Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens

Physical Characteristics

Serenoa repens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - South Carolina to Florida, west to Arkansas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[238]. A sweet flavour but with a soapy taste and a strong vanilla-like aroma[238]. Regular consumption of the fruit is supposed to be very beneficial to the health, improving the digestion and helping to increase weight and strength[238]. Seed - raw or cooked[238].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Aphrodisiac Diuretic Expectorant Sedative Tonic Urinary Uterine tonic Saw palmetto berries are a tonic herb that is used in the treatment of debility, urinary tract problems and for reducing enlarged prostate glands[254]. The partially dried ripe fruit is aphrodisiac, urinary antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and tonic[4, 222]. It is taken internally in the treatment of impotence, debility in elderly men, prostate enlargement and inflammation, bronchial complaints associated with coldness, and wasting diseases[222, 238]. Saw palmetto is one of the few Western herbs that are considered to be anabolic (strengthening and building body tissue and encouraging weight gain)[254]. The fruit pulp, or a tincture, is given to those suffering from wasting disease, general debility and failure to thrive[254]. The fruit also has a beneficial effect on the urinary system, helping to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate gland and strengthening the neck of the bladder[254]. The fruit has a probable oestrogenic action, it is prescribed in the treatment of impotence, reduced or absent sex drive and testicular atrophy in men and to stimulate breast enlargement in women[254]. The fruit is also used in the treatment of colds, coughs, irritated mucous membranes, asthma etc[4, 222]. A suppository of the powdered fruits, in cocoa butter, has been used as a uterine and vaginal tonic[222]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto for prostatic complaints, irritable bladder (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Avoid with other hormonal drugs. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Take with food. Rare adverse effects include: mild headache and gastrointestinal symptoms. May decrease libido in males. Possible back pain and blood pressure increase [301].