Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a natural fresh extract of a fruit called Serenoa repens. The extract of such fruit is known to contain high levels of fatty acids and phytosterols.
Fatty acids are aliphatic monocarboxylic acids that can be derived from animal or vegetable fat. Even though our body is capable of producing fatty acids of its own, it is still incapable of producing two other types of fatty acids that are widely distributed in plant oils namely, linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Generally, fatty acids play a vital role in regulating some bodily functions like blood clotting, blood pressure, immune response, blood lipid levels, and the inflammation response on injury infections. Phytosterols on the other hand are a group of steroid alcohols that naturally occur in plants.

The extract of Serenoa repens has a wide variety of medical applications. Traditionally, such extract was used by Native Americans in treating some reproductive system and urinary system problems. On the other hand, the Mayans used the extract as a tonic. Saw palmetto was also used as an antiseptic and expectorant by the Seminoles.
As an eclectic medicine, saw palmetto has also been a vital component in treating asthenia, urogenital problems, and recovery from major illness. Such use of the extract is due to its potential of being a sedative, nutritive tonic, and expectorant. Moreover, saw palmetto is also known to be mild in the digestive tract. In most cases the extract's direct action focuses on our reproductive organs.

More consequently, saw palmetto is more popular as a herbal remedy on a common condition in older men known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Such condition is also known as nodular hyperplasia it refers to the dramatic increase in size of the prostate in older men. Such condition is also common in middle aged men. With hyprplasia of the epithelial and stromal cells, fairly discrete nodules are formed mostly in the preurethral region of the prostate. Through time, the nodules grow until such time that it can cause either partial or total obstruction of the urethra interfering the normal flow of urine. Saw palmetto extract significantly helps in providing mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms.

Like any other herbal medicines, saw palmetto extract also has some accompanied side effects. Its most common side effect is gastrointestinal. But such side effect can be relatively reduced when the extract is taken with food. Other symptoms include increase risk of bleeding and can greatly affect sex hormones.
Saw palmetto is one of the oldest herbal medicines used till today. It has survived throughout human history and has played a vital role in the field of herbal medicine. Like any other herbal medicines, best effects of saw palmetto can only be achieved with the right information and proper guidance of a health professional.