Also known as Sabal, Sabal fructus, Fructus serenoae, Sabal serrulatum, Sabal serulata, Sabalis serulata, Sabalis serulatae, Serenoa serrulata, and Serenoa serrulatae.
It is the content of fatty acids and sterols of the saw palmetto that is responsible for its therapeutic effect. The content of fatty acids should be at least 85% in order to be acceptable.
The fruit of this tree is used for male diseases in particular, i.e. diseases of the prostate and testicles - e.g. urination difficulties, frequent night time trips to the toilet, and sexual dysfunction.
Saw palmetto is also used for mucous membranes affected by cold, asthma, or bronchitis.
There is also some theoretical backing for the use of saw palmetto against male pattern baldness. This is because it, to some degree, inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts the male sex hormone testosterone to dihyro-testosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for inherited hair loss.
Saw palmetto has the best effect if taken between meals. It is particularly beneficial together with the herb African prune, Pygeum africanum. A daily multivitamin-mineral supplement at meals is also recommended - zinc in particular.
Dosage
The minimal daily dosage is 320 mg. of standardized extract. Saw palmetto is a slowly working remedy. Therefore, you should expect 2 - 3 months to go by before the effect becomes sufficiently effective.
Side effects
Saw palmetto has no known side effects.
