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Saw Palmetto Co2 Extract

Also known as: Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata, Saw palmetto, American dwarf palm, Sabal serrulata

Overview

Saw palmetto, derived from the berries of the *Serenoa repens* plant native to the southeastern United States, is a phytotherapeutic herbal supplement primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The berries contain fatty acids and phytosterols, considered the active ingredients. Saw palmetto extracts are known for their potential to inhibit 5α-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and for their anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Research on saw palmetto is extensive but inconsistent, with varying results across different studies. The evidence is mixed, highlighting the need for standardized preparations. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, with supercritical CO2 extracts potentially offering enhanced bioactivity.

Benefits

Saw palmetto extract has demonstrated potential benefits in improving urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed improvements in urinary tract symptom scores, reduced nocturia, and improved peak urine flow compared to placebo. Specifically, the weighted mean difference for urinary tract symptom scores was -1.41 points (95% CI, -2.52 to -0.30), and for nocturia, it was -0.76 times per evening (95% CI, -1.22 to -0.32). Some evidence suggests it may provide symptom relief in patients with chronic prostatitis, particularly when used in multimodal treatment regimens including antibiotics. Men with symptomatic BPH may experience improvements in urinary symptoms and flow measures, although the evidence is not uniform. The duration of studies ranged from 4 to 48 weeks, with mean study durations around 9 weeks.

How it works

Saw palmetto extracts primarily work by inhibiting the 5α-reductase enzyme, particularly the type II isoenzyme, which is involved in the conversion of testosterone to DHT. This inhibition is thought to reduce prostate size and alleviate BPH symptoms. The extracts also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects, which may contribute to their therapeutic benefits in BPH and other prostate conditions. A novel saw palmetto supercritical CO2 extract (SPSE) demonstrated competitive binding to the active site of this enzyme, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.58 ± 0.05 μg/mL. The bioavailability of saw palmetto extracts can vary depending on the extraction method and formulation.

Side effects

Saw palmetto is generally considered safe, with mild and infrequent adverse effects. It has a better safety profile compared to some pharmaceutical alternatives, such as finasteride, with lower rates of erectile dysfunction. There are no commonly reported side effects at a frequency greater than 5%. Gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches have been reported in some studies but are not common. No significant rare side effects have been consistently reported. There is limited evidence on significant drug interactions, but caution should be exercised when using saw palmetto with other medications due to its potential effects on hormone metabolism. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using saw palmetto due to the lack of safety data. Men with prostate cancer or other serious health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using saw palmetto supplements.

Dosage

Typical dosages of saw palmetto range from 160 mg to 320 mg per day, often administered in divided doses. The optimal dosage is not well established, but most studies use doses between 160 mg and 320 mg per day. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 320 mg per day are not commonly studied. The timing of administration does not appear to be critical, but consistency in dosing is recommended. Hexane extracts and supercritical CO2 extracts are commonly used and may have different bioactivities. The bioavailability can be influenced by the extraction method and the presence of other ingredients. There are no specific cofactors required for the efficacy of saw palmetto.

FAQs

Can saw palmetto be used long-term?

Saw palmetto can be used long-term, but its efficacy beyond a few months is not well established. It is important to choose a standardized extract to ensure consistent bioactivity.

Is saw palmetto safe?

Saw palmetto is generally safe, but it should be used under medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying health conditions.

When should I take saw palmetto?

Consistency in dosing is recommended, but the timing of administration does not appear to be critical. Choose a time that is easy to remember and stick to it.

What results can I expect from taking saw palmetto?

Improvements in urinary symptoms and flow measures can be expected, but the extent of these improvements can vary. Individual results may vary.

Does saw palmetto cure BPH?

Saw palmetto does not reverse BPH but may alleviate symptoms. Claims about increasing sperm production, breast size, or sexual vigor are unsupported by scientific evidence.

Research Sources

https://www.dovepress.com/determination-of-the-potency-of-a-novel-saw-palmetto-supercritical-co2-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-RRU – This in vitro study examined a novel saw palmetto supercritical CO2 extract (SPSE) and found that it effectively inhibited 5α-reductase type II with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.58 ± 0.05 μg/mL, comparable to finasteride. The study highlights the potential of SPSE as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27186566/ – This study investigated the efficacy of saw palmetto extract in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The results indicated that saw palmetto extract improved nocturia and urine flow, although the results were inconsistent across studies. The study suggests that saw palmetto may have comparable efficacy to tamsulosin in some cases but not in others.
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/saw-palmetto – This resource provides a general overview of saw palmetto, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It highlights that saw palmetto is primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). It also notes that claims about increasing sperm production, breast size, or sexual vigor are unsupported by scientific evidence.
https://journals.lww.com/juop/fulltext/2024/02000/saw_palmetto_treatment_for_prostatitis__a.9.aspx – This systematic review examined the use of saw palmetto extract for symptom relief in patients with chronic prostatitis. The review found that saw palmetto extract provided symptom relief, particularly when used in multimodal treatment regimens including antibiotics. However, the results were mixed when compared to alpha-blockers or 5-ARIs.