What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto (scientifically known as Serenoa repens) is a type of palm native to the south-eastern United States. It produces small berries that have been used for centuries by Native American tribes for their medicinal properties. Saw palmetto supplements are derived from the berries of this plant.

Saw palmetto is commonly used in herbal medicine, presenting promising benefits associated with prostate health. It's often marketed as a natural remedy for symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some research suggests that compounds in saw palmetto may help reduce the symptoms of BPH, such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating and incomplete emptying of the bladder. With such benefits to prostate health, could it possibly help to prevent prostate cancer?

Learn more: Trouble Urinating: Is My Prostate Enlarged?

During the early stages of development, most prostate cancers rely on androgens for their growth. Therefore, strategies that involve blocking the production or action of androgens can be valuable in the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer. Potential targets include the 5α-reductase enzymes, which convert testosterone into the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has a binding affinity with the androgen receptor that is up to 10 times higher than that of testosterone, consequently stimulating the growth of prostate cancer.

Across various studies, saw palmetto extracts were found to reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT and reduced the proliferation of human prostate cells in laboratory settings. Additionally, they were found to reduce the progression of prostate tumors and the concentration of DHT in the prostates of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. In rat models of induced prostate overgrowth, saw palmetto led to a decrease in prostate growth and hyperplasia. Furthermore, it showed an inhibitory effect on testosterone-induced prostate growth and hyperplasia in rats, while lowering levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in men with enlarged prostates.

Overall, these positive results show that saw palmetto may have some potential in reducing prostate cancer risk. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive and the clinical use of saw palmetto to reduce prostate cancer risk has not been fully studied. Of note, even drugs that are highly effective at acting on the above-referenced enzymes have not been proven to affect risk of death from prostate cancer. Therefore, while many saw palmetto supplements are available for urinary issues and prostate health, it is not a clinical recommendation.

It's recommended to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially based on your pre-existing health conditions or other medications. Your doctor will be able to provide you with personalized advice based on your specific situation.