Saw Palmetto

Figure 1. The Saw Palmetto plant and berries.

The Saw Palmetto or Serenoa repens is the sole species currently classified in the genus Serenoa. Saw Palmentto is a small palm tree that is endemic to the subtropical and tropical Southeastern United States. It grows in clumps or dense thickets in sandy coastal areas, and as undergrowth in pine woods or hardwood hammocks.

Saw Palmetto extract is an extract of the fruit of the Saw Palmetto (i.e. the Saw Palmetto berry). It is traditionally used in folk medicine to treat coughs and other disorders. Today, Saw Palmetto is commonly promoted as a dietary supplement for potential health and beauty benefits for males.

Saw Palmetto is often promoted to balance hormone levels and combat hair loss in men. Studies have shown that Saw Palmetto may help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into another sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is linked to hair loss, and directly reducing the intake of DHT in hair follicles. Saw Palmetto may also help with urinary tract symptoms such as incontinence and difficulty urinating are common among older adults, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland and results in decreased urine flow. Saw Palmetto may also help with supporting prostate health and regulating testosterone levels. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence presently to conclusively determine Saw Palmetto's effectiveness in these applications.