Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens)
Saw Palmetto or dwarf palm is a shrub that grows wild throughout the southern United States and Caribbean. The dried ripe berries of the plant are used to make an extract for use in treating conditions of the Prostate. Saw Palmetto is the primary herb used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Since Saw Palmetto suppresses Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is is also a valuable adjunct in treating Prostate Cancer.
From The National Institute of Health: “Saw palmetto extract (SPE), an extract from the ripe berries of the American dwarf palm, has been widely used as a therapeutic remedy for urinary dysfunction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Europe. Numerous mechanisms of action have been proposed for SPE, including the inhibition of 5α-reductase. Today, α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonists are commonly used in the treatment of men with voiding symptoms secondary to BPH. The improvement of voiding symptoms in patients taking SPE may arise from its binding to pharmacologically relevant receptors in the lower urinary tract, such as α1-adrenoceptors, muscarinic cholinoceptors, 1,4-dihyropyridine receptors and vanilloid receptors. Furthermore, oral administration of SPE has been shown to attenuate the up-regulation of α1-adrenoceptors in the rat prostate induced by testosterone. Thus, SPE at clinically relevant doses may exert a direct effect on the pharmacological receptors in the lower urinary tract, thereby improving urinary dysfunction in patients with BPH and an overactive bladder. SPE does not have interactions with co-administered drugs or serious adverse events in blood biochemical parameters, suggestive of its relative safety, even with long-term intake.”
The Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto:
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
• Helps alleviate Painful Urination associated with Enlarged Prostate.
• Can reduce Frequent Urination caused by an Enlarged Prostate.
HAIR
• Taken orally may prevent/reduce Hair Loss associated with Male Pattern Baldness by suppressing Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormone involved in Hair Loss. Women with high DHT levels experiencing Hair Loss may also benefit from supplementation. Enhanced efficacy can also be achieved by also applying the extract topically to the areas of concern.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May inhibit the growth of Multiple Myeloma.
• Prostate Cancer risk may be reduced by supplementation due to its ability to suppress Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and by inhibiting DHT from binding to receptors within the Prostate. It also stimulates Apoptosis (cell death) and Necrosis of abnormal Prostate cells.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• By acting as a Calcium Channel Blocker, may relax Smooth Muscle tissue.
• Relaxes Smooth Muscle at the outlet of the Bladder.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• Helps prevent/treat Enlarged Prostate.
• Prostatitis may be alleviated by supplementation.
• Inhibits 5-Alpha Reductase limiting the conversion of Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• Inhibits the ability of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to bind to Prostate receptors.
• May reduce Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) activity in the Prostate by up to 66%. EGF is implicated in Prostate Cancer.
• The Lipid content acts directly on the Prostate to reduce Inflammation.
• Urinary urgency can be reduced by supplementation due to its ability to relax Smooth Muscle at the Bladder outlet.
The Health Benefits of Saw Palmetto
USAGE
When using Saw Palmetto only use a preparation in soft-gel form as the active constituents are more available when suspended in lipids as opposed to using the dry herb. When selecting a Saw Palmetto preparation, look for one that is standardized to 85-95% Fatty Acids. The standard dose of Saw Palmetto is 320mg daily, divided, taken 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. If you chose to take Saw Palmetto only once per day then 320mg should be taken in the morning prior to breakfast. When using Saw Palmetto for an Enlarged Prostate it may take up to six months of continuous use to realize the full scope of beneficial effects. In some, noticeable relief of urinary symptoms can occur in as little as six to eight weeks.
Saw Palmetto Prevents Hair Loss in Men & Women
My Personal Recommendations:
Serenoa Repens
Most powdered forms of Saw Palmetto are just dried ground up berries. I have found a powdered extract of the herb for those who wish to capsulize it themselves or blend it into a smoothie. If you choose to use this powdered form of the herb, be sure to combine it with some type of dietary fat as the active constituent is fat soluble. Blending it in a smoothie with some type of Omega-3 oil would be ideal. Since the powder form is slightly different than that which is already suspended in a lipid, you will have to experiment to find your proper dose. Start with the label directions and adjust according to your own personal response.
Boost the efficacy of your Saw Palmetto regimen by combining it with Nettle Root for added DHT blocking effects.
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