Saw Palmetto, An Herbal Remedy For Enlarged Prostate

Saw palmetto is a dwarf palm native to coastal southern United States. For hundreds of years, American Indian men have used an extract of the dried, ripe, brownish-black berries of the saw palmetto to address urinary issues arising from an enlarged prostate.

Many human trials report that saw palmetto improves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy such as nighttime urination, and decreased urinary flow.

To treat urinary symptons due to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy), several studies have used a dose of 320 milligrams daily in a single dose or divided into two doses (from 80% to 90% content Liposterol).  Reports indicate that 160 milligrams once daily, can be as effective when administered twice daily. Compared with placebo saw palmetto improved peak urinary flow half of 1.9 ml / second with a mean urinary flow rate of 2.2 ml / second (Figure 1).

Traditional preparations include the following: 1 to 2 grams of dry whole or ground berries daily, from 2 to 4 milliliters of tincture (1:4) three times a day ; of 1st 2 milliliters of fluid extract of berry pulp (1:1) 3 times a day, or tea (2 teaspoons dried berry with 24 ounces of water, simmering until the liquid is reduced by half ) taken in doses of 4 ounces three times a day.  The tea prepared from the berries of saw palmetto is potentially not effective, however, as active ingredients can not dissolve in water. Some experts believe that a preparation called lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESR) may cause fewer side effects.