rich source of antioxidants epicatechin and methyl gallate. These compounds decrease inflammation, protect against chronic disease and prevent damage to cells. According to research saw palmetto can have anti-inflammatory properties. That can be beneficial in treating certain conditions.
Side Effects Of Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is usually considered safe and has been associated with very few side effects. It is not recommended for everyone. Saw palmetto can interfere with blood thinners, such as warfarin or Coumadin, to increase bleeding risk. If an individual has any underlying health conditions or taking some medications make sure to consult the doctor before trying it.
Possible side effects of saw palmetto are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness