Saw palmetto or Serenoa repens, is a small palm endemic to the southeastern United States. The fruit of the saw palmetto is a large reddish-black drupe and is an important food source for wildlife and historically for humans. It is highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols, and extracts of the fruits have been the subject of intensive research for the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement.

Traditionally, American Indians used the fruit for food and to treat a variety of urinary and reproductive system problems. The Mayans drank it as a tonic, and the Seminoles used the berries as an expectorant and antiseptic. Other historical uses included the treatment of infertility in women, increased lactation in women, painful menstruation cycles, reducing prostate, appetite stimulant, and as a tonic.

Saw palmetto supplements are available as capsules, tablets, extracts, and as a tea. There is no standard dosage. These supplements are very popular in Europe, especially in Germany, where doctors often prescribe them for patients with BPH. Saw palmetto is approved by Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency for herbs) for prostate complaints or irritable bladder. Saw palmetto supplements have become popular in the United States in recent years as well and are often marketed "for prostate health."

Source: www.wikipedia.org, www.cancer.org

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Saw palmetto or Serenoa repens, is a small palm endemic to the southeastern United States. The fruit of the saw palmetto is a large reddish-black drupe and is an important food source for wildlife and historically for humans. It is highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols, and extracts of the fruits have been the subject of intensive research for the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement. Traditionally, American Indians used the fruit for food and to treat a variety of urinary and reproductive system problems. The Mayans drank..