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GuideWisdom™

This WisdomCard managed by: Chris Miller

Saw Palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is grown primarily in the Southeastern area of the United States. The extract of Saw Palmetto is most commonly used by men to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. ¹ The primary method of taking Saw Palmetto is by dietary supplement; but can also taken by infusing ground, dry, or whole berries in the form of a tincture, fluid extract, or tea. ² Saw Palmetto has been studied for use in male pattern hair loss, prostate cancer, prostatis, and lower urinary tract infections, but the evidence of its efficacy is still unclear. ³

Fast Facts:

• -- Listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia from 1906 to 1917; National Formulary 1926 to 1950. ³
• -- Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, insomnia, decreased libido, muscle pain, depression and dizziness. ²
• -- Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. ³
• -- Although Saw Palmetto is an herbal supplement, it is still advisable to see a doctor before using. ¹
• -- The genus name honors American botanist Sereno Watson. ⁴

5 Great Resources on Saw Palmetto

• Natural Standard (via Medline Plus): Saw Palmetto
• National Center For Complementary And Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): Saw Palmetto
• Cerner Multum (via Yahoo! Health): What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Saw Palmetto?
• Drugs.com: Natural Products - Saw Palmetto
• Wikipedia: Serenoa

5 Latest Headlines on Saw Palmetto

• More Saw Palmetto News from Topix

What Are The Uses for Saw Palmetto?

• American Academy Of Family Physicians: Saw Palmetto For Prostate Disorders
• Harvard Medical School (via Aetna InteliHealth): Saw Palmetto - Unproven Uses
• Consumer Health Interactive And OneBody (via AHealthyMe): What Is Saw Palmetto Good For?

What Are The Side Effects, Interactions and Precautions for Saw Palmetto?

• First DataBank (via MedicineNet): Saw Palmetto - Side Effects | Saw Palmetto - Precautions | Saw Palmetto - Drug Interactions
• eMedTV: Saw Palmetto Side Effects
• AltMD: Saw Palmetto - Precautions And Possible Interactions

What are the Holistic Alternatives to Saw Palmetto?

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs With Similar Uses As: Saw Palmetto
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Pygeum | Nettle
• Acupuncture.com: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Nutritional And Herbal Therapy For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• GrannyMed: Use Of Altenative Medicine In Prostate Cancer
• rVita: Zinc | Beta-Sitosterol | Acupuncture

Clinical Trials for Saw Palmetto

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Saw Palmetto Clinical Trials

Scientific and Medical Journal Articles on Saw Palmetto

• PubMed Central: Saw Palmetto Articles
• JAMA: Archives Of Saw Palmetto Articles
• Google Scholar: Articles On Saw Palmetto

Related WisdomCards

• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
• Prostate Cancer
• Male Pattern Baldness
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Herbal Remedies for Prostate Cancer
• Herbal Supplements
• Herbalism
• Naturopathy

GuideWisdom and Fast Facts References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} National Center For Complementary And Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Cerner Multum (via Yahoo! Health): What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Saw Palmetto?
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Natural Standard (via Medline Plus): Saw Palmetto
4. ↑ Wikipedia: Serenoa

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