Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a dwarf palm plant native to the southeastern United States. It is primarily found along the Atlantic Coast in Florida and Georgia.
Native Americans have used this remedy to treat urinary problems in men and also to treat breast problems in women.
Some proponents claim it is useful as a treatment for male pattern baldness. With this type of baldness, hair loss is usually greatest on the top of the head or surrounding the temples.
Its most common use is as a treatment for a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the Prostate gland in men.
As a man ages, the Prostate gland goes through two periods of growth. The first of these periods occurs during puberty, with the second occurring around age 25.
Although the Prostate continues to grow as a man ages, it rarely becomes problematic until later in life. With the development of this condition, a compression of the urethra occurs. The urethra is a tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body.
This causes the bladder to contract more frequently, even when it contains small amounts of urine. One symptom of BPH is more frequent urination at night.
Other symptoms include difficulty starting urination and dribbling after urination ends.
Research Studies
In the first randomized clinical trial of Saw Palmetto, it was found to be beneficial in reducing swelling of the Prostate gland.
In this study, 44 men took 320 milligrams of it along with Nettle Root extract or placebo for a period of six months.
Several parameters were used to evaluate the condition of these men such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), maximum urinary flow rate, residual urine volume, Prostate volume, and Prostate specific antigen (PSA).
In this study, researchers were able to determine the actual size of the Prostate through an ultrasound-guided Prostate biopsy. Biopsies were taken at the start of the study and after six months.
It was found to be somewhat effective in treating BPH; with the symptoms scores decreasing and urinary flow increasing.
The researchers noted a decrease in the swelling of the Prostate epithelium without any change in testosterone production.
The researchers considered this significant as it indicated that Saw Palmetto worked through an unidentified non-hormonal mechanism.
In another study, 155 men diagnosed with BPH were given 160 milligrams of it over a period of two years. At various intervals during this time, the I-PSS, quality of life, and sexual function were recorded.
A number of biologic factors were also recorded, including urinary flow through the urethra.
At each assessment period, I-PSS scores improved along with improvements of the quality of life. Their sexual function remained unchanged during the first year with significant improvements during the second.
The size of the Prostate gland decreased also.
The Cochrane Review Organization conducted an assessment of 21 clinical trials of which 18 were double-blinded. The average length of each trial was 13 weeks.
Compared to placebo, it significantly improved urinary symptoms scores, urinary symptoms, and flow measures.
When compared to the prescription medicine Finasteride, it was found to be just as effective without any of the side effects.
Prostate size was unchanged in this study.
Recent Research
However, in a study done in 2006, it was found to be no more effective in treating the symptoms of BPH then placebo.
In this study, 225 men were given either Saw Palmetto or placebo twice daily for one year. Periodically throughout this study, they were assessed for changes in their symptoms and the development of any side effects.
Their researchers found the change in symptoms between the two groups was almost identical. Additionally, examination of those individuals with more serious forms of the disease found no difference in symptoms between the two groups.
The researchers estimated that over 2 million men in the United States use S. repens to treat symptoms of BPH.
Men that are over the age of 50 should have Prostate examinations regularly. Saw Palmetto is not a cure for BPH; it is only used to treat the symptoms of BPH.
Dosage
Before taking this herb, a physician should make a positive diagnosis in individuals suspecting they have BPH. There are other conditions that produce symptoms similar to BPH.
It comes in a variety of forms, but the most common dosage recommendation is 160 milligrams in capsule form, taken twice daily.
Side Effects and Contraindications
There are no significant side effects associated with consumption of S. repens
However, experiencing any of the following side effects may indicate an allergic reaction to it:
Difficulty breathing
Pain in the chest
A skin rash or hives
Other side effects associated with consumption of Saw Palmetto include:
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Abdominal pain
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Do not take this herb if you have Cancer of the Prostate, breast Cancer, or any other sex hormone disease.
If you are pregnant, or are considering becoming pregnant, talk to your physician to see if Saw Palmetto is right for you.
It is not recommended that children be given S. repens.
If you are taking the medicine Coumadin, you should talk to your physician before starting to take this herb.
The FDA has not evaluated its safety, effectiveness, or purity.
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Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a dwarf palm plant native to the southeastern United States. It is primarily found along the Atlantic Coast in Florida and Georgia. 
