SAW PALMETTO - Nature's Answer to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) known as the dwarf palm, is native to North America and the West Indies. The benefits of saw palmetto can be traced back several centuries, when the native Americans and early settlers used the berries to treat problems related to the genitourinary and reproductive systems. The medicinal properties are found exclusively in the sweet/bitter berries. The fruits contain various fats, starches, polysaccharides, sugars, sterols, fatty acids and many unidentified compounds that comprise its botanical effectiveness. It has rightfully earned the name plant catheter due to its therapeutic effect on urine flow, a valuable herb in the treatment and prevention of BPH.

Saw palmetto is widely used in France, Canada, United Kingdom and USA., and has been approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of BPH. No side effects, except occasional stomach upsets have been associated with saw palmetto.

Why the prostate begins to grow in middle age is not well understood. It may be due to a variety of factors including age-related alterations in hormone levels. The enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone (the male hormone) into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone accumulates in the aging prostate, and stimulates the multiplication of prostate cells which leads to prostate enlargement. Men also produce estrogen. Increased estrogen levels play a role in the development of BPH. One theory is that the anti-estrogenic effect of saw palmetto reduces the activity of estrogen, thus promoting prostate health.

An enlarged prostate can pinch off the flow of urine… BPH is characterized by symptoms of bladder obstruction such as increased urinary frequency, awakening at night to empty the bladder, and reduced flow of urination. If left untreated, BPH will eventually obstruct the bladder outlet - wastes that are normally excreted in the urine, accumulate in blood. This could lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called uremia.

BPH is not a self-diagnosable or self-treatable condition. Given the high incidence of prostate cancer in older men, it is important for men to visit their physician regularly to obtain proper diagnosis and treatment for BPH.

Saw Palmetto works synergistically with pygeum africanum and pumpkin seeds to promote prostrate health.

Pygeum affricanum

Studies conducted in Europe and the U.S.A. have attested that this herb is effective for BPH. Its prolactin-blocking property helps remove cholesterol accumulation that aggravates problems associated with prostate enlargement.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo) are a particularly rich source of the mineral zinc. The highest concentration of this mineral is found in the prostate gland and prostatic fluids. Insufficient zinc can aggravate symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Taking plenty of zinc is important - increased estrogen levels in aging males interfere with zinc uptake. Pumpkin seeds possess mild diuretic properties to improve urinary flow and tone the bladder.

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This Product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.