Saw palmetto, a fan palm native to the regions of south eastern United States, is fast gaining popularity as one of the most effective herbs to treat ailments such as prostate cancer, polycystic ovaries (PCO) in women, dysenteries, inflammation and lack of libido.
Plant description:
Saw palmetto is a fan palm that can grow up to a height of ten meters in warm climates.
Saw palmetto is found in abundance in the south eastern United States and regions of Mississippi where the climatic as well as terrain conditions are suitable for the growth of this palm. The yellow flowers which the tree bears slowly turn into fruits which after ripening, are dried and used in medicines.
Medicinal Properties:
Rich in falconoid, plant sterols and fatty acids,
saw palmetto plays an important role in optimizing hormone production. However, these are not the only constituents that act on the body; research is still going on to find out the exact constituents and its effects on the body. The
saw palmetto berries are also rich in polysaccharides which are anti inflammatory in nature and also stimulate the immune system to perform better.
PC-SPES, a Chinese
herbal drug used for the treatment of prostrate cancer has saw palmetto extracts as its primary ingredient. This particular drug is effective in those patients suffering from prostrate cancer who do not respond to surgery, medication or radiation.
Saw palmettohas made it popular in the United States. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning recently relating to the use of PC-SPES stating the cause to be the side effects that may manifest owing to the other ingredients of the drug which are not mentioned.
Dosage:
Children: Due to absence of scientific reports on the use saw palmetto for children, it must be avoided for pediatric use.
Adults: Saw palmetto extracts are available as dried berries, tablets, powdered capsules and tonics. For an adult suffering from BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, taking a dosage of 160mg, twice a day will be beneficial. Make sure to read the label when you are purchasing the product. The label must mention that the contents are standardized and contain 85% to 95% of sterols and fatty acids.
Precautions:
• Saw palmetto containing drugs must be taken only under medical supervision.
• Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to avoid taking saw palmetto containing products as it may interfere with the absorption of iron; a must needed nutrient for both the mother and the fetus.
