Gottleib, R. (2006). Saw Palmetto. Retrieved from: http://www.artmajeur.com/en/artist/raphaelg/collection/architectural-and-biological-illustrations/1086633/artwork/saw-palmetto/1212021
Botanical Name: Serenoa repens
Common name: Saw Palmetto
Family: Arecaceae (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
Parts used: Fruit (berry) (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
History/Folklore: Traditionally associated with treatment of the prostate gland (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804). Other traditional use includes conditions of the respiratory tract, notably when accompanied by catarrh (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804). The Eclectics administered the herb for upper and lower respiratory complaints; atrophy of reproductive organs; and benign prostatic hypertrophy (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804).
Constituents:
- Essential oil
- Fixed oil (caproic, lauric and palmitic acid)
- Sterols
- Polysaccharides
(Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
Actions
- Diuretic (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
- Urinary antiseptic (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
- Endocrine agent (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
- Anti-inflammatory (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804; Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Male tonic (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Spasmolytic (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Antiandrogenic (Bone, 2010, p. 400; Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804)
Indications
- Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
Appears to inhinit dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (potentially responsible for multiplication of prostate cells) by blocking activity of enzyme 5-α-reductase (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
- Difficulties with urination (Hoffmann, 2010, p. 583)
- Inflammation of genitourinary tract (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Cystitis (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Atrophy of sexual tissues (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Sex hormone deficiency (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Noninfectious prostatitis (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
- Odema (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804)
- Male pattern baldness (topical) (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804)
Preparation: Dried berry decoction, tablets, capsules or liquid extract (Bone & Mills, 2013, p. 804)
Dosage:
- 0-4.5mL liquid extract (1:2)/day
- 15-15mL liquid extract (1:2)/week (Bone, 2010, p. 400)
Cautions and Contraindications: None known (Bone, 2010, p. 400)