Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens / Sabal Serrulata

Long-lived shrubby multi-trunked palm, small fragrant white flowers produce the reddish brown fruit, which are drupes rather than actual berries as they have a thicker skin with a central stone.

Vintage-style illustration of a saw palmetto plant on a beige background

Family: Serenoa (Aceraceae Palmae)

Which probiotic is it in?: Men

Habit and cultivation: Native to southeastern US

Actions (known for): Prostate protective, bladder and urinary tonic.

History of Saw Palmetto

Berries/drupes were a staple of the Seminole indigenous people of Florida and the Mayans are known to have used them as food and tonic. Historically taken with pumpkin seeds and nettle root. And mullein therapeutically. Was introduced into the west in 19th century, actually for medical practice in treating urinary and prostate conditions, but also for infertility in women.

Parts used from the Saw Palmetto

Berries – usually used as a tincture or homeopathically.

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Fatty acids, linoleate, stearate, palmitate, oleate, myristate, and laurate. Phytosterols campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol.

Nutritional constituents:

High amounts of chromium, fibre, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, thiamine, and zinc. Average to low amounts of calcium, cobalt, protein, sodium, and vitamins A and C.

Indications:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), reproductive tonic for both men and women, urinary function, anxiety.

Dosage:

The average is up to 300mg dried fruit as capsules daily.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Cautions for therapeutic doses

To be avoided under 18 and in pregnancy, but is generally considered safe without toxic effects.

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