Men also
face many problems regarding their health, skin, etc. In our day to day life, our
body encounters with different chemicals, environment and pollution which
weakens our immune system thus leading to different health issues. All living
beings suffer because of this.
There are
many health problems which only men suffer and for those health issues saw
palmetto can be the best solution. Till now saw palmetto has been the best
friend for men. It even works wonders in women.
What is saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a plant. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicines. Its
extract is used to treat many kinds of diseases like benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) and might be also used in the treatment of prostate
cancer. It is a native to the southeastern United States. Saw palmetto plant bears white flowers and
berries that turn yellow but when it ripens it turns to
blue-black. American settlers used this as a treatment for their urinary
and prostate problems.
It is estimated that around 2 million people from the United
States are consuming products containing saw palmetto. A European study published
in June in Eur Urol. 2006 reported that around 43% of men taking saw palmetto
are experiencing significant relief from prostatic symptoms (1).
Health benefits:
Helps to prevent prostate cancer: In US prostate cancer is the common form of
cancer in males. It can be treated if found in early stage. According to
research, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the main reason for prostate enlargement
which may be the cause of prostate cancer (2). Saw
palmetto have impacts on male hormone DHT. Blocking 5-reductase which
is essential for converting testosterone to DHT can alleviate the chances of
prostate cancer. Saw palmetto supplement is 5-alpha
reductase inhibitors, it slows down the conversion of testosterone to DHT by
blocking the enzyme and stopping its formation. Saw palmetto extract
helps in decreasing the growth of prostate cancer cells (3). For this reason,
many people suffering from prostate cancer take supplements of saw palmetto
along with some traditional treatment or allopathic medicines.
Increases
libido: Saw
palmetto primarily affects testosterone pathways, as a natural aphrodisiac. It
has been known to enhance the sex drive and libido in both men and women (4). Women can also get benefitted in
their intimate steps with saw palmetto supplementation. Testosterone plays a role in both men and women's
sex drive. It is linked to fertility because it affects the production of both
sperm and eggs. People may take saw palmetto to increase their testosterone
levels and it might help them experience an enhanced libido.
Treats Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH): Saw palmetto may help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, which is commonly known as an enlarged prostate. It is a growth of the prostate that is not due to cancer. It inhibits testosterone from binding to and stimulating prostate cells, which reduces the multiplication of prostatic cells and prostatic enlargement. It also helps to increase testosterone naturally and improve prostate health without significant side effects.
Saw palmetto’s
ability to treat BPH is conflicting, according to some researches. In a study
in 82 men aged 30 years and older, saw
palmetto decreased symptoms of BPH (5). In a study of 100 men aged 45
and older found no difference in
treating BPH after 72 weeks of saw palmetto.
Urinary tract health: Saw palmetto supports the
urological system in men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia. Saw palmetto might
be helpful in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). It also helps to cure
urinary dysfunction and overactive bladder. Saw palmetto is also beneficial to
treat weakening urinary organs in elderly people or women after menopause,
as it
strengthens the urinary organs. It has been recommended as a natural remedy
for kidney stones. A study (DB-RCT) in 85
men with LUTS found that saw
palmetto given over 24 weeks was more effective in improving symptoms than
placebo (6).
Boosts immune system: Saw Palmetto has been known to generally enhance the
immune system, particularly for mild conditions such as colds, coughs, and sore
throats. It is not the most
popular use of saw
palmetto extract or its supplements. (7) Headaches and migraine sufferers
have also claimed that saw palmetto works as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces pain and
discomfort.
Other uses:
It
increases the muscle mass. It alleviates kidney disorders. It is beneficial for
hair growth. It is also beneficial for the
women in some ways.
Word of caution:
Saw
palmetto appears to be very beneficial for overall health but it can also
negatively interact with blood thinners and prostate medication.
Saw
palmetto may have side effects which include diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, abdominal
pain, headache, rhinitis, and constipation.
As
it can be also used by women, but pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid (8).
References
2.
https://www.lybrate.com/topic/prostate-cancer
8.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216069/
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