The Saw Palmetto Plant is Often Found Along Roadsides, Abandoned Lands, and Fields. Many people consider this a weed, unaware that this plant has numerous health benefits.
Benefits of the Saw Palmetto Plant
1. What is the Saw Palmetto Plant?
The Saw Palmetto Plant is scientifically known as Phyllanthus Urinaria and is also referred to by various other names such as: Chó Đẻ, Golden Leaf Plant, or Diệp Hạ Châu. Historically, this plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
The Saw Palmetto typically grows in clusters, reaching heights of about 30-60 cm. Its leaves are small, alternate, and resemble a comb or saw, which is why it is called the Saw Palmetto. The flowers are small and white, appearing in the leaf axils or at the tips of branches. The fruit of the Saw Palmetto is a capsule that, when ripe, turns brown and bursts open to release seeds.
The parts of the Saw Palmetto Plant used are the leaves, stems, and seeds. It contains components such as: Flavonoids, Alkaloid Phyllanthin; compounds like Hypophyllanthin, Nirathin, Phylteralin, Tritequen, Tamin, Organic Acids, Phenols, and Lignans, among others.
The Saw Palmetto Plant typically grows in clusters, reaching heights of about 30-60 cm. (Photo: Internet).
2. Uses of the Saw Palmetto Plant
Here are 8 health benefits of the Saw Palmetto Plant:
Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties
The Saw Palmetto Plant has been researched for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities. In animal studies, researchers have found evidence of this herb’s ability to reduce inflammation and combat infections.
Liver Protection
Due to its antioxidant properties, the Saw Palmetto Plant is effective in protecting the liver. Studies indicate that this plant can improve liver function and protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Additionally, research has shown promising results of the Saw Palmetto Plant in treating Hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by a virus.
Prevention and Treatment of Kidney Stones
The Saw Palmetto Plant is renowned for its potential in preventing and treating kidney stones. Its alkaline nature can help prevent the formation of acidic kidney stones.
Moreover, using the Saw Palmetto may increase urination, which can be beneficial for those with kidney stones.
With its alkaline properties, the Saw Palmetto Plant can help prevent the formation of acidic kidney stones. (Photo: Internet).
Treatment of Stomach Ulcers
In vitro studies have shown that extracts from the Saw Palmetto Plant can kill Helicobacter pylori (HP), a bacterium responsible for causing stomach ulcers.
It is important to note that the in vitro studies used concentrated extracts applied directly to bacterial cells, different from how oral supplements operate. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the Saw Palmetto Plant in treating stomach ulcers in humans.
Blood Sugar Control
Animal studies suggest that antioxidants found in the Saw Palmetto Plant have the potential to improve fasting blood sugar levels. This indicates a possible benefit of this plant in managing blood sugar.
However, it is crucial to remember that animal study results may not necessarily apply to humans. More research is needed to ascertain the impact of the Saw Palmetto Plant on blood sugar levels in humans.
Support in Gallstone Treatment
According to traditional medicine, the Saw Palmetto Plant can be used to treat gallstones. This is due to its alkaline properties, which may help prevent gallstone formation. However, specific scientific evidence supporting the use of the Saw Palmetto Plant for gallstones is still lacking.
The alkaline nature of the Saw Palmetto Plant not only aids in treating kidney stones but may also support gallstone treatment. (Photo: Internet).
Support in Gout Treatment
Gout pain occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. The Saw Palmetto Plant may help balance uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks. Some animal studies indicate that supplementation with the Saw Palmetto Plant can reduce uric acid levels.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Animal studies show that the Saw Palmetto Plant can lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. However, a human study reported a slight increase in blood pressure, which was not statistically significant, among participants using the Saw Palmetto Plant over 12 weeks. These participants experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure after discontinuing supplementation.
In summary, the benefits of the Saw Palmetto Plant are potential, meaning there are certain results in animals but still a lack of studies and results in humans. Therefore, we should not “deify” the uses of this plant.
3. Side Effects of the Saw Palmetto Plant
In a human study, some side effects were reported with the supplementation of the Saw Palmetto Plant, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Nausea
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom, while other pains are reported less frequently.
Additionally, certain individuals should exercise caution when using the Saw Palmetto Plant, such as:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women as there have been no studies proving the safety of the Saw Palmetto Plant for this group.
- The Saw Palmetto Plant may slow blood clotting; therefore, it could cause bleeding in those with bleeding disorders.
- Individuals with diabetes should also be cautious when using this plant. The Saw Palmetto Plant can affect blood sugar levels, which impacts those with diabetes the most.
If used, monitor blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes. Also, be aware of signs of low blood sugar such as sweating, nausea, clamminess, anxiety, shakiness, palpitations, and possible hunger and tingling sensations.
