Saw Palmetto (25% Fatty Acids)

the United States. The plant grows from six to ten feet high with a crown of large,

two-to-four-foot-high foliage forming what is called the "palmetto scrub." The berries of this impressive palm are gathered from September through January. The genus, Serenoa, is named after the American botanist, Sereno Watson (1826-1892). Saw Palmetto is an old American tonic, dating back to the Maya Indians or even further, and it was once even used in love potions. John Lloyd, another famous early American medicinal botanist, observed that animals fed on these berries grew sleek and fat. The Saw Palmetto berry, when eaten, was said to have a noticeable effect on body weight, general health and disposition, tranquilization, appetite stimulation and reproductive organ health. During much of the nineteenth century, Saw Palmetto berry extract was included in the National Formulary, a list of acceptable medicines, as a way to treat the symptoms of prostate enlargement. As medicine came to rely more on science, doctors became skeptical about the value of this botanical remedy, and it was dropped from the Formulary before 1950. More recent studies indicate that it is, indeed, effective for this indication and probably should never have been dropped. Saw Palmetto berries historically have been used to treat several related disorders of the genito-urinary system, including inflammation, rupture and blockage. These historical uses prompted European researchers to investigate the clinical use of Saw Palmetto berry extracts in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The educated guesses of the time, based on clinical findings concerning the cause of BPH, is that testosterone levels build up in the prostate. Within the prostate, testosterone is converted to an even more potent compound, dihydrotestosterone. This compound causes cells to multiply excessively, which leads to prostate enlargement. Studies have shown that the fat-soluble Saw Palmetto berry extract prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Saw Palmetto continues to be used as an herb that effectively acts to tone and strengthen the male reproductive system. It may be used where a boost to the male sex hormones is required, as is obviously specific in cases of enlarged prostate glands. Primary chemical constituents include essential oils, caprylic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, carotene, tannin, sitosterol, beta-sitosterol, polysaccharides, dextrose and resins. In several double blind studies, Saw Palmetto was found to be superior to finasteride (Proscar®). While Proscar® takes up to a year to show some beneficial effects, Saw Palmetto extract showed better results in a shorter period of time. Most patients reported obtaining some relief of symptoms within the first thirty days of treatment with a Saw Palmetto supplement. However, Saw Palmetto had no demonstrable effect on the serum prostatic specific antigen levels. In addition to its primary application to support prostate problems, this herb is useful for asthma and all kinds of throat troubles, colds, bronchitis, la grippe, whooping cough and throat irritation. It is especially useful when there is excessive mucus discharge from the sinuses and nose. It is considered a reproductive tonic for both men and women, and it is said to treat "honeymoon cystitis," a condition involving irritation when there is much sexual activity. Saw Palmetto is also thought to strengthen the thyroid, which controls overall gland function. This herb may also reduce breast tenderness related to breast feeding and menstruation. There is evidence that Saw Palmetto may also be used to balance the metabolism, aid digestion and stimulate the appetite to increase weight gain.