Saw Palmetto For Blood Clotting In Surgery

Saw palmetto extracts are thought to treat various illnesses associated with the bladder, urinary tract, hormonal imbalance, fertility, enuresis, nocturia, kidneys, sexual dysfunction, and bronchitis.

Clinical trials on saw palmetto began in the mid-1980's but some of the studies confirming saw palmetto's efficacy in treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlargement of the prostate – cannot be deemed scientific. A clinical trial conducted in Germany that lasted for three years, however, agreed to the claims regarding saw palmetto.

In contrast, a 2006 study co-funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease tested 225 men with moderate to severe BPH for one year. Saw palmetto dose administered to the patients was 160mg twice daily. Towards the end of the study, the patients reported no perceptible difference in their condition. No side effects were noted however at least within the duration of the study.

Like all other claims regarding the herb, there are no evidences of saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery. In fact, two incidents of bleeding were reported concerning patients who took saw palmetto extract prior to surgery.

Saw palmetto's appeal began with the Native Americans who were first to use saw palmetto as a staple during the winter months. It was during this period that the elderly men felt an improvement in the symptoms of nighttime urination. However, like most herbs, saw palmetto is unregulated by the FDA while there is a special precaution on saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery.

Saw palmetto is contraindicated in people who have bleeding problems or those taking medications that may raise the event of bleeding. Most importantly, saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery is not advised due to a lack of conclusive data. Saw palmetto, likewise, has not been tested on pregnant and lactating women as well as children; therefore, the concerned individuals are warned from using it.

The FDA gives a stern warning that herbs including saw palmetto are potent. Saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery is not a viable idea since it may contain the anticoagulant chemical warfarin that could interfere with coagulation. Saw palmetto may also react with other drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen and cause bleeding. People who want to use or are presently using saw palmetto are encouraged to discuss the matter with a health professional.