Saw Palmetto
Serenoa Repens
Historically, the American Indians used saw palmetto berries in the treatment of genitor-urinary tract and prostate disorders. It was also used to increase testicular function, relieve mucous membrane irritation, help mammary gland disorders and atrophy, and as a tonic to support the body nutritionally. Saw palmetto is also known for its effects on reducing congestive catarrhal conditions of the respiratory system. The saw palmetto berries contain an abundance of nutritional and pharmacological agents including; carotenoids, lipases, tannins, sugars, and fatty acids such as caprylic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and beta-sitosterol.
- PROSTATE SUPPORT - Saw palmetto has been found to beneficial in cases of mild to moderate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common disorder affecting 50-60 percent of men between 40 and 59 years of age. The positive effects attributed to saw palmetto are mainly due to its ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, this enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase, such as the drug Proscar, block the conversion of T to DHT and have been found to reduce the size of the prostate and lead to an increase in peak urinary flow rate and a reduction in obstructive symptoms. A 2002 study from the Cochrane Database demonstrated that Serenoa repens produced similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow compared to finasteride and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - is a slow, progressive