Factfinder
A-Z of herbal remedies
Saw palmetto
Background:
The partially dried, ripe berries of the plant are used to make extracts, tinctures, teas and capsules.
Uses:
Saw Palmetto is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is believed to fight coughs, bronchitis, painful periods, and asthma.
Saw Palmetto's main use is to treat enlarged and weakened prostate glands. This is usually called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. In Germany and Italy it is the treatment of choice.
In cases of mild BPH, Saw Palmetto has been found to be as effective as prescription drugs but without their side effects.
Regular use may improve urine flow and reduce prostate inflammation.
Dose:
Proper diagnosis of BPH by your doctors must be the first step. Taking Saw Palmetto without diagnosis could mask more serious illness such as cancer. That would need other treatment.
Doses of 160 mg taken twice a day or 320 mg once a day are used in research. Teas are not so effective as they are too dilute.
Safety:
Side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea are mild and infrequent. Taking it with food helps reduce these problems.
Long-term use of Saw Palmetto has not been studied fully - most trials have been up to six months only.