What Is Saw Palm Tree And What Is It Used For?
Saw palm is a tree native to northern Mexico and the southeastern United States. It grows up to three meters high with leaves up to one and a half meters long. It is also known for its fruit, which, when ripe, is used for medicinal purposes.
Generally, supplements from this plant are thought to help relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. It also appears to prevent complications during prostate surgery.
It is currently available in the form of pills, capsules and liquid extracts, among others. What is it recommended for? What are its possible side effects? In this article, we look at the answers to these questions!
Uses and Benefits of Saw Palm
For centuries, Native Americans have used sawdust to nourish and relieve symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, and colds. But what other uses does it have?
Hair loss
Although the scientific evidence is scant, it is promising. Many suggest that the sawdust extract can inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is known to convert testosterone to DHT, a molecule that promotes hair loss and prostate enlargement.
A study published in the Turkish Journal of Dermatology showed that 50% of the men who used this extract topically along with 10% Trichogen ™ VEG, increased their number of hairs by almost 12% after a few months of treatment.
Also read: How to treat alopecia with natural remedies
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
According to research in Research and Reports in Urology , saw palm has potential as a complementary treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called “enlarged prostate”.
Similarly, a study of 82 patients revealed that those patients who took a 320 mg sawdust extract capsule significantly reduced the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, experts believe that in the future it may be the starting point for new treatments.
Urological system
There is scientific evidence that this drug can improve urological symptoms and urinary flow due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 28% of men reduced the symptoms, 24% increased the maximum urine flow and 43% the total flow.
Prostate cancer
A review of studies showed that sawdust supplements are among the top five complementary therapies used by patients with prostate cancer.
As we mentioned, these supplements can block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which has to do with enlargement of the prostate and therefore prostate cancer.
Although it is not yet clear how it works, observations have shown that men who take inhibitors of this enzyme tend to be less likely to develop this disease.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Oncology , saw palmetto may stop the growth of LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells. However, it is important to note that it can cause impotence and a decrease in libido.
Safety and recommendations regarding saw palm
Although considered safe in most healthy adults, it is not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women. Sawdust can cause side effects such as mild headaches and stomach aches. However, it is possible to avoid the latter by taking the extract with food.
It is recommended that you talk to your doctor if you are taking these supplements and you are close to having surgery or treatment. You should keep in mind that its compounds can cause excessive bleeding or interactions with medications such as anticoagulants.
As it has similar effects as finasteride, a drug that treats hair loss and BPH, do not take both at the same time unless your doctor recommends it. It can also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraception.
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What to keep in mind about saw palm trees?
Saw palm is a small palm from which we can get an extract and other medicinal derivatives. Although it is popular for relieving cough and other cold symptoms, there is no evidence of its effectiveness. However, some studies suggest that it is beneficial against conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.
In any case, it is important to take precautions when using this type of supplement. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should avoid this drug, as should those who are already taking medication.
In any case, it is best to consult a doctor before taking this herbal product regularly.
