What is saw palmetto supplement good for?
Saw palmetto is a supplement made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree. It’s often used to treat enlarged prostate, improve urinary function, and enhance hair growth. Some also use the supplement to boost libido and fertility and reduce inflammation.
Does saw palmetto really work?
Saw palmetto is commonly used in Europe and the United States as a treatment for enlarged prostate. Some small studies have shown benefit. However, several large studies do not show that saw palmetto reduces the size of the prostate or eases the urinary symptoms that come with an enlarged prostate.
Does saw palmetto regrow hair?
In the end, 38% of those who took saw palmetto had an improvement in their hair loss, compared with 68% of those who took finasteride. This finding suggests that both treatments had an effect but that finasteride was more effective.
Does saw palmetto raise blood pressure?
Several of these supplements can increase blood pressure and heart rate, including caffeine, chondroitin, dong quai, ephedra, ginkgo, ginseng, glucosamine, goldenseal, jimson weed, licorice, saw palmetto, St. John’s wort, and yohimbe.
Can saw palmetto hurt your kidneys?
This compression may obstruct urine flow, causing weakened urination, urinary frequency (especially at night), urine retention, pain and possibly kidney damage. In an effort to more reasonably explain how saw palmetto reduces symptoms, other mechanisms of action also have been proposed.
What medication should not be taken with saw palmetto?
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinners) — Saw palmetto may affect the blood’s ability to clot, and could interfere with any blood-thinning drugs you are taking, including: Warfarin (Coumadin) Clopidogrel (Plavix) Aspirin.
Who should not use saw palmetto?
Some of the most commonly reported side effects are headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation ( 19 ). However, saw palmetto is not recommended for everyone. For example, those who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this supplement, as there is limited research on its safety and long-term effects ( 23 ).
Can you take saw palmetto everyday?
Forms and dosage recommendations Most research is conducted using saw palmetto in dosages of 320 mg per day, often divided into 2 doses. Some experts recommend taking the supplement with food, which may minimize digestive issues and prevent adverse effects.