Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto or American dwarf palm, is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family, native to the southeastern regions of the United States.
Its extract is obtained mainly from the mature fruits, rich in bioactive components for the well-being of the prostate and male urinary tract..
Composition and active principles
The extract of Serenoa repens contains a mixture of substances including:
- Free fatty acids (such as lauric, oleic, myristic, and palmitic acid)
- Phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol
- Flavonoids and other minor components
These compounds act in synergy and are considered responsible for its effects on prostatic functionality.
Benefits and mechanism of action of Serenoa repens
Serenoa repens is used for the support of urinary and prostatic function.
According to scientific literature, its extract can:
- Inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that promotes prostatic enlargement.
- Reduce local inflammation thanks to the presence of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity.
- Promote urinary flow and contribute to reducing urinary frequency and urgency.
These effects make it particularly studied in the treatment of urinary disorders associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
Dosage of Serenoa repens
Serenoa repens is usually employed in the form of a lipid-sterolic extract standardized to 90% free fatty acids, which guarantees a constant content of fatty acids and phytosterols.
The recommended dosage is 320 mg per day, for at least 30 days.