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March 24th, 2007

Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract

Saw palmetto is not deemed as a man’s herb for no reason. Recent studies agree with centuries-old tradition in the effectiveness of this herb in maintaining a healthy prostate and alleviating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. BPH affects men mostly 50 years and above, and symptoms include frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and urinary voiding - caused by an enlarged prostate blocking the urethra.

Saw palmetto was a staple of the American-Indians before it was discovered as a potent medicine for the treatment of urinary problems. It grows in the southeastern region of the U.S., but is widely accepted in Germany, Austria, and other European countries as an alternative medicine for BPH and other urinary conditions. The active components, which have medicinal properties, can be found in the saw palmetto berry extract.

Saw palmetto berry extracts are more popular in older men. It’s commonly used as an aphrodisiac, to enlarge breast size, alternative medicine for symptoms of chronic bronchitis or problems relating to the bronchial tract. All these claims, however, have not been proven by science and remains to be investigated.

The saw palmetto berry extract contain essential fatty acids like lauric acid, palmitic, acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, plant sterols and polysaccharides. Scientific studies have yet to reveal how these components help promote the health of prostates but several studies conducted previously support the popular claims on saw palmetto berry extract. Manufacturers of alternative medicine enclose the supplements in soft gels and are prepared in 160-320mg with 85-90% of saw palmetto berry extract - the dosage utilized in many researches.

A series of studies by The American Society for Cell Biology produced promising results although still in its infancy age. Researchers exposed prostate cancer cells to saw palmetto berry extracts in varying concentrations. Saw palmetto berry extracts decreased the cancer cell growth according to partial results of the study. The next study showed a decrease in COX-2 protein produced by cancer cells following exposure to saw palmetto berry extract.

The public is warned though that saw palmetto berry extract in supplements have not been evaluated nor regulated by the U.S. FDA. Studies did not find adverse side effects on patients who took saw palmetto berry extract for a lengthened period (some studies lasted for 48 weeks) but the most common mild side effect after taking saw palmetto supplements is gastrointestinal distress, which can be relieved by taking saw palmetto along with food.

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Herbal Teas With Saw Palmetto
... of the most widely accepted herbal plants and prepared as tea is saw palmetto. While the saw palmetto tea is considered a tonic drink in itself, other manufacturers in the natural/organic pharmaceutical business make herbal teas with saw palmetto. What is saw palmetto? Saw palmetto is a palm like Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract low-lying shrub that grows in the continents of Europe, Africa and along the coasts of southeastern North America. Its fruits are around the size of olives, which turn purple black when ripe, and form clusters. It is the saw palmetto berry extracts that contain herbal benefits and used for medicinal treatments, among those is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The medical benefits of saw palmetto in BPH for some people have been backed up by research. Herbal Teas with saw palmetto Natural/organic manufacturers mix herbal teas with saw palmetto for the drink to provide additional rejuvenating effects than saw palmetto alone. Whilst...

Effects Of Saw Palmetto
... treating symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - an enlargement of the prostate. About half of men above 50 years are affected with BPH. BPH Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract is hormonally driven and results from a rise in the compound dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and a drop in testosterone level. Studies found the effects of saw palmetto are the inhibition of the actions of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that signals the male hormone to convert into DHT. First uses of saw palmetto The first people to use saw palmetto were the Native Americans who used saw palmetto berries as staple during the winter months. During this period of taking saw palmetto, older men felt an improvement in the frequency of nighttime urination. The effects of saw palmetto are mostly associated with the bladder and urinary tract while the natives used the extracts for...

Saw Palmetto Products
... is a type of a palm that grows in parts of Europe, Africa, and the southeastern coast of the U.S. Its fruits form clusters and turn blue when ripe. The main uses of saw palmetto are related to the urinary tract, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bladder inflammation but also includes chronic bronchitis cough, laryngitis, and nasal inflammation associated with asthma. The fatty acids and sterols in saw palmetto are noted in many researches to inhibit the effects of testosterone in the prostate and prevent cells to multiply thereby preventing any blockage. The popularity of saw palmetto lies in its benefits associated with balancing hormones, enhancing Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract sex drives (aphrodisiac), and retarding the hair loss process in males. Currently, saw palmetto products are not regarded as drugs in the U.S. while most of its known benefits are not supported by conclusive data. For saw palmetto products to have at least notable effect and reduce symptomatic problems, a daily dose of 160mg-320mg is recommended for a period of...

Saw Palmetto On Baldness
... for male-pattern hair loss. The idea and presumption that Saw Palmetto can treat baldness or hair loss in men probably aroused with its connection to treating BPH. In 1998, ads started to show up endorsing Saw Palmetto use for stimulating men's hair re-growth. The claim was obviously based on an uncalled-for assumption because of Saw Palmetto's utilization as a treatment for BPH condition, which was compared to another prescription medication called finasteride (propecia) that was useful in the treatment of both hair loss and BPH; thus, Saw Palmetto on baldness or hair loss would also be effective. Although Saw Palmetto has been suggested to block some testosterone effects, therefore reducing male-pattern hair loss, comparable to Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract finasteride, further studies are still required before it can be recommended for the use. The assumption of Saw Palmetto on baldness has completely no clinical proof that would support Saw Palmetto as an effective treatment for promoting hair re-growth or preventing hair...

The Right Dosage Of Saw Palmetto
... treatment of enlarged prostate problems. The evaluations and basis are many - though not conclusive, but definitely creates a strong impression of worth, value and effectiveness of the saw palmetto herb. Taking in saw palmetto medication must be with your doctor's consent. This is to ensure safety on your side, making sure that it will not interact adversely with any medication you are currently taking - and making sure there is nothing that would go wrong with taking such. It is thus important that the right dosage of saw palmetto be taken - as per your doctor's advice. It does not do you any good to take more - and may just be of detrimental effect to your health. It is always true that anything taken in excess - even if it is good, will be bad...

Saw Palmetto Side Effects
... In the US, the FDA has banned the selling of every non-prescription "medications" designed for BPH treatment as they have not gotten evidence that proves them effective. Nonetheless, preparations of Saw Palmetto are broadly put on the market as "dietary supplements". The berries of Saw Palmetto have been found to contain plant sterol composite and free fatty acids identified as sitosterols or phytosterols, particularly beta-sitos-terol and several other related chemicals, which show to alter estrogen receptors and obstruct testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a much active chemical. A minimum of seven controlled studies have revealed the berry extracts of Saw Palmetto to be better than that of placebo for treatment of BHP symptoms. There is however a few Saw Palmetto side effects, which have been distinguished in documented scientific literature. Among the most common Saw Palmetto side effects involve the intestines and stomach, which includes nausea, stomach pain,...

Saw Palmetto And Pygeum Extracts
... finasteride. Both drugs are effective in the remission of the condition but are usually accompanied with side effects like dizziness, impotence and loss of sexual desire. Three herbs have been supported by scientific research in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw palmetto is an herb with a long tradition of maintaining a healthy prostate. Men with BPH reported improved urination after taking saw palmetto supplements for at least six weeks. Pygeum and stinging nettle also provide similar relief as the drugs mentioned earlier minus the side effects. The efficacy of saw palmetto and pygeum extract for BPH has been documented in European medical journals. The combination is often recommended as an inexpensive, effective, and safe herbs treatment for BPH in alternative medicine. Both saw palmetto and pygeum extracts contain essential oils that actively shrink a prostate's size....

Saw Palmetto And Pygeum Extract
... prostaglandin synthesis. It has also shown positive effects in treating symptoms of BPH as frequent nighttime urination, and difficulty in urinating. It decreases the levels of testosterone and it increases prostatic secretions. This secretions help in alleviating urethra irritation. On clinical studies, a 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams of a 14% content of sterols and sitosterol - in 2 divided doses per day was used. Adverse effect is gastrointestinal upset. The extract of saw palmetto & pygeum extract combined, creates a blend of herbs that is concentrated for treating individuals with BPH. There are products available in the market with these two substances combined. Available as well are products that have each substances separate. The dosage for saw palmetto & pygeum extract substances combined in one product would depend on the manufacturer's recommendation. So is the dosage for each substance in separate preparations or products would be based on the manufacturer's recommended dosage. In...

Mix Of Herbs Saw Palmetto Complex
... dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The latter is the compound that signals prostate cells to multiply abnormally enlarging the prostate as in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw palmetto complex is often a mixture of saw palmetto extract, pumpkin seed oil, pygeum extract, and stinging nettle (urtica) or bearberry, which have also been thought to relieve symptoms of BPH. Other ingredients include soybean oil, vegetable glycerin, gelatin, beeswax, carob color, and titanium dioxide color. In order to maintain effectiveness, saw palmetto complex should contain the liposterolic (fat-soluble) extract in a capsule - standard preservation is in an opaque softgel. Recommended dosage is two 160mg softgels taken twice daily. Examples of saw palmetto complex available online are from Shaklee priced $42.95 for a bottle of 60 and...

Saw Palmetto Supplement
... compared with finasteride in relieving symptoms of BPH. Saw palmetto supplements Available through Now Foods is Saw Palmetto Extract in 80mg softgels. Aside from saw palmetto extract, other ingredients are gelatin, glycerin, carob, beeswax, and water. For noticeable effects and as a dietary supplement, a recommended daily dose of 2 softgels is to be taken with meals. Retail price is $15.95 for 90 softgels but is sold at a sale price of $10.85. Studies on the effects Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract of higher doses of saw palmetto has not been conducted yet but manufacturers are already manufacturing doses as high as 550mg such as NOW Foods sold at a retail price of $14.99 but on sale at $9.99. Both products mentioned are available at www.global-nutrition-inc.com. Saw palmetto supplement with Pygeum helps enhance prostate health. ...

Saw Palmetto Benefits
... also helps balance hormones in men and women and inhibits activity of the androgen and estrogen receptor. Some women also use saw palmetto for breast enlargement and treat uterine irritability. Recent evidence moreover adds to the possible benefits of saw palmetto on people with thyroid deficiency. Although only a Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract few of these claimed-benefits are supported by research, the herb continues to gain recognition in Europe and recently in North America. Since there are only a few substantial researches with conclusive data, patients having the conditions mentioned above should consider seeing a physician to determine the cause of the illness prior to reckoning saw palmetto as one of the possible cures. This, aside from assertions that saw palmetto has no established side effects. For the saw palmetto benefits to become perceptible, you need to...

Saw Palmetto Is A Fact Or Fiction?
... fact or fiction. Patients who took 160mg of saw palmetto extract twice daily reduced their nighttime urination as effectively as finasteride. Similar to the drug finasteride, the extract of saw palmetto aggressively shrinks the size of the prostate by inhibiting the actions of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that signals the testosoterone to convert into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes prostate cells to multiply abnormally. Whether any claim on saw palmetto is a fact or fiction, it is recommended as a potent alternative medicine that helps prevent prostate cancer by keeping the prostates healthy, without the undesirable side effects like loss of libido. On the other hand, a 2006 study of 225 men who had moderate-to-severe BPH reported no improvement after one year with 320mg Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract daily...

Saw Palmetto And Hair Loss
... be noted that there is no scientific evidence that herbs has revealed success in the treatment of hair loss. The only link between Saw Palmetto and hair loss are "assumptions" and "theories" which has rooted from unwarranted anecdotes to increase the products popularity. Keep in mind that Saw Palmetto's being a DHT inhibitor doesn't make it a hair loss treatment, and like any other natural "herbal" remedy, it may, whether good or bad (mild or severe), have its own side effects that can affect a person's health. Saw Palmetto and hair loss have Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract been confusingly linked; people considering using Saw Palmetto for treating hair loss should cautiously consider the decision, and it is always best to consult your physician before any further intake of the product. Saw Palmetto...

Saw Palmetto For Blood Clotting In Surgery
... saw palmetto is unregulated by the FDA while there is a special precaution on saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery. Saw palmetto is contraindicated in people who have bleeding problems or those taking medications that may raise the event of bleeding. Most importantly, saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery is not advised due to a lack of conclusive data. Saw palmetto, likewise, has not been tested on pregnant and lactating women as well as children; therefore, the concerned individuals are warned from using it. The FDA gives a stern warning that herbs including saw palmetto are potent. Berry Good Alternative - Saw Palmetto Berry Extract Saw palmetto for blood clotting in surgery is not a viable idea since it may contain the anticoagulant chemical warfarin that could interfere with coagulation. Saw palmetto may also react with other drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen and cause bleeding....

What Is Saw Palmetto? And Answers To More Questions About It
... necessary? Saw palmetto is taken in orally. There are saw palmetto products in the market that has a specific strength and purity that would fit your case. As to the dosage, the correct answer for this one, as always is - it depends. And this is true. Each individual or patient for that matter is in a different and unique condition as compared to another, it is thus only logical that each requires different dosages to remedy one's illness in consideration of the severity of one's health condition. The usual dosage though is 1 to 2 grams of crushed berries, or 320 milligrams of its extract. It is advised that one checks the manufacturer's instructions and consult a doctor as well prior actually taking such herb on a specific dosage. What is saw palmetto - Is it for me? Again, it depends. First, if you believe about the effectiveness of alternative medicine, and if you believe on the claims of saw palmetto as a wonder...

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