Description

Saw Palmetto? Prostate Health and Other Uses.

Saw palmetto is a supplement made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree.

It’s often used to treat enlarged prostate, improve urinary function, and enhance hair growth. Some also use the supplement to boost libido and fertility and reduce inflammation. Finally, S P is claimed to have anticancer effects.

However, not all of its uses and purported health benefits are supported by science.

This article looks at the research behind saw palmetto, including its benefits, potential side effects, and dosage recommendations.

What is saw palmetto?

S P, or Serenoa repens, is a dwarf palm tree native to the southeast regions of North America and especially abundant in Florida, Georgia, Cuba, and the Bahamas (1Trusted Source).

It grows in sandy soil and gets its name from the sharp, saw-like teeth on the stalks that attach the tree’s leaves to its stem. This tree produces dark berries that contain a large seed (1Trusted Source).

This fruit has long been used by Native Americans for its nutritional, diuretic, sedative, aphrodisiac, and cough-reducing properties.

Nowadays, the berries are eaten whole or dried and used to make tea. Dried and ground  it can also be purchased in capsule or tablet form. It’s widely available, including online.