Numerous methods of achievement have been suggested, and Saw Palmetto shows to possess 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory action, which prevents testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone. Estrogenic/hormonal effects of Saw Palmetto have also been accounted, as well as anti-inflammatory properties and immediate inhibitory effects.

Other uses of Saw Palmetto such as acne, breast enlargement, cancer, cough, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraine, and others are based on traditional theories and have not been completely tested for people, its effectiveness and safety for these purposes have also never been proven. It is always important to have potentially serious conditions evaluated by professional healthcare provider.

Saw Palmetto dosage is often based on traditional use, scientific research, expert opinion, or publications. Like any other herbal supplements, Saw Palmetto as a dietary supplement may not have been completely tested, and its efficacy and safety may no be established. Saw Palmetto dosage may vary with different brands, with variable components, and even with similar brand. The following Saw Palmetto dosage may not apply to every product; it is vital to read labels of products, and talk to a qualified physician for Saw Palmetto dosage before beginning therapy:

Adults 18 years old and older - Oral/by mouth
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) A Saw Palmetto dosage of 320 milligrams per day, either in one dose or into two spilt doses (eighty to ninety percent liposterolic content), has been utilized in several studies. Reports reveal that 160 milligrams taken once every day may be as effectual as used twice daily. Other suggested or conventional doses that have not been thoroughly studied include: one to two grams of fried, ground, or whole berried per day; two to four milliliters of tincture (1:4) taken thrice a day.

There are limited research accounts on Saw Palmetto dosage in using rectal/suppositories for BPH, but have been given in dosages of 640 milligrams once a day. Extracts have shown to be much effective taken orally four times a day in 160 milligrams. There is no sufficient information of Saw Palmetto dosage administered to children younger than eighteen years old to recommend the product. Again, it is always very essential to use Saw Palmetto with a doctor’s advice and instructions.

Today, Saw Palmetto preparations are extensively used in Europe for linked BPH conditions; it was approved for this use by German Health authorities with the provision that Saw Palmetto be prepared containing the lipophilic components or the fat-soluble part of the medication. In the US, the FDA has banned the selling of every non-prescription “medications” designed for BPH treatment as they have not gotten evidence that proves them effective. Nonetheless, preparations of Saw Palmetto are broadly put on the market as “dietary supplements”.

The berries of Saw Palmetto have been found to contain plant sterol composite and free fatty acids identified as sitosterols or phytosterols, particularly beta-sitos-terol and several other related chemicals, which show to alter estrogen receptors and obstruct testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a much active chemical. A minimum of seven controlled studies have revealed the berry extracts of Saw Palmetto to be better than that of placebo for treatment of BHP symptoms.

There is however a few Saw Palmetto side effects, which have been distinguished in documented scientific literature. Among the most common Saw Palmetto side effects involve the intestines and stomach, which includes nausea, stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, or bad breath. An upset stomach caused by Saw palmetto intake may be lessened through taking it with food. Several reports have suggested that there may be lesser abdominal discomfort through lipidosterolic extract preparation called Seronoa Repens (LSESR).

Likewise, other Saw Palmetto side effects have been reports of dizziness, headache, muscle pain, insomnia, breathing difficulties, chest pain, muscle pain, irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, depression, chest pain, and heart disease, but are not yet evidently proven to be caused by the use of Saw Palmetto. People suffering from health conditions that involve the heart, stomach, lungs, or liver should use Saw Palmetto with caution. Women or are pregnant or breastfeeding are not recommended to use Saw Palmetto extracts because of probable hormonal activity.

Saw Palmetto side effects may not entirely be caused by the product, but it is very essential to consult a doctor before using Saw Palmetto even if simply as a dietary supplement.

Saw palmetto supplements come as extracts from the berries or by its crushed form. It is actually the oily compounds, plant sterols and flavonoids of the herb – which provides for the medicinal effects.

While many put it upon themselves to self medicate and primarily using herbs or other alternative medicines out there – this may be mostly safe, but one can never be that sure. That is precisely the reason why, even if it can be bought over the counter from local health stores – one still needs to refer this to one’s physician. It always pays to be safe.

Like any other drugs – both conventional and alternative, there are always side effects that may come with it. And with the subject at hand, it is a fact that there are health risks of saw palmetto use. It doesn’t mean that just because it is a herb that heals, that it will not be of any danger to your health.

Health risks of saw palmetto use include gastrointestinal symptoms and headaches. There have also been reports of nausea, reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. There was also a case of significant bleeding during surgery, which was traced to saw palmetto use prior said operation.

Also there may be health risks of saw palmetto use, when one is pregnant or breast-feeding. It should also be avoided for use on children. One should remember that saw palmetto has some effects on one’s hormones, and the reason exactly why one should avoid the intake of this on cases mentioned above.

There is always that potential for interactions with other drugs and medications, thus one should consider the health risks of saw palmetto use when one is on medication or is taking other drugs in the present time. This may pose some danger to one’s health, and since saw palmetto has not been thoroughly evaluated with its interaction with other drugs – one may be exposed to health issues because of this.

Health risks of saw palmetto use may have been considered to be of minor nature, but for your case such risks should be not be shun away. Always ask the advice of your doctor, and if it is viable for your end – your doctor will tell you so.