Saw Palmetto
What is it?
Scientifically known as Serenoa repens, the saw palmetto plant is a member of the fan palm family and has long been used to treat prostate troubles. Until the mid-twentieth century, saw palmetto was listed in the National Formulary of the United States as a treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Where is it from?
The herbal extract is processed from the brownish-black berries of the saw palmetto plant, which grows mainly in the southeastern United States. The lipophilic (fat-soluble) extract of saw palmetto provides sterols and fatty acids that discourage the actions of inflammatory substances that otherwise contribute to an enlarged prostate. High quality extracts contain 85% to 95% fatty acids.
What is it used for?
Saw palmetto is used for two of the most common prostate problems, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostatitis. BPH refers to a non-malignant prostate condition where the gland becomes enlarged, thereby affecting the function of the male urinary system. Prostatitis describes an inflammatory condition in which the prostate is subject to symptoms related to infection.