Goals: Prostate Health, Hair Growth, Urinary Function, Anti-Inflammatory, Testosterone Regulation, Men's Good Aging
History: Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm tree native to the southeastern regions of North America, particularly abundant in Florida, Georgia, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Indigenous people have used saw palmetto for centuries. Its fibers have been found as far north as Wisconsin and New York, suggesting widespread trade before European contact. In the 19th century, European immigrants brought saw palmetto to their countries, leading to full-scale research on its properties.
Daily Intake: 320 mg daily is used for prostate health and urinary function. 160 mg twice a day is used in clinical trials.
Saw palmetto has most often been used by adults in doses of 160-960 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 years. More than 1000 mg/d is not recommended.
Supplementation: Saw palmetto is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. It may improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as decreased urine flow and excessive nighttime urination. Some studies suggest that saw palmetto can prevent hair loss by blocking the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme linked to hair loss. It also enhances hair density and quality. It improves urinary tract function, especially in men with prostate issues. It alleviates symptoms related to BPH and enhance overall urinary flow. It has potential anti-inflammatory effects, although more research is needed. It is claimed to regulate testosterone levels and boost libido and fertility.