Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Serenoa repens

Common Names

Saw Palmetto, Sabal

Plant Family

Arecaceae

Part Used

Ripe berries

Taste Profile

Slightly sweet, astringent, oily

Energetics

Warming, moistening
Saw Palmetto

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Saw Palmetto is a small palm native to the southeastern United States. Its berries are used to support male reproductive health, especially in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It also has hormone-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties.

Herb Actions

anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild tonic

Herbal Category

endocrine support, urinary system support

Medicine System

western, naturopathy

Active Ingredients

Fatty acids (lauric, oleic), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), polysaccharides
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT. Also reduces inflammation in the prostate and urinary tract.

Modern Applications

Widely used in managing BPH symptoms (e.g. frequent urination, incomplete voiding), hormonal imbalances, and as part of male vitality formulas.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Native Americans used the berries for urinary and reproductive issues, as a general tonic, and for bladder infections.

Preparation & Usage

Commonly used as a standardized extract, tincture, or encapsulated dried berry.

Recommended Dosage

320 mg/day (standardized extract); tincture: 2–4 ml, 2x/day.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions unless under professional care.

Drug Interactions

May interact with hormone therapies or anticoagulants.

Pregnancy & Lactation

not recommended

Side Effects

Mild digestive upset; rare allergic reactions.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Wilt, T. et al. (2000). Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of BPH. – Lowe, F.C., & Ku, J.C. (1996). Phytotherapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: An update.

Sourcing Notes

Sustainably harvested wild berries from the southeastern USA; quality determined by fatty acid profile.

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Prostate capsules

Prostate 120’s

R440.00