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| Saw Palmetto Leaf © Ann Walker |
Extracts of the berries of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) have been used in modern times mainly as an over-the-counter remedy for symptoms of benign prostate enlargement (BPH) in men. Indeed, the various biological mechanisms involved in these physiological effects are well documented and a relatively large number of clinical studies on men with BPH have shown positive results. In some of these studies, Saw Palmetto extract was found to be comparable to drugs such as finasteride and tamsulosin, which have proven benefits for patients with BPH.
Now, for the first time, a clinical study (PMID: 35334848) has been reported on the use of this herb for women with bladder control problems. The Japanese researchers reasoned that at least two of the mechanisms by which saw palmetto assists bladder control in men, might also be effective for women. Hence, they recruited nearly 80 women over 50 years of age with bladder control problems into a placebo-controlled study. These were divided into two groups - one group took saw palmetto extract every day and the other took placebo. At the end of 12 weeks, daytime urinary frequency was significantly lower in women taking the extract compared with the placebo. They also found that the need to get up at night to urinate was reduced.
Saw palmetto is regarded as a safe herb with a long history of use among Native Americans, who had many uses for it. These included use as a remedy for respiratory complaints and as a food with tonic properties. For more information see the article on Saw Palmetto on the British Herbal Medicine Association's website.
PMID = PubMed identifier
Ann Walker PhD FCPP MNIMH RNutr, Herbal Practitioner and Nutritionist,
Course Director, Discovering Herbal Medicine course
