Does Saw Palmetto Increase Testosterone Levels? Is It Safe?

For a variety of reasons, pharmaceuticals may not be suitable for everyone. This could be due to health status, allergies, potential for dangerous drug interactions, or specific health conditions, leading many individuals to explore alternative medicine for their treatment needs.

One such alternative is saw palmetto. A common question arises: Does saw palmetto increase testosterone? The answer isn’t definitive. While some research indicates potential benefits of saw palmetto in boosting testosterone levels, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Additionally, when it comes to saw palmetto’s effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, research has not demonstrated significant improvement. Keep reading to discover more about this culturally important plant.

Does Saw Palmetto Increase Testosterone?

Testosterone, a crucial hormone in males, has various effects on the body, from regulating sex drive to maintaining bone and muscle mass, blood cell production, and sperm production. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, with around 40% of men over 45 and 50% over 80 experiencing low testosterone, also known as “low T.”

Many individuals seek ways to maintain their testosterone levels, and some supplements containing saw palmetto claim to help with this. The idea is that saw palmetto blocks the enzyme 5a-R, which converts testosterone into DHT, potentially leading to higher testosterone levels.

However, real-life results and research findings suggest otherwise. Saw palmetto hasn’t been proven to increase testosterone levels significantly. While some studies indicate a decrease in DHT levels with saw palmetto supplementation, there isn’t substantial evidence of a noticeable rise in testosterone.

If you are concerned about low testosterone, consult your healthcare provider. They can conduct tests to assess your hormone levels and recommend appropriate treatments to suit your needs.

Does Saw Palmetto Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Saw palmetto concentrate has been suggested to improve erectile responses by enhancing vasodilation, reducing vasoconstriction, and increasing nitric oxide production, thereby improving blood flow to erectile tissues. This can result in quicker responsiveness, firmer erections, and longer-lasting effects.

Extensively researched and historically used for addressing male sexual issues like loss of libido and impotence, saw palmetto has shown promise in scientific studies for enhancing erectile function. It’s evident from available data that this botanical can be beneficial for improving erectile function, as well as managing mild to moderate cases of enlarged prostate.

How Does Saw Palmetto Work in the Body?

Saw palmetto operates through various mechanisms:

• Adaptogenic Properties: Saw palmetto acts as a potent adaptogen, naturally regulating the male endocrine system. Adaptogens like saw palmetto can adjust their actions based on the body’s specific requirements, either boosting or calming physiological functions. This ability allows saw palmetto to stabilize levels of testosterone, estrogen, and other male hormones, promoting an optimal balance among them to enhance erectile capacity.
• Hormonal Regulation: Saw palmetto, scientifically known as Serenoa repens, binds excess hormones such as testosterone and estrogen in the male body, helping to maintain a balanced level of free testosterone. Furthermore, it aids in distributing these hormones to their appropriate locations at the right times, fostering an ideal hormonal environment for improved blood flow to the penis and healthy erectile function.
• Inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase: Saw palmetto impedes the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for producing dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, a potent breakdown product of testosterone, can disrupt testosterone balance and interfere with the erectile process. Studies have confirmed saw palmetto’s ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity on testosterone.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Saw palmetto possesses anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing the aggregation of inflammation-triggering mast cells and lowering levels of inflammatory mediators such as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, saw palmetto helps normalize blood flow to the penis, contributing to overall erectile health.

4 Other Outstanding Benefits of Saw Palmetto for Men’s Health

Here are four additional remarkable benefits of saw palmetto for men’s health:

Saw Palmetto Supports Prostate Health

Saw palmetto may aid in maintaining prostate health, potentially preventing issues like BPH and prostate cancer. Research suggests it could alleviate urinary symptoms and inflammation related to BPH.

Saw Palmetto Helps Prevent Hair Loss

Some studies propose that saw palmetto could promote hair growth and density, offering a potential solution for male pattern baldness. However, more evidence is needed to support its effectiveness.

Saw Palmetto Improves Urinary Tract Function

Saw palmetto is recognized for its role in addressing lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH, such as nocturia and decreased urine flow, providing relief for individuals with an enlarged prostate.

Saw Palmetto Helps Fight Inflammation

Research indicates that saw palmetto possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for various conditions. Studies in mice and rats have shown promising results in reducing swelling and inflammation markers, although human studies are lacking.

Is Saw Palmetto Safe?

Saw palmetto is widely recognized for its safety and benefits, especially for men’s health and well-being. However, caution should be exercised when used in certain groups to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Notably, individuals expecting a child or nursing should steer clear of saw palmetto due to the insufficient data on its safety during these sensitive periods. Its influence on hormonal balance makes it unsuitable for these groups, as well as for children, whose developing bodies could be adversely affected.

Moreover, for those anticipating surgical procedures, it’s advisable to halt the intake of saw palmetto supplements at least two weeks in advance. This precaution stems from its potential to elevate the risk of bleeding, highlighting the importance of cautious use.

Individuals dealing with low iron levels or diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia should also approach saw palmetto with caution. The herb’s capacity to hinder iron absorption necessitates careful consideration in these situations to prevent exacerbating iron deficiencies.

Given saw palmetto’s interaction with hormone levels, anyone with conditions sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, such as prostate cancer or other hormone-related disorders, should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating saw palmetto into their regimen. This ensures that its use aligns with their overall health strategy and avoids contraindications.

Can You Take Too Much Saw Palmetto?

Most research on saw palmetto supplements has utilized doses between 100 to 500 mg per day, though higher doses have also been tested without reported issues.

However, just because higher doses have been used in studies does not necessarily mean they are more effective or more suitable for everyone.

If you’re unsure about the appropriate dosage of saw palmetto supplements for you, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

Does Saw Palmetto Have Side Effects?

While side effects from saw palmetto are uncommon, some individuals may experience certain adverse reactions. These may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Additionally, there have been isolated reports linking saw palmetto to more severe outcomes, such as significant bleeding during surgery.

Furthermore, rare cases of liver damage and pancreas damage have been reported in individuals who have taken saw palmetto.

However, there isn’t enough information available to conclusively determine if saw palmetto was the direct cause of these effects.

Conclusion

Saw palmetto is the source of a supplement renowned for its array of potential health advantages.

Emerging studies have raised the question: Does saw palmetto increase testosterone? Beyond potentially raising testosterone levels, it’s also suggested that saw palmetto can bolster prostate health, diminish inflammation, combat hair loss, and boost urinary tract function.

Yet, the scientific community has encountered varied outcomes in research. To fully grasp the impact of saw palmetto on health, more extensive human studies are essential.

Visit other Blondebeauty articles to gain more health knowledge.

Clare Collins

Laureate Professor Clare Collins 

  

Professor Clare Collins is a leading expert in nutrition and dietetics at the School of Health Sciences, part of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her work is changing the way we think about food and health. She grew up as one of nine children and was the first in her family to finish high school and go to college. This background gave her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for seizing opportunities. 

  

As the Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Food and Nutrition Program and a recipient of three NHMRC Research Fellowships, Professor Collins is making a big difference in public health. She focuses on helping people who are often overlooked, using new technologies like apps and online programs to improve their nutrition and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

  

Professor Collins is well-respected and has been recognized as a Fellow in four major health and science organizations. She leads a diverse team of experts, including dietitians, computer scientists, and engineers, working together on global health projects. 

  

Her achievements are impressive. She has received over $29 million in research funding, published more than 450 papers, and helped 35 PhD and Master’s students complete their degrees. She’s also active in sharing her knowledge with the public. She has developed tools like the Australian Eating Survey and the Healthy Eating Quiz, and she often appears in the media to talk about nutrition. 

  

PUBLISHED ARTICLES 

• Collins, C. (2019). “The Effect of a Pilot Dietary Intervention on Pain Outcomes in Patients Attending a Tertiary Pain Service.” 
• Collins, C. (2022). “Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults.” 
• Collins, C. (2022). “Evaluation of an online intervention for improving stroke survivors’ health-related quality of life: A randomised controlled trial.” 

These articles show Professor Collins’s commitment to understanding how better nutrition can improve health. Her work is important for researchers, doctors, and anyone interested in healthy living.