Saw Palmetto

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Saw palmetto is a herbal treatment that is used for symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate) such as urgent or frequent urination or urinary.....

Wendy Tshawe

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:49:32 +0000

I would like to know where you can get Sam Palmetto. I would like to recommend it to my dad, who was suspected to have enlargement of the prostate. I would like to know also about the estimated side efects in his case. Thank you in advance for your response. Kindest Regards
Wendy

Louise - Health Tip Editor

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:34:57 +0000

Hi Wendy - try your nearest health shop.

Here is some info about side effects:
"Side Effects and Warnings
Few severe side effects of saw palmetto are noted in the published scientific literature. The most common complaints involve the stomach and intestines, and include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bad breath, constipation, and diarrhea. Stomach upset caused by saw palmetto may be reduced by taking it with food. Some reports suggest that there may be less abdominal discomfort with the preparation lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESR). A small number of reports describe ulcers or liver damage and yellowing of the skin (jaundice), but the role of saw palmetto is not clear in these cases. Similarly, reports of headache, dizziness, insomnia, depression, breathing difficulties, muscle pain, high blood pressure, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and heart disease have been reported, but are not clearly caused by saw palmetto. People with health conditions involving the stomach, liver, heart, or lungs should use caution.

Caution is advised in people scheduled to undergo some surgeries or dental work, who have bleeding disorders, or who are taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Some men using saw palmetto report difficulty with erections, testicular discomfort, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire. Saw palmetto may have effects on the body's response to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, but no specific effect has been well demonstrated in humans. Men or women taking hormonal medications (such as finasteride/Proscar®/Propecia® or birth control pills) or who have hormone-sensitive conditions should use caution. Tinctures may contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided when driving or operating heavy machinery.

In theory, PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels may be artificially lowered by saw palmetto, based on a proposed mechanism of action of saw palmetto (inhibition of 5-?-reductase). Therefore, there may be a delay in diagnosis of prostate cancer or interference with following PSA levels during treatment or monitoring in men with known prostate cancer.

The combination product PC-SPES®, which contains saw palmetto and seven other herbs, has been found to contain prescription drugs including warfarin, a blood thinner. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning not to use PC-SPES® for this reason, and it is no longer commercially available. "

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-sawpalmetto.html

CYNTHIA

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:24:36 +0000

Hie Wendy
You can get saw palmetto from solgar Vitamin and Herb and their number is 011 462 1652

Dorothy

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:57:10 +0000

saw palmetto is fantastic.it has helped my husband.he has been on it for 8 months now and will carry on.it regulated the size of his prostrate within 1 month. never looked back. available at clicks on shelf.

All4Women

Saw Palmetto

Wendy Tshawe

Louise - Health Tip Editor

CYNTHIA

Dorothy