Saw Palmetto Softgels, 100 softgels

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Saw Palmetto

Roughly one-half of the male population suffers from enlarged prostate, also referred to as benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. Its symptoms range from inflammation (prostatitis) to swelling of the prostate, and painful and frequent urination. The most common medical remedy for BPH is surgical removal of the prostate, which can lead to impotence, incontinence and increased risk of heart disease.

Prostate is enlarged by the action of dihydrotestosterone, DHT, which is a metabolite of the primary male hormone testosterone. The conversion of testosterone to DHT is facilitated by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Recently, the drug Proscar has been approved, which essentially functions by inhibiting the action of this enzyme. The long-term side effects of Proscar, however, are not known.

Nature provides several remedies for the management of BPH, among which saw palmetto berries (Serenoa repens) have been found to be most effective. Saw Palmetto was traditionally used by American Indians as a remedy for increased frequency of urination during the night, atrophy of the testes, impotence, inflammation of the prostate and decreased libido in men. These beneficial effects of saw palmetto have been thoroughly corroborated by various studies carried out both in the United States and Europe.

Saw palmetto berries comprise of a volatile oil, which contains a variety of fatty acids, and is high in phytosterols. These ingredients not only control the conversion of testosterone to DHT but also block its binding to the prostate cells, which reduce the levels of inflammation and minimize the risk of prostate enlargement. Importantly, saw palmetto also has anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects in addition to anti-inflammatory properties. Saw palmetto, thus, is one of Nature's best and safest remedies to promote male health, and increased vigor and vitality.

Ultimate Nutrition's 100% Premium Saw Palmetto Berries contains standardized extract with fatty acid content in exactly the right amount to help promote health both in men over 50 years of age and also younger male athletes who may contract inflammation or experience transient impairment in their libidinal drive.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) How Quickly Does Saw Palmetto Work?

Saw palmetto berries may become effective with discernible benefits short periods of time. In some cases, it may be as short as six to eight weeks.

2) What Are the Side effects of Saw Palmetto?

No side effects of saw palmetto have been reported in any of the studies other than mild gastrointestinal irritation, which resolves of its own accord in a few days after the start of the regimen.

3) What is Recommended Dosage of Saw Palmetto?

Many different preparations of saw palmetto are on the market, some of which are standardized to phytosterols whereas other are standardized to fatty acids. It is best to do research to obtain the product that best describes the content of various active ingredients. Routinely, a twice-daily dose of 160 milligram of saw palmetto extract standardized to 85% fatty acids and sterols is recommended. From this, the amounts necessary for optimal beneficial effects can be calculated, given the percent standardization of any product.

4) Does Saw Palmetto Enhance Libido?

Yes, over time, saw palmetto has the potential of promoting healthy libido by triggering healthy biochemical processes in the prostate.

SELECTED REFERENCES

1) Mattei et al., "Serenoa repens Extract in the Medical Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia," Urologia: 55, 547, 1988

2) Braeckman, J., "The Extract of Serenoa repens in the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Multi-Center Open Study," Curr Ther. Res.: 55, 776, 1994

3) Bach, D. & Ebeling, L., "Long-Term Drug Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Results of a Prospective 3-Year Multi-Center Study Using Sabal Extract ID889," Phytomed.: 3, 105, 1996

4) Champlault et al., "A Double-Blind Trial of an Extract of the Plant Serenoa repens in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia," Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol.: 18, 461, 1984

5) Duvia et al., "Advances in the Phytotherapy of Prostatic Hypertrophy," Med. Praxis: 4, 143, 1983

6) Buck, A., "Phytotherapy for the Prostate," Br. J. Urol.: 78, 325, 1996

7) Lowe, F. & Ku, J., "Phytotherapy in Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Critical Review," Urology: 48, 12, 1996

8) Tasca et al., "Treatment of Obstructive Symptomatology Caused by Prostatic Adenoma with an Extract of Serenoa repens: Double-Blind Clinical Study vs. Placebo," Minerva Urol. Nefrol.: 37, 87, 1985

9) Greca, P. & Volpi, R., "Experience with a New Drug in the Medical Treatment of Prostate Adenoma," Urologia: 52, 532, 1985

Warning: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Some of these products are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

This page was last modified on Wednesday July 30, 2008