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Saw palmetto berries are used primarily as a dietary supplement to help with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), such as difficulty urinating, and are also marketed for male-pattern baldness. The berries may help by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to a more potent hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and may also have anti-inflammatory properties. However, experts suggest viewing these claims with skepticism, and more research is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of saw palmetto for BPH.
Uses of saw palmetto berries
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Saw palmetto is most commonly used to alleviate the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as a weak urine stream, dribbling, or frequent nighttime urination.
Male-pattern baldness: It is also marketed as a supplement for hair loss.
Other uses: Some people use it for chronic pelvic pain, chronic prostatitis, or as a general tonic.
Historical use: Historically, indigenous peoples and other practitioners used saw palmetto berries for various urological conditions and as a general medicinal tonic.