Saw Palmetto Herb Extract - Uses, Reviews, Guide
The herb saw palmetto has been show to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an important testosterone hormone, but one that can cause problems such as balding and prostate enlargement when produced in excess.
Find, Compare, and Buy Saw Palmetto in Seconds
As a supplement, herb saw palmetto can be used to reduce the symptoms of hormone imbalance. It also has a very low toxicity, meaning that there is very little risk in taking it as a supplement. The most common side effect associated with an herb saw palmetto is mild stomach discomfort, which can be alleviated by taking the supplement with food.
Most of the research of saw palmetto has been as a treatment for prostate enlargement, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. In these studies, an herb saw palmetto extract has been shown to reduce the size of the prostate in men suffering from BPH. It is a much safer alternative to surgery, and less expensive and better tolerated than most drugs used to treat BPH.
Effects of Herb Saw Palmetto on Baldness
Because it blocks DHT, a hormone linked to baldness, it has also been used as a vitamin for hair loss, although medical studies into this field are limited.
Saw palmetto is a complex supplement that contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and is mildly anabolic, meaning that it can strengthen body tissues. Medical experts are still not quite sure how these active ingredients work, but herb saw palmetto extracts have been shown to:
• Reduce DHT, which causes balding and prostate enlargement
• Correct hormonal imbalances in both men and women
• Help build and strengthen tissues and increase metabolism
• As a diuretic, which improves urinary flow
• Can be used as an expectorant to relieve chronic bronchitis, asthma, and chest congestion
• Early evidence indicates that it may be useful for treatment of thyroid disorders, but this needs further exploration
• Stimulate appetite, digestion, and absorption of nutrients
• As an aphrodisiac, because it is said to increase libido and treat erectile dysfunction
Types of Herb Palmetto
There are two kinds of herb saw palmetto supplements on the market. One type is dried saw palmetto berries, and the other type is saw palmetto extract. Of these, it is better to get saw palmetto extract in a dosage of 160 mg. The usual recommended daily dose is 160 mg twice per day with meals, for a total of 320 mg per day.
There are few saw palmetto side effects , but there was some concern a few years ago that saw palmetto may conceal the development of prostate cancer by interfering with PSA levels, but recent studies have shown this to be incorrect. However, consult your doctor before taking a saw palmetto supplement, especially if you are at risk for prostate cancer.
Copyright 2004-2009 S&T US LLC
©2004-2009 Wise4Living | Contact | Advertising Info | Legal | Privacy | Directory
