What Is Saw Palmetto?
Saw Palmetto is a member of the palm tree family of plants (Araceae). The name comes from the razor-sharp edges on the plants leaves that resemble the blade on a saw.
The saw palmetto trees grow in Southern regions of the United States. Local indigenous groups like the Seminole Tribe of Florida were the first ones to identify the beneficial effects of this plant which revolves around its use as a “male tonic” — supporting the overall health of the male reproductive system.
Many of saw palmettos other health benefits are directly related to its effects on hormones — such as balding, low fertility, impotence, fatigue, muscle wasting, and low libido.
The herb is popular for men young and old for its ability to support the male reproductive organs.
The Main Benefits of Saw Palmetto Include:
• Supports the male reproductive system.
• Potent source of antioxidants.
• Resists bacterial infection in the urinary tract.
• Fights inflammation in the lungs and endocrine organs.
The Science Behind Saw Palmetto
Male Reproductive Health
The berries of the tree are rich in a series of fatty substances that have been shown to support the male reproductive organs. The fatty portion of the berries are extracted for preparation called a “liposterolic extract”.
Although this herb has many effects on the male reproductive system, the most notable is its effects on 5-alpha-reductase — a key enzyme in the body used to convert free testosterone into the more potent 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone.
Most of the testosterone in the male body is bound to a protein known as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The part that isn’t bound is what produces the androgenic effects on the body.
There are several different forms of testosterone which are kept in careful balance by enzymes such as 5-alpha-reductase, as well as other enzymes in the liver tasked with breaking down excessive testosterone levels.
5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone is roughly 5 times as potent normal testosterone. This hormone interacts with androgen receptors throughout the body including the scalp, testes, prostate, skin, and muscles — often with negative consequences.
Most of the negative effects of this particular form of testosterone are isolated to the prostate and scalp — causing the prostate to increase in size and hair loss.
Other side-effects may include a change in libido and fertility and gradual degeneration of muscle tissue.
Saw palmetto slows the conversion of free testosterone to 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone — thus preserving optimal testosterone levels.
Is Saw Palmetto The Supplement For Me?
Although the traditional use of saw palmetto is specific for prostate issues, this supplement is popular among men of all ages for its tonic effects on the reproductive system.
Younger men take it to support athletic performance and reduce the chances of developing androgen-related issues later in life, and older men take it to reduce the side-effects of naturally changing hormone levels.
The key to taking this supplement effectively is to give it longer periods of time to exert its effect. This isn’t the type of herb that’s going to produce any noticeable changes overnight — but given a few weeks, months, or years of regular use, it has a lot to offer the male body.
Ingredients & Dosage
120, 240 & 360 Capsule Bottle
Ingredients Per Serving (1 Capsule):
Saw Palmetto (From 20:1 Extract) 3000mg, Zinc (From Zinc Oxide) 15mg.
Ingredients:
Saw Palmetto (From 20:1 Extract), Zinc (From Zinc Oxide), Bulking Agents (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Sillicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate), Vegetarian Capsule (Hypromellose).
Recommended Dose:
Take 1 capsule (3000mg) daily with a meal, or as advised by your healthcare professional.
180 & 540 Capsule Bottle
Ingredients Per Serving (1 Capsule):
Saw Palmetto (From 20:1 Extract) 320mg, Zinc (From Zinc Oxide) 15mg.
Ingredients:
Saw Palmetto (from 20:1 Extract), Zinc (from Oxide), Bulking Agents (Brown Rice Flour), Vegetarian Capsule (Hypromellose).
Recommended Dose:
Take 1 capsule (320mg) daily with a meal, or as advised by your healthcare professional.