Saw palmetto benefits and harms that you should be wary of

Saw palmetto, also called saw palmetto, is a plant belonging to the palm tree family that is used in herbal medicine, and some doctors have indicated that saw palmetto has wide therapeutic capabilities for many medical conditions, and in this article we will learn about the most important benefits of saw palmetto, and the damages that Be careful when using it.

Benefits of saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is one of the plants used in the treatment of many different conditions, which include all of the following:

1. Benefits of saw palmetto for hair

Saw palmetto is often used to balance hormone levels and combat hair loss. According to one study, saw palmetto may help block the activity of the enzyme that converts testosterone into another sex hormone called DHT, which is linked to hair loss.

Saw palmetto may also prevent hair loss by reducing the uptake of DHT in your hair follicles, which reduces the hormone’s ability to bind to certain hormone receptors, thus reducing the likelihood of hair loss.

One review, which combined results from 7 studies, found that oral and topical supplements containing saw palmetto improved hair quality by 60%, increased total hair count by 27%, and increased hair density in 83% of people with hair loss.

Despite all the previous positive results, more research is needed on the benefits of saw palmetto for hair.

2. The benefits of saw palmetto for the prostate and urinary tract

Urinary tract symptoms, such as urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating, are common among older adults, and saw palmetto may improve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes the prostate gland to enlarge and leads to reduced urine flow.

A 24-week study in 354 men found that taking 320 mg of saw palmetto reduced symptoms of BPH and improved urine flow.

On the other hand, some studies have found that saw palmetto had no significant effect on urinary tract symptoms when used alone; Therefore, more research is needed on its usefulness.

In addition, a 15-year study in 30 men concluded that 320 mg of saw palmetto extract daily may help prevent the development of BPH, but more research is needed.

4. Saw palmetto benefits to reduce inflammation

Some research suggests that saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat certain inflammation-related conditions.

One study in mice with enlarged prostates noted that saw palmetto extract reduced swelling and several other inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Another study in mice with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) found that saw palmetto reduced inflammation and improved antioxidant status as well.

Although these results are promising, human studies are still lacking.

5. Benefits of saw palmetto for erection

Saw palmetto is often used by people looking to increase testosterone levels naturally. Testosterone levels affect many aspects of health, including body composition, mood, and brain function, as well as sex drive.

Thus, saw palmetto extract helps in cases of low libido, as it stimulates it and stimulates sexual ability as well, due to:

  • Improvement of blood flow to the penis.
  • Improvement of urinary tract symptoms.
  • Help regulate testosterone levels.

Saw palmetto dosage and how to use it

The appropriate dose of saw palmetto may vary based on the age, gender, and medical history of the person using it, so speak with your doctor before using supplements that contain it as an active ingredient. To avoid any complications and side effects.

Recommended doses of saw palmetto for the treatment of the above conditions include:

  • The recommended dose for an enlarged prostate is 320 mg 3 times daily for four months, then reduced to 320 mg once daily.
  • The recommended dose for hair loss treatment is 200 mg twice daily.

It is preferable to take saw palmetto as a dietary supplement and not as a boiled drink; In order to take full advantage of its benefits.

Saw palmetto side effects

Side effects that may appear from eating or using saw palmetto include:

  • breathing difficulties.
  • facial swelling;
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
  • nosebleeds;
  • bleeding in the gums;
  • bloody stools;
  • bloody cough
  • Coffee-like vomit.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Back ache.
  • rapid heart rate;
  • itching;
  • feeling tired
  • Anorexia.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
  • diarrhea.
  • constipation;
  • headache and dizziness;
  • Impotence and sexual problems.

Despite the above potential side effects, saw palmetto is often thought to be safe for most people.

Contraindications to the use of saw palmetto

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid eating saw palmetto. It may affect the level of hormones in a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, thus affecting the fetus or infant.
  • It is best to avoid taking saw palmetto with oral contraceptives.
  • Saw palmetto extract should not be taken with blood-thinning medications, as this plant has blood-thinning properties, and therefore may increase the possibility of non-stop bleeding.

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