11 Best Benefits Of Serenoa Repens
Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto, is a small, shrub-like plant native to the southeastern United States.
The bioactive compounds found in Serenoa repens, including fatty acids, plant sterols, and polyphenols, are responsible for its potential health benefits.
Research has shown that Serenoa repens can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), improve urinary flow, and support prostate health due to its ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to BPH development.
By alleviating these symptoms, Serenoa repens may provide relief for individuals experiencing BPH-related issues.
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According to Public health nutrition, Serenoa repens, extracted from the saw palmetto, has been found to decrease nocturia (reducing the number of nighttime urinations) and improve peak urine flow, as well as increase the improvement of urinary tract symptoms in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compared to those receiving placebo.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Serenoa repens.
Table of Contents
- 1. Treats benign prostatic hyperplasia
- 2. Improves urinary flow
- 3. Supports prostate health
- 4. Reduces prostate enlargement symptoms
- 5. Reduces urination frequency
- 6. Reduces prostatic inflammation
- 7. Decreases prostatic hyperplasia
- 8. Relieves nocturia
- 9. Eases lower back pain
- 10. Protects prostate gland
- 11. Supports prostate tissue health
1. Treats benign prostatic hyperplasia
Serenoa repens treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty starting urination.
The importance of treating BPH lies in its impact on daily life, as it can cause embarrassment, disrupt sleep patterns, and even lead to complications such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage.
The bioactive constituents in Serenoa repens, including saw palmetto extracts, fatty acids, and phytosterols, are thought to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
To harness the benefits of Serenoa repens for BPH, it is best to use herbal preparations such as capsules, softgels, or teas that contain standardized extracts of saw palmetto berries, and to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage and preparation for individual needs.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Saw palmetto capsules
- Softgels
- Saw palmetto oil
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats benign prostatic hyperplasia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Fatty acids | Urinary retention, frequent urination, nocturia |
| Sterols | Prostate enlargement, urinary frequency, weak stream |
| Pentacyclic triterpenoids | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary incontinence, prostate cancer |
2. Improves urinary flow
Serenoa repens improves urinary flow by enhancing the ability of the body to pass urine efficiently, often referred to as increased urinary flow rate or urinary frequency.
This benefit is important as it can help alleviate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and nocturia, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals affected.
The bioactive constituents of Serenoa repens, including saw palmetto, phytosterols, and fatty acids, are thought to contribute to its ability to improve urinary flow by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can contribute to BPH.
To utilize Serenoa repens for its urinary flow benefits, it is best to consume it in the form of a standardized herbal extract or supplement, typically in a dose of 160-320 mg per day, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Oil
- Softgel
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves urinary flow.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Friedelin | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic enlargement, urinary retention |
| Lupel | Urinary frequency, nocturia, urinary urgency |
| Polypodocarpic acid | Urinary incontinence, prostatic adenoma, urinary flow obstruction |
| Serenoa aglycone | Urinary hesitancy, urinary straining, urinary frequency at night |
| Aglycones | Urinary incontinence, prostatic enlargement, urinary flow reduction |
3. Supports prostate health
Serenoa repens supports prostate health by reducing the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and potentially alleviating associated symptoms, such as frequent urination and prostate pain, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
The importance of this benefit lies in the fact that BPH is a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide, causing discomfort, sleep disturbances, and even affecting their ability to work and engage in daily activities.
The bioactive constituents responsible for this benefit, including isopimarane diterpenoids and saw palmetto extracts, have been shown to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
To utilize Serenoa repens for prostate health, it is best to consume it in the form of standardized herbal extracts or supplements, which can be found in capsules or softgels, allowing for a precise dosage and optimal bioavailability of its active compounds.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Serenoa prostate support
- Capsules
- Saw palmetto extract
- Saw palmetto prostate health
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports prostate health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Fatty acids | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostate cancer |
| Ferulic acid | Prostate inflammation, urinary frequency, nocturia |
| Triterpene saponins | Enlarged prostate, prostate enlargement, urinary retention |
4. Reduces prostate enlargement symptoms
Serenoa repens reduces prostate enlargement symptoms, which refers to the alleviation of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary difficulties, pain, and discomfort.
This benefit is important as BPH can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting their ability to work, engage in social activities, and maintain personal hygiene, making it essential to find effective and safe management options.
The bioactive constituents of Serenoa repens, including saw palmetto extract and phytosterols, are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that promotes prostate growth.
To harness the benefits of Serenoa repens for prostate enlargement symptoms, it is recommended to use high-quality herbal preparations, such as standardized saw palmetto extract capsules or tablets, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Capsules
- Extract
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces prostate enlargement symptoms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| I3c | Prostate enlargement, benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms |
| Polysaccharide krestin | Prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, inflammation |
| Saw palmetto furanosterols | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate enlargement, urinary frequency |
| Serenoa acid | Prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, inflammation |
| Furostanol | Prostate enlargement, benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms |
5. Reduces urination frequency
Serenoa repens reduces urination frequency, which refers to the ability to decrease the number of times an individual needs to urinate over a 24-hour period, allowing for greater convenience and reduced disruptions in daily life.
This benefit is important because excessive urination can be a significant nuisance, especially for individuals with busy schedules or those who are required to be in certain locations for extended periods, such as during travel or work.
Additionally, frequent urination can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, so reducing its frequency can provide valuable insights into one's overall health.
Serenoa repens has this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including saw palmetto sterols, which have been shown to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to an overactive bladder and increased urination frequency.
To harness the urination-reducing properties of Serenoa repens, it is best to use high-quality herbal preparations, such as saw palmetto extract capsules or dried saw palmetto berry supplements, which can be taken as directed by a healthcare professional to achieve optimal benefits.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces urination frequency.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Saw palmetto acid | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, nocturia, polysystic ovary syndrome |
| Furanocoumarin | Urinary incontinence, oab (overactive bladder), hematuria |
| Sterols | Prostatitis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections |
| Ligustrazine | Overactive bladder, nocturia, urinary incontinence |
6. Reduces prostatic inflammation
Serenoa repens reduces prostatic inflammation, also known as prostatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland.
This benefit is important as prostatitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, frequent urination, and erectile dysfunction, which can significantly affect a person's quality of life and even lead to infertility.
The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including saw palmetto, which contains fatty acids and sterols that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to prostate inflammation.
To harness this benefit, Serenoa repens can be used in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, and it is often recommended to consume 160-320 mg of saw palmetto extract per day, standardized to contain 85-95% total fatty acids.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Topical cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces prostatic inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Aglycones | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostatic inflammation |
| Fatty acids | Prostatic inflammation, urinary frequency, urinary urgency |
| Polysaccharides | Prostatic inflammation, urinary tract infections, prostatitis |
| Saponins | Prostatic inflammation, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Sterols | Prostatic inflammation, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence |
7. Decreases prostatic hyperplasia
Serenoa repens decreases prostatic hyperplasia, which is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to various urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and nocturia.
This benefit is crucial as it can significantly improve the quality of life for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), allowing them to maintain their independence and engage in daily activities without the burden of urinary symptoms.
The bioactive constituents present in Serenoa repens, including saw palmetto extract, fatty acids, and flavonoids, are responsible for its therapeutic effects, which inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
To harness the benefits of Serenoa repens for prostatic hyperplasia, it is best to use standardized herbal preparations, such as saw palmetto extracts, in a dosage of 160 mg per day, either alone or in combination with other natural remedies, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Saw palmetto capsules
- Serenoa prostase
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Decreases prostatic hyperplasia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| I3cp | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate, urinary retention |
| Serenoa glycosides | Prostate inflammation, urinary frequency, nocturia |
| B-sitosterol | Prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, hematuria |
| Campesterol | Bph symptoms, urinary strain, prostatic pain |
| Apholol | Enlarged prostate glands, urinary tract infections, prostate cancer |
8. Relieves nocturia
Serenoa repens relieves nocturia, a condition characterized by the frequent need to urinate during the night, which can disrupt sleep patterns and overall quality of life.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals with enlarged prostates, such as those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as nocturia can lead to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and decreased productivity, impacting daily life and relationships.
The bioactive constituents of Serenoa repens, including saw palmetto berries, beta-sitosterol, and fatty acids, are responsible for its ability to relieve nocturia by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
To harness the benefits of Serenoa repens for nocturia relief, individuals can consider using standardized herbal preparations, such as capsules or tablets, containing 320-480 mg of saw palmetto extract per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsule
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves nocturia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Icariin | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, nocturnal polyuria, overactive bladder |
| Triterpene saponins | Nocturia, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence |
| Glycosides | Nocturia, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections |
| Fatty acids | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, nocturnal polyuria, prostatitis |
| Polysaccharides | Nocturia, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence |
9. Eases lower back pain
Serenoa repens eases lower back pain by reducing inflammation and discomfort in the lower back region, which can be described as a symptom relief from musculoskeletal pain in the lower back area.
This benefit is important as lower back pain can significantly impact daily life, causing difficulties in performing routine activities, such as bending, lifting, or even simple tasks, and can also lead to conditions like sciatica and herniated discs.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Serenoa repens can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including saw palmetto, which contains fatty acids, flavonoids, and other compounds that have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
To use Serenoa repens for lower back pain relief, it is best taken as a standardized herbal supplement or extract in capsule or tablet form, or as a topical cream or oil applied directly to the affected area, with recommended dosages and preparation methods varying depending on the specific product and individual needs.
Top Preparations:
- Oil
- Cream
- Topical gel
- Balm
- Liniment
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases lower back pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Furostanol glycosides | Degenerative disc disease, muscular strain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction |
| Saponins | Lower back muscle spasms, herniated discs, sciatica |
| Polysaccharides | Degenerative joint disease, muscle strain, lumbar spondylosis |
10. Protects prostate gland
Serenoa repens protects prostate gland by preventing the enlargement of the prostate and reducing the risk of prostate-related issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
This benefit is important as BPH can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weakened urine flow, and nocturia, significantly impacting a person's quality of life, while prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men.
The plant's ability to protect the prostate gland is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including saw palmetto, fatty acids, and phytosterols, which have been shown to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
To harness the benefits of Serenoa repens for prostate health, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or extracts, which can be taken orally as directed, ideally in combination with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Serenoa prostate support
- Serenoa saw palmetto capsules
- Soft gels
- Saw palmetto serenoa extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Protects prostate gland.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Agathin | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostatic cancer |
| Serenoaptilone | Lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate enlargement, urinary frequency |
| Agarsensolin | Prostate inflammation, urinary retention, nocturia |
| Serenoaptilone | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer prevention, prostatic inflammation |
| Agathin | Prostate inflammation, lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary frequency |
11. Supports prostate tissue health
Serenoa repens supports prostate tissue health by promoting the overall well-being and maintenance of the prostate gland.
This benefit is crucial as the prostate is a vital organ responsible for regulating the flow of urine and semen, and any issues with the prostate can lead to painful symptoms such as urinary retention, incontinence, or infertility.
The reason Serenoa repens has this benefit is due to its rich content of bioactive constituents like saw palmetto berries, which contain liposterolic acids and phytosterols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To utilize Serenoa repens for prostate tissue health, it is recommended to consume high-quality herbal preparations such as capsules or tablets, which contain standardized extracts of saw palmetto berries, and consult with a healthcare professional for proper dosing and guidance.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Saw palmetto capsules
- Tincture
- Saw palmetto softgels
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Serenoa repens and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports prostate tissue health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Fernandic acid | Benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostate cancer |
| Serenoapilinoside | Prostate enlargement, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence |
| Serenoa glycosides | Prostatitis, prostate abscess, urinary retention |