![]() ![]() Some couples who are unable to conceive have tried taking saw palmetto to improve the likelihood of conception. However, there is no strong research to support the claim that saw palmetto can prevent prostate cancer. Saw palmetto may inhibit DHT without causing serious side effects. Prescription medications can also slow down this conversion, but they often have severe side effects. Therefore, it is possible that saw palmetto might help prevent this condition by slowing down the conversion of DHT. Research has suggested that DHT may contribute to the development of prostate cancer. The ACS also estimates that there will be around 34,130 deaths from prostate cancer in 2021. Prostate cancer affects around 1 in 8 males in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Unconfirmed: Saw palmetto can help prevent prostate cancer This improvement was significant, especially in the first year. They found that using saw palmetto improved prostate symptoms and sexual function after 2 years. In the study, which involved 120 males with enlarged prostate glands, the researchers monitored the following over a 2-year period: Some people believe that saw palmetto can help improve libido by reducing testosterone breakdown, and there is some evidence to support this.Ī study in the journal Urologia Internationalis found that males using saw palmetto experienced improved sexual function. Having low testosterone levels reduces sex drive, or libido. The combination therapy was more effective than the single treatments and did not appear to cause any adverse events. In addition, a 2012 Cochrane review of 32 randomized controlled studies showed that taking a double or triple dose of saw palmetto did not lead to an improvement in prostate size or urinary symptoms in males with BPH.Ī 2014 randomized study of 225 males looked at the effectiveness of using a combination of saw palmetto, lycopene, selenium, and tamsulosin to treat symptoms of BPH. The results showed that saw palmetto was no more effective than the placebo in reducing the lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH. One group took up to three times the standard daily dose of saw palmetto, while the other group took a placebo. For example, at least one study has suggested that saw palmetto is beneficial in combination with other natural therapies to treat these symptoms.Ī double-blind, randomized study from 2011 divided 369 men into two groups. Several small studies investigating saw palmetto as a treatment for the symptoms of BPH have shown modest results. ![]() It can also make it difficult to empty the bladder completely and can cause leaking after urination. BPH can be uncomfortable, as it makes it harder to urinate even when the need is urgent. It is part of the male reproductive system.Īn enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, which is the long tube inside the penis that is responsible for draining urine from the bladder. The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder. Fact: Saw palmetto may help reduce benign prostatic hyperplasia symptomsīenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous condition that causes an enlarged prostate. However, there have not been enough studies since to either counter or confirm these findings. One old report of multiple studies on saw palmetto in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition did find that males taking saw palmetto over a 2-week period had higher levels of testosterone than those in the placebo control group. Much of the research into the connection between saw palmetto and testosterone levels is also very outdated. These hormones are also responsible for the development of primary sex organs in the womb and secondary male characteristics during puberty.īy slowing down 5-alpha reductase, saw palmetto could reduce the effects of DHT as males get older.Īlthough proponents of saw palmetto claim that it helps regulate testosterone levels, there is little evidence to confirm this. The production of androgen hormones occurs in the testes (in males), ovaries (in females), and adrenal glands. Androgen hormones regulate the development of male characteristics. This enzyme converts testosterone into a potent androgen hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Scientists have found that saw palmetto can slow down 5-alpha reductase. Fact: Saw palmetto is linked to testosterone levels Here, we look at eight of the facts and myths surrounding saw palmetto. ![]() Researchers have looked into a variety of roles that saw palmetto might play in male health. ![]()
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