Saw Palmetto: Applications and Uses

The prostate (prostate gland) is enlarged (usually benign) in about 75% of men over the age of 60. While malignant enlargement usually develops in the outer parts of the prostate, benign enlargement (benign hyperplasia) usually originates in the inner parts of the prostate gland that directly surround the urethra.

As a result, benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause the urethra to become narrowed, leading to symptoms such as discomfort during urination (micturition), inflammation, and a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely.

Saw palmetto fruit for prostate problems.

Extracts of saw palmetto fruits can help with such complaints. Accordingly, they are taken for problems with urination and voiding disorders of the bladder – but only if the discomfort is due to benign stage I or II prostate enlargement. However, further enlargement of the prostate gland cannot be stopped by the plant.

Saw palmetto fruit is also suitable for combination administration with other herbal prostate remedies such as nettle.

Folk medicinal use of saw palmetto

Saw palmetto fruits became known as a herbal remedy only in the early 20th century. In folk medicine, the fruits are also used in very rare cases to treat inflammation of the bladder, testicles and mammary glands.

Furthermore, the fruits are said to be effective in inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes. However, the effectiveness of saw palmetto fruit in these indications has not been scientifically proven.

Saw palmetto fruit in homeopathy.

In homeopathy, extracts of saw palmetto fruit are also taken for pain during urination.

Ingredients of saw palmetto fruit.

The compounds in saw palmetto fruit that determine efficacy are saturated fatty acids, fatty acid ethyl esters, fatty alcohols, linolenic acid, phytosterols, and water-soluble polysaccharides.

Saw palmetto: indication

Indications for saw palmetto fruit are: