Extract from the fruits of saw palmetto is used as an active ingredient in herbal medicines. It cancels the effects of male sex hormones (antiandrogen), has growth inhibitory (antiproliferative) and anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effects. It is used to relieve the symptoms of prostate enlargement. These symptoms include urination at night and decreased urine flow.
Saw palmetto fruits contain fatty acids, such as oleic acid, lauric acid or myristic acid, and phytosterols, such as stigmasterol or campesterol. Phytosterols are fatty plant compounds that are ingested with food. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a member of the palm family, grows between 2 and 3 meters tall, and is found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida.
Saw palmetto fruits are popularly used in alternative medicine. Their effect could not be proven. The dried and ripe fruits are used as medicines. With the help of ethanol or other solvents, the ingredients are dissolved out (extracted) and used as extracts. The ingredients are thus in the solvent.
Saw palmetto fruit extract prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Thus, the binding to the androgen receptors is reduced. It is important to note that saw palmetto fruit only improves symptoms, not treats the cause of prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto fruit also has an anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effect.
Always take Saw Palmetto exactly as described in the package leaflet or exactly as agreed with your doctor.
The recommended intake is 320 mg per day. Saw palmetto fruit should be taken after meals, otherwise there is a possibility of gastrointestinal problems. The duration of taking saw palmetto fruit is prescribed by the attending physician.
The following side effects may occur:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking saw palmetto fruit immediately:
When taking the following medicines at the same time, interactions may occur:
Saw palmetto fruit should not be combined with the following foods and supplements:
Saw palmetto fruit must not be taken in the following cases:
Saw palmetto fruit is not intended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Since saw palmetto fruit is used to treat the symptoms of prostate enlargement in men, it is not intended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, its use should be refrained from.
Thomas Hofko
Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer
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