Serenoa repens,Sabal serrulata,Saw Palmetto Herb Extract Benefit.
Article Content:
- .Saw Palmetto Botanical Info.
- .Saw Palmetto Botanical Description.
- .Life History and Saw Palmetto Population Biology.
- .Saw Palmetto Physical Tolerances.
- .Saw Palmetto Economic Importance.
- .Standardization and Saw Palmetto Herb Extract Benefits?
- .Saw Palmetto: Archeology and traditional uses.
- .Saw Palmetto and Useful Phytochemicals.
- .Structure of Fatty Acids and Steroids.
- .Saw Palmetto: Famous function and application.
- .Sex Hormone Problems and Saw Palmetto.
- .BPH Management with Sawl Palmetto.
- .Saw Palmetto Dosage and Functional Mechanism.
- .Male Sexual Health and the Prostate Gland.
- .Herbal Therapy for BPH:Classical Literature and Combinations.
- .How Search engine think about Saw Palmetto and Fatty Acid.
- .Research Update.
Saw Palmetto: Archeology and traditional uses.
Archeology of Salw Palmetto:
Saw Palmetto is also known by the names Sabal, Pan Palm, and Dwarf Palmetto. It is a small palm tree found in the West Indies and the Atlantic Coast of the United States. The plant grows from 6 to 10 feet high with a crown of large, 2 to 4 foot high foliage forming what is called the "palmetto scrub". The berries of this impressive palm are gathered from September through January. The genus name, Serenoa, is named after the American botanist, Sereno Watson (1826-1892).
The plant was first considered a nuisance and cleared from the land. Then settlers began to notice that their animals would lean over the fences to get at the black fruit. These animals were healthier than the ones who did not eat the berries, which prompted farmers to gather the plant and feed it to their animals, and then eat it themselves. The rest is history.
It was through Native American tribes, especially the Seminole Indians, that the healing aspects of the plant first came into recognition for what it is used for today. The Seminoles ground the berries into a nutritious flour. They also made an infusion from the berries to cure stomachaches and dysentery. The inner bark of the trunk was used as a packing on snake bites, insect bites, and skin ulcers. The dried fruits were useful for indigestion, respiratory infections, and cararrhal irritations. They, and several other tribes, utilized various parts of the plant to make baskets, brooms, and ropes.
At archaeological sites throughout central Florida, saw palmetto, sea grape (Cocoloba uvifera), and cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco) are all ubiquitous (Bennett and Hicklin 1998). Saw palmetto appears to have been one of the most important food sources for Florida's pre-Columbian population, for the later Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, and for subsequent settlers such as the Spanish during the sixteenth century. Even as late as the early 1900s, pioneers used saw palmetto berries to make soft drinks (Bennett and Hicklin 1998).
The medical value of S. repens has been reported since the 1800s (Hale 1898 in Tanner et al. 1996). Bennett and Hicklin (1998) reported over 50 medicinal uses of saw palmetto extracts for illnesses ranging from whooping cough to alcoholism.
It was included in the US National Formulary until 1950, when it was dropped because conventional physicians were not convinced of its effectiveness. Nevertheless, its popularity continued in Europe and has since regained its proper respect with a new breed of American physician.
Historically, Native Americans used saw palmetto for such urinary tract disorders as bladder inflammation and infection, as well as a diuretic. It was also used for respiratory diseases and reproductive tract disorders although it is mainly used for the prostate.
Since the 19th century, the fruit pulp has been used as a tonic for debility, urinary tract problems, and for reducing enlarge prostate glands.
The root doctors of the Louisiana bayou used the berries to treat syphilis and other infectious diseases.
Saw Palmetto: Folklore
This plant was used by white and black cultures in the southern U.S. as a nutrient to increase growth in humans and livestock. The Eclectics used it to increase nutrient assimilation and to promote weight gain. They also used it to restore and relax the nervous system, to restore reproduction and the respiratory mucosa. It has been used to 'tone' the thyroid.
A History of Healing By Native Americans:
Native Americans knew of the healing powers of Saw Palmetto long before European settlers came to North America. Traditional plant remedies were the only medicines available and Saw Palmetto berries were taken to treat ailments ranging from painful urination to lack of appetite. Today research supports many of the plants' historical uses.
It is known that Native Americans regularly consumed both fresh and dried Saw Palmetto berries as a tonic. They had probably seen animals eat the fruit and then tried it for themselves. One recent report confirms the appetite that some animals have for Saw Palmetto, stating that an adult female bear was found to have consumed more than 30lb (13.5kg) of the plants' fruit.
In the early 1700's, it was observed that Saw Palmetto berries were vital to the native tribes of the Florida peninsula; they used them to treat inflammation of the prostrate and atrophy of the testes. The berries were also used for cases of impotence and to stimulate sexual activity in men. More generally, they were taken as a wide-acting tonic.
Native Americans did not only use Saw Palmetto medicinally. Tannin from the stems was employed to cure hides, while the leaves and branches were utilised to make items such as baskets, brooms and hats.
Similarly in early European settlers in North America used Saw Palmetto berries to treat disorders of the genitourinary and reproductive systems.
The berries, although usually known for their treatment of conditions suffered by men, were historically used to treat women too. In particular, they were taken to alleviate painful periods and infertility. They were also prescribed to stimulate the growth of under-developed breasts and to increase the amount of milk produced by nursing mothers.
Historically, the berries have also been used as a bronchial expectorant and tonic, as well as an appetite stimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent.
European Settlers:
It was not until the late 19th century that the white European medical community began to take an interest in Saw Palmetto. Farmers had reported that their animals appeared in particularly good health when they had eaten the fruit of the plant. Decoctions were soon being tested by herbal practitioners and articles about the plants' beneficial effects began to appear.
By the end of the 19th century, physicians of the Eclectic movement, which aimed to combine the best of scientific knowledge with traditional herbal remedies, are known to have included Saw Palmetto berries in their repertoire of herbs. Felter and Lloyd, for example, in their influential revision of King's American Dispensatory in 1898, referred to Saw Palmetto as 'the old man's friend' and clearly supported its' use in relieving symptoms associated with an enlarged prostrate, saying it could help treat irritation of the prostrate, painful urination and dribbling of urine.
They also wrote that the berries had a direct influence on the glands of the reproductive system. As such, they said, the berries acted on the prostate, testes, ovaries and breasts, supporting their function and restoring them to normal size.
Recent History:
After World War I, Saw Palmetto was considered one of the most important natural remedies in the southern states. Word of its' healing powers began to spread worldwide and in the 1960's French researchers began to study the chemical constituents of the berries and their medicinal value. The result was the first trademarked Saw Palmetto product, Permixon, which was released in 1981.
Traditionally, saw palmetto berries were used to treat urinary problems in men, and breast disorders in women. In the early part of the 20th century, herbalists used infusions and teas made of saw palmetto berries to treat urinary tract problems and increase sex drive in men.
In the 1960s, scientists learned that by concentrating the oils of saw palmetto berries, they could maximize the herb's effectiveness. Since that time, dozens of studies have been conducted using saw palmetto extracts for a variety of conditions. In many countries, it is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects the urinary system, and can help shrink enlarged prostate glands, without the side effects associated with drugs such as alpha blockers. It is sometimes combined with nettle root extract to treat BPH.
Infusions are used as a diuretic to improve urine flow, for irritable bladders, and to treat enlarged prostate glands. Tinctures are used for longterm debility. Nicknamed "the plant catheter", the herb is given to strengthen the neck of the bladder.
The berries are also used to treat respiratory tract problems, including coughs and colds, bronchitis, and asthma.
It is one of the few Western remedies that is considered to be anabolic, that is, strengthens and builds body tissues while encouraging weight gain. It is often given to those suffering from wasting disorders and failure to thrive. As a tonic, an infusion with two teaspoons each of saw palmetto and horsetail, one teaspoon of licorice root, and 200 ml water can be divided and taken twice a day.
Uses based on tradition or theory:
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Acne, aphrodisiac, asthma, bladder inflammation, breast feeding, breast enlargement or reduction, bronchitis, cancer, cough, cystitis, diabetes, digestive aid, diarrhea, diuretic, dysentery, enhancing physical performance, Epstein-Barr virus, excess hair growth, expectorant, high blood pressure, hormone imbalances (estrogen or testosterone), immune stimulation, impotence, indigestion, inflammation, lactation stimulation, laryngitis, libido, menstrual pain, migraine headache, muscle or intestinal spasms, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome, postnasal drip, prostate cancer, reproductive organ problems, sedation, sexual vigor, sore throat, sperm production, testicular atrophy, upper respiratory tract infection, urethritis, urinary antiseptic, uterine or vaginal disorders.
Saw Palmetto used as breast enlarger:
Saw palmetto is now a popular and effective treatment for prostate enlargement in men but has it origins in natural medicine as a breast enlarger and is still recommended today by naturopathic physicians for increasing breast size. It is also used as an aphrodesiac, for the treatment of impotence in men, and for inhibited sexual desire in women. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries. Native Americans, dating back to pre-Mayan civilizations, used the berries for food and medicine and particularly for breast disorders in women.
Early American botanists noted that animals who were fed with these berries grew sleek and robust, experienced restored sexual vigor and improved muscle tone. Saw palmetto is useful as a nutritive tonic, supporting the function of a healthy appetite and smooth digestion.
Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra, and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system. This remarkable herb has no side effects or drug interactions. It breast enhancing effects stem from phyto-nutrients that stimulate breast tissue, increasing health and size. To call saw palmetto a an herb?is a disservice to it healthy benefits for both sexes.
Saw Palmetto:A breif Summary from Ancient till today
Saw palmetto is an extract derived from the deep purple berries of the saw palmetto fan palm (Serenoa repens), a plant indigenous to the coastal regions of the southern United States and southern California.
Saw palmetto is a remarkable herb for both men and women and is used by natural health practitioners to treat a variety of ailments such as testicular inflammation, urinary tract inflammation, coughs and respiratory congestion. It is also used to strengthen the thyroid gland, balance the metabolism, stimulate appetite and aid digestion. This wonderful herb is becoming famous for its uses in hair restoration, prostate health, sexual vigour, breast enhancement and as a nutritive tonic.
Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system.
In the United States, its medicinal uses were first documented in 1879 by Dr. J.B. Read, a physician in Savannah, Georgia, who published a paper on the medicinal benefits of the herb in the April 1879 issue of American Journal of Pharmacy. He found the herb useful in treating a wide range of conditions. "By its peculiar soothing power on the mucous membrane it induces sleep, relieves the most troublesome coughs, promotes expectoration, improves digestion and increases fat, flesh and strength. Its sedative and diuretic properties are remarkable," Read wrote. "Considering the great and diversified power of the saw palmetto as a therapeutic agent, it seems strange that it should have so long escaped the notice of the medical profession."
Since the 1960s, extensive clinical studies of saw palmetto have been done in Europe. A review of 24 European trials appeared in the November 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The trials involved nearly 3,000 men, some taking saw palmetto, others taking Proscar and a third group taking a placebo.
The men taking saw palmetto had a 28% improvement in urinary tract symptoms, a 24% improvement in peak urine flow and 43% improvement in overall urine flow. The results were nearly comparable to the group taking Proscar and superior to the men taking a placebo.
There is much scientific documentation outlining the effectiveness of the herb in treating irritable bladder and urinary problems in men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH results in a swelling of the prostate gland that obstructs the urethra. This causes painful urination, reduced urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping the flow, dribbling after urination and more frequent nighttime urination. In addition to causing pain and embarrassment, BPH can lead to serious kidney problems if undiagnosed and left untreated. It is a common problem in men over the age of 40. Estimates are that 50-60% of all men will develop BPH in their lifetimes.
Saw palmetto does not reduce prostate enlargement. Instead, it is thought to work in a variety of ways. First, it inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). BPH is thought to be caused by an increase in testosterone to DHT. Secondly, saw palmetto is believed to interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones associated with DHT production.
In a controlled clinical trial with patients with enlarged prostate glands, 50 patients who received saw palmetto (320 mg per day - 4 tablets taken in two separate doses with meals) were compared to 44 patients receiving placebo. Patients treated with saw palmetto urinated less frequently, produced a better flow rate and amount of urine and had less pain and discomfort in urinating than control subjects. There were actually fewer adverse side effects in patients receiving saw palmetto than in controls.
Presently, saw palmetto is being evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of BPH. If approved, it would become the first herbal product to be licensed by the agency as a treatment for a specific condition.
Reference:
1.Serenoa repens,Sabal serrulata,Saw Palmetto Herb Extract Benefit.
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