The benefits of saw palmetto are not solely for male health, but most of the benefits focus on problems men usually experience. Experts recommend it for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis (CP), and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Saw palmetto improves urinary problems through various effects. Moreover, combining it with pumpkin seed oil leads to optimal impacts. An example is the potent Saw Palmetto Extract with Pumpkin Seed Oil.
Find out how it works to relieve these health conditions based on science:
- Saw palmetto modes of action
- Benefits for male health
- Tips on how to choose and take saw palmetto
Understanding The Potential Benefits Of Saw Palmetto Through Its Modes of Action
Saw palmetto, a fruit extract from the American dwarf palm tree, has a long history of use. Ancient Egyptians used it for urinary symptoms. Moreover, Native Americans in Florida used it for prostate issues in the 1700s. In the 1870s, it was used by medical practitioners for urologic conditions. While popular in Europe, its use is less common in the United States.
Scientists note that saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, works in several ways. It can slow down certain hormones, reduce inflammation, and help control cell growth. It can also help relax muscles and adjust how some receptors in the body work, which can improve issues with peeing. No serious side effects have been reported, so it’s considered safe.
Anti-androgenic Effects
5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that helps develop male traits. It’s generated from testosterone by an enzyme called 5α-reductase. Too much DHT can cause problems like prostate growth.
Experts suggest that saw palmetto extract can slow down this enzyme, which means less DHT is made. It does this by competing with testosterone for the enzyme’s attention and with DHT for binding spots on the androgen receptor. It helps control DHT levels and can reduce problems.
Anti-inflammatory Action
Saw palmetto extract (SPE) can also help reduce inflammation. In studies, people who took saw palmetto had less inflammation than those who didn’t. It can also slow down the growth of specific cells and reduce the release of substances that cause inflammation.
Moreover, a hexane extract, rich in free fatty acids, has shown more consistent results. Specific components like lauric acid and β-sitosterol have been effective. It inhibits 5α-reductase and reduces inflammation.
Other studies show it can help with chronic prostatitis, a type of long-lasting inflammation in the prostate. SPE can work even better when combined with other natural substances. It reduces harmful substances in the body. Moreover, it lowers the activity of certain proteins that can cause inflammation.
Urinary System Muscle Relaxant
BPH, or an enlarged prostate, can cause urinary problems. It blocks the flow and tightens muscles in the prostate and bladder neck. Certain medicines can relax these muscles and help with urinating.
Scientists suggest that saw palmetto extract can also help. It’s good at attaching to certain receptors, especially in the lower urinary system. It can help control urinary problems. Studies in rats show that saw palmetto extract can increase bladder size and make voiding less frequent. It works best in the prostate and can also help relax the prostate muscles.
Three Potential Benefits Of Saw Palmetto In A Nutshell
- Easing BPH Symptoms
It’s a condition when the prostate gets too big and causes voiding problems. A big study examined how saw palmetto extract (SPE) can help. Men who took SPE voided less at night and had a stronger flow. Moreover, they had fewer urinary problems overall. SPE didn’t affect sexual function, and it slightly reduced prostate size.
2 Relieving CP
Researchers tested if SRE could help with chronic prostatitis, a long-lasting inflammation in the prostate. They tested it on 221 men and found it significantly improved their symptoms. It started two weeks after the first dose. More men who took SRE saw improvements compared to the placebo group. Thus, SRE is safe and effective for chronic prostatitis.
- Helping With ED
Another study aimed to know if SPE could help with erectile dysfunction. They gave SPE to rats and rabbits and found that it helped relax the muscles in the penis. SPE also affects certain substances in the body that play a role in erections. The results suggest that SPE might be useful for preventing or managing an erection problem.
Choosing High-Quality Saw Palmetto Supplements
When you’re shopping for saw palmetto, there are a few vital things to keep in mind. These tips ensure you’re getting the best product. First, look for products that are grown and harvested in Central Florida. It is the only region where you can find genuine saw palmetto. So, it’s your best bet for authenticity.
Second, opt for an oil extract rather than a powder form. Clinical research shows that the oil extract has greater potency, making it more effective. Its 100% extract form makes it 7-10 times stronger than standard supplements. Each serving has 320 mg, with 90% fatty acid content.
Additionally, choose the ones that have been extracted using CO2. This process makes the saw palmetto extract free from contaminants and chemicals. Studies find that using supercritical CO2 and hexane to extract saw palmetto berries can effectively work for BPH. These methods get a lot of fatty acids from the berries, which are crucial for them to work.
But crushed berry powder doesn’t have enough fatty acids to help with BPH, with no research to support it. So, when choosing a product, use standardized powdered extracts that give at least 320 mg of fatty acids daily. Plus, pick the one that is non-GMO and doesn’t have any solvents.
Finally, saw palmetto also works well with other natural substances. For example, experts suggest combining it with pumpkin seed oil. A study tested pumpkin seeds and saw palmetto oils in 47 men with BPH. After three months, these oils improved voiding problems and quality of life. The oils are safe and could be helpful for BPH.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does saw palmetto work?
Saw palmetto, a natural plant extract, can help with various health issues. It can slow down certain hormones, reduce inflammation, and control cell growth. Moreover, it also relaxes muscles and improves urination problems. It works by blocking a hormone that causes prostate growth, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscles in the urinary system. It’s safe to use with no serious side effects reported.
- What are the potential benefits of saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto extract can help with prostate and urinary problems. It results in fewer night time toilet trips, stronger urine flow, and fewer urinary problems. Moreover, it doesn’t affect sex life and may reduce prostate size.
- Where can I find saw palmetto?
When buying saw palmetto, look for products from Central Florida, where genuine saw palmetto grows. Choose oil extract over powder as it’s more potent. The best ones use CO2 extraction, which keeps it pure and gets lots of beneficial fatty acids. Also, avoid crushed berry powder as it lacks enough fatty acids. Aim for products that provide 320 mg of fatty acids daily. You can get most of the benefits of saw palmetto when combined with pumpkin seed oil.
Takeaway
Saw palmetto, a fruit extract, has been used for centuries to help with urinary and prostate problems. It works in several ways – it slows down certain hormones, reduces inflammation, and helps control cell growth. Scientists say it’s beneficial for BPH, CP, and ED.
Before taking this potent extract, seek advice from a healthcare provider to get the most benefits of saw palmetto.
Leave a comment