Benefits & Uses Of Saw Palmetto

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a type of palm native to southeastern United States and is commonly used in supplements to help improve prostate health, balance hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men. Other research studies have shown that it can help decrease inflammation and improve urinary function.

What Are The Benefits Of Saw Palmetto?

May Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition caused by various factors like genetics, certain medical conditions, hormone changes, and medications. People often use saw palmetto to help balance hormone levels and reduce hair loss.

Saw palmetto may help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is a sex hormone linked to hair loss. Saw palmetto may also prevent hair loss by reducing the uptake of DHT in your hair follicles which decreases DHT's ability to bind to specific hormone receptors.

Studies have shown that oral and topical supplements containing saw palmetto improved hair quality and raised hair count while also increasing hair density. Another study has shown that people with alopecia and took saw palmetto oil supplements saw a decrease in hair fall, improved growth, and improved scalp appearance.

May Improve Urinary Tract Function

Saw palmetto may improve urinary symptoms that are associated with benign prostate hyperplasia which is a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland and results in decreased urine flow.

In one study, it showed that people who took saw palmetto saw decreased symptoms of BPH and improved urinary flow, quality of life, and sexual function.

May Support Prostate Health

The prostate is a small gland that is responsible for maintaining sperm health. Research has shown that saw palmetto can support prostate health and help prevent issues such as BPH and prostate cancer. Other studies has shown that supplementing with saw palmetto can reduce BPH related urinary symptoms and inflammation.

May Decrease Inflammation

Research in animals have shown that saw palmetto has anti inflammatory properties which can help treat certain conditions. One study has shown that mice with enlarged prostates and took saw palmetto extract saw a decrease in swelling and several markers of inflammation.

Another study has shown that saw palmetto decreased inflammation and improved antioxidant status while also reducing inflammation in the prostate.

May Help Regulate Testosterone Levels

People who are looking to boost their testosterone levels naturally often supplement with saw palmetto. Testosterone levels decline with age and some studies have shown that low levels contribute to health conditions like heart disease.

Saw palmetto can work by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase which is an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, to help preserve testosterone levels.

One study has shown that saw palmetto may help block the uptake of DHT and decrease its ability to bind to androgen receptors which may help regulate testosterone levels.

How Does Saw Palmetto Work?

The active compounds of saw palmetto can help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase which is an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. This process may help maintain testosterone levels as you age. Improved testosterone levels can lead to improvements in body composition, libido, and mood.

Because DHT is also involved in the enlargement of the prostate gland, decreasing your levels of DHT by using saw palmetto can also improve prostate health and BPH. Saw palmetto can also help support hair health as DHT regulates hair growth and may contribute to hair loss and balding.

Potential Side Effects Of Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is generally considered safe and has very few side effects. Some common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation.