Saw Palmetto--A Natural Remedy for the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is the most common prostate disorder in aging men. Symptoms of BPH include difficulty urinating, a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder and frequent nighttime urination. Men not only find these problems to be inconvenient, but they often pose embarrassment. Fortunately, there are natural and very effective ways to find relief from these symptoms.

One herb, saw palmetto, has been shown in numerous studies to be an effective remedy for the symptoms of BPH. Until recently, the exact mechanism by which saw palmetto works has remained unclear. Now a study from the journal Urology helps clarify that mechanism.

Researchers collected prostate tissue specimens from two groups of men with symptoms of prostate enlargement.  One group was given a saw palmetto extract while the other group received a placebo. The prostate tissue samples collected from the saw palmetto group showed a marked reduction in levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) compared to tissue samples from the placebo group. This is significant because DHT (a relative of testosterone) is believed to be responsible for many of the symptoms of BPH. This study shows saw palmetto may work by blocking the production of DHT in the prostate gland.

Keep in mind, however, that not all forms of saw palmetto are equally effective. In its natural state, saw palmetto contains about 1 to 2 percent of an oily substance believed to be the active component that helps support healthy prostate function. This is a very low concentration that would require taking enormous quantities of saw palmetto to experience its beneficial effects.

Fortunately, special methods can be used to create a concentrated extract of saw palmetto with a much higher percentage of the active component. With such a high concentration, much less of the herb needs to be taken. Another plus is that all the clinical studies that have proven the benefits of saw palmetto for the prostate have used concentrated extracts of the herb. That means products that contain saw palmetto in its low-potency state cannot give you the same benefits observed in the scientific studies.

If you are currently taking saw palmetto, be certain it contains the concentrated extract of the herb. Of course, if you're experiencing symptoms of BPH and are not taking anything for relief, consider saw palmetto. You'll soon find that you don't have to let prostate concerns rule your life.