Mix Of Herbs: Saw Palmetto Complex

Saw palmetto complex combines other herbs thought to be effective in symptomatic treatment of urinary and prostate problems. Saw palmetto has been utilized for varied purposes mostly associated with the prostate and bladder. Manufacturers of saw palmetto complex claim the product helps promote a healthy prostate and urinary functions.

The standard dosage of saw palmetto is 320mg in two divided doses daily, which is based on the dosage used in clinical studies. In order to provide the appropriate amounts of active components, each dose should contain 85-90% of saw palmetto extract. The extract itself contains essential fatty acids like lauric acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, phytosterols, and polysaccharides.

The use of saw palmetto dates back many centuries ago to the Native Americans who used saw palmetto as a staple in the winter months. It was also during this time that the elder men felt an improvement in their nighttime urination, and hence begins the theory about saw palmetto.

According to several studies, saw palmetto complex seems to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The latter is the compound that signals prostate cells to multiply abnormally enlarging the prostate as in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw palmetto complex is often a mixture of saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seed oil, pygeum extract, and stinging nettle (urtica) or bearberry, which have also been thought to relieve symptoms of BPH. Other ingredients include soybean oil, vegetable glycerin, gelatin, beeswax, carob color, and titanium dioxide color.

In order to maintain effectiveness, saw palmetto complex should contain the liposterolic (fat-soluble) extract in a capsule – standard preservation is in an opaque softgel. Recommended dosage is two 160mg softgels taken twice daily. Examples of saw palmetto complex available online are from Shaklee priced $42.95 for a bottle of 60 and from Dr. Ronald Hoffman, M.D. that costs $125.95 for 120 softgel capsules.

Saw palmetto seems to have no adverse side effects, at least from previous studies. The only side effect reported by those taking saw palmetto complex is mild gastrointestinal disturbance, which can be alleviated when taken with food. However, saw palmetto was tested only to male elderly patients and there are no available conclusive data to confirm its other uses.

Consumers are warned that herbs like saw palmetto are potent. Its use requires medical advice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the use of supplements and herbs.