Serenoa repens
(Saw palmetto)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Anti estrogenic
• Aphrodisiac and sexual rejuvenator - historically
• Diuretic
• Inhibition of dihydrotestosterone - inhibition of multiplication of prostatic cells - reducing hyperplasia

Clinical Indications:

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• Impotence
• Chronic emaciating diseases where there is weight loss, weakness, debility and tissue wasting
• Dysuria
• Low libido
• Urinary lithiasis

Contraindications:

• None

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Carotenes
• Free fatty acids:
  
  Capric
  Caprylic
  Caproic
  Lauric
  Palmitic
  Oleic
• Green volatile oil
• Lipase
• Polysaccharides:
  
  Arabinose
  Galactose
• Resin
• Steroidal saponins:
  
  Beta sitosterol
  Cycloartenol
  Lupenone
  Lupeol
  Stigmasterol
• Tannins

Toxicity:

• None

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).