Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Saw Palmetto is a brand name. Its generic name is Saw palmetto.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. The berry of the tree is used to make medicinal extracts and is available as an herbal supplement. Extracts are used for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and other conditions.
Uses for Saw Palmetto
The most common uses for saw palmetto are for the treatment of symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and as a natural remedy for hair loss. Saw Palmetto is also used to treat chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, bladder irritation, decreased libido, and bladder and urinary problems. It is also used for relief from pain caused by swelling (inflammation) of the tissues in the lower urinary tract.
Mechanism of Action
Saw Palmetto works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), effectively reducing the levels of DHT in the body. This reduces the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating and increased urinary frequency. In addition, saw palmetto may reduce inflammation and have beneficial effects on hair loss.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
For treating an enlarged prostate, saw palmetto typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to start working. For hair loss and chronic prostatitis, it may take up to 12 weeks to see any effects. It is important to take saw palmetto regularly and for an extended period of time in order to experience any benefits.
Absorption
Saw Palmetto is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and may be partially absorbed through the skin. Saw Palmetto is also metabolized in the liver.
Route of Elimination
Saw Palmetto is mainly eliminated through urine and stool. Approximately 80 to 90% of an oral dose is excreted in the urine.
Dosage
The recommended dose of saw palmetto is 160-320 mg a day, taken in divided doses (2-3 times a day). It is available in tablets, capsules, liquid tinctures, and as a dried herb.
Administration
Saw Palmetto can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin (in the form of a cream or ointment).
Side Effect
The most common side effects of saw palmetto include stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, and rash. It may also interact with medications, such as blood thinners, so be sure to speak to your doctor before taking it.
Toxicity
Saw Palmetto is generally considered safe and is not known to be toxic. However, long-term use can cause liver or kidney damage, so it is important to discuss the use of saw palmetto with a healthcare professional.
Precaution
Saw Palmetto should be used with caution in people with kidney or liver disease, as it can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications. It should also not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women as its safety has not been established.
Interaction
Saw Palmetto may interact with medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart conditions, as well as many other drugs. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto.
Disease Interaction
There are not many known interactions between saw palmetto and diseases. However, it may interact with certain medications for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, so it is important to speak to your healthcare provider before taking it.
Drug Interaction
Saw Palmetto may interact with some medications, including blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering medications, heart drugs, and blood glucose-lowering medications. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider before taking it.
Food Interactions
Saw Palmetto should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset. It should also be taken at least 2 hours before or after medications to reduce the risk of drug interactions.
Pregnancy Use
Saw Palmetto should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women as its safety has not been established.
Lactation Use
Saw Palmetto should not be used by breastfeeding women as its safety has not been established.
Acute Overdose
There has not been an acute overdose reported with saw palmetto. If an overdose is suspected, you should contact your healthcare provider or poison control center immediately.
Contraindication
Saw Palmetto should not be used in people with kidney or liver disease, and should be used with caution in people taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart conditions.
Use Direction
Saw Palmetto should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. For treating an enlarged prostate, the recommended dose is 160-320 mg a day, taken in divided doses (2-3 times a day). For hair loss and chronic prostatitis, the recommended dose is 160-320 mg, taken twice a day. Saw Palmetto is available in tablets, capsules, liquid tinctures, and in the form of a dried herb.
Storage Condition
Saw Palmetto should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The average volume of distribution of saw palmetto is not known.
Half life
The half-life of saw palmetto is approximately 8 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of saw palmetto is not known.
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