Botanical Overview
Serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto, is a member of the Arecaceae family. Native to the Southeastern United States, its medicinally used part is the ripe fruit. The unassuming berries have a longstanding traditional use focused primarily on male reproductive health.
Common names: Saw palmetto
Energetics
Saw palmetto’s energetics are generally considered neutral temperature with drying moisture quality. It is characterized by a bitter taste and is amphoteric in tonicity, generally influencing the qi system.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiandrogenic
- Diuretic
- Mild hormone modulating
Indications
Western
Symptoms:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms including urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, and nocturia
- Chronic prostatitis
- Lower urinary tract symptoms
- Androgenic alopecia
Syndromes:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Hormonal imbalance related to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) excess
TCM
No well-documented traditional Chinese medicinal uses documented.
Ayurveda
No specific indications found.
Unani
No specific indications found.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Saw palmetto fruits contain phytochemicals such as fatty acids, phytosterols (notably beta-sitosterol), flavonoids, and polysaccharides. These constituents contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antiandrogenic effects, particularly by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity, thus reducing dihydrotestosterone levels.
Dosage & Preparations
- Standardized extract 320 mg daily, typically divided into 160 mg twice daily
- Tincture 1:5 (40% ethanol) dose 2–5 mL, 1–3 times daily
- Powdered capsules 160–320 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated; some may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. It should be used cautiously with anticoagulants due to potential additive effects and not used during pregnancy or lactation owing to insufficient safety data. Contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources found to assign planetary or elemental rulers for Serenoa repens.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph on Serenoa repens (2012)
- Gerber GS. Saw Palmetto Extract in BPH: A Review (2017)
- NIH NCCIH Saw Palmetto Fact Sheet (2020)