What is the big deal with saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata) is a popular herb in North America and Europe. For decades, this herb has been used by Europeans to treat symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate or BPH). In the USA, saw palmetto is quickly gaining fame for BPH partly because it is safe and has much fewer side effects compared to the conventional drugs. However, all consumers should understand that saw palmetto is not a replacement for traditional medical therapy for prostate hypertrophy but a complimentary therapy.


Centuries ago saw palmetto was used by the Mayans to treat a variety of infections. Even the berries of the plant were widely consumed to relieve cough and fever.


At the moment saw palmetto is an accepted licensed product in many European countries but in North America it is classified as a health supplement. Its use in America is empirical and one does not need a prescription.


There is some evidence that saw palmetto does inhibit enzymes that make the hormone, testosterone, and there are other reports which indicate that the herb may also have a direct action of androgen receptors.