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Saw palmetto is a natural supplement derived from the ripe fruit of the Serenoa repens tree, also known as the American Dwarf Palm Tree. It is often used to treat hair loss, urinary problems, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While saw palmetto has gained popularity due to its lack of major side effects, there have been rare reports of serious adverse reactions such as liver damage, pancreatitis, and bleeding in the brain. A phase IV clinical study analyzing FDA data revealed that out of 3,068 people who experienced side effects from saw palmetto, 61 individuals (1.99%) reported muscle aches. The study also found a higher prevalence of muscle aches in males over 60 years old. While saw palmetto has been shown to improve muscle endurance in rats, further research is needed to understand its full range of effects on muscle health in humans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it used for? | Saw palmetto is used in alternative medicine to reduce complications from prostate surgery. It is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. |
| Who is it used by? | According to a phase IV clinical study by eHealthMe, muscle aches were found among people who take saw palmetto, especially males over 60 years old. |
| How common are muscle aches as a side effect? | Out of 3,068 people who reported side effects, 61 people (1.99%) experienced muscle aches. |
| What are some other side effects? | More serious side effects like liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death have been reported in isolated cases. However, it is not always clear whether saw palmetto was the cause. |
| Does it have any benefits? | Saw palmetto has been found to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in animal studies, which could provide pain relief. |
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What You'll Learn
Saw palmetto's side effects
Saw palmetto is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall, and its ripe fruit is used to make medicine. It is also known as the American Dwarf Palm Tree, and its berries have been used for health purposes.
Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated and has been used safely in studies for up to three years. Side effects are usually mild and may include digestive symptoms, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue, decreased libido, and vomiting. In rare cases, more serious side effects like liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death have been reported, but it is not clear whether saw palmetto was the cause.
Saw palmetto may be unsafe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it acts like a hormone, which could be dangerous. It might also slow blood clotting and cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended that those taking birth control pills use an additional form of contraception when taking saw palmetto, as it may decrease the effects of estrogen in the body.
It is also important to note that saw palmetto should not be taken in different forms (pills, liquids, etc.) at the same time, as this could lead to an overdose.
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Muscle aches in men over 60
As men age, their bodies tend to become less flexible. Bones become less flexible and more brittle, and muscles get tighter, making them more prone to injury and soreness. Tendons and ligaments also become less flexible, which can lead to longer healing times from injuries.
There are several conditions that can cause muscle aches in men over 60. One common condition is polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which is characterised by widespread inflammation and often occurs alongside giant cell arteritis. PMR typically affects people over 50, with an average patient age of around 70. It causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders, upper arms, pelvic girdle, and thighs. Women are twice as likely as men to develop PMR, and it is usually diagnosed through blood tests, ultrasounds, or MRIs. Corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone, are a common treatment for PMR, along with physical therapy and diet and lifestyle changes.
Another cause of muscle pain in older adults is repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which can be caused by any repetitive motion, such as knitting, playing sports, typing, or reaching overhead. RSIs often lead to painful muscle knots and soreness in the wrists, forearms, fingers, thumbs, shoulders, and elbows. When RSIs first develop, pain may only be felt during specific tasks, but over time, it can become more constant. Treatment for RSIs includes taking a break from the activity causing pain and working with a physical therapist to correct muscle imbalances.
Fibromyalgia is another chronic pain condition that can affect seniors, causing muscle pain throughout the body. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve the way the brain processes pain signals. Fibromyalgia can develop after a significant stressor or physical trauma, but it can also appear gradually without an apparent cause. Treatment options for fibromyalgia include muscle relaxers, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure medications, as well as natural pain relief treatments like massage and acupuncture.
To manage muscle aches and pains as a man over 60, it is important to stay physically active. Exercise keeps blood circulating, maintains joint health, and strengthens the muscles, reducing pain and pressure on joints and bones. Stretching and exercises like yoga and Pilates can help improve flexibility and reduce soreness. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and focusing on cardiovascular health can help reduce strain on the body and improve overall well-being.
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Saw palmetto's anti-inflammatory properties
Saw palmetto is a supplement made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree, also known as the American Dwarf Palm Tree. It has been used in alternative medicine for a variety of purposes, including reducing inflammation.
The plant contains a variety of compounds that are thought to have medical benefits, including phytosterols, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Phytosterols are plant-based steroids that can block the effects of androgens such as testosterone. Flavonoids are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
One fatty acid found in saw palmetto, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. A 2021 study published in the World Journal of Urology found that, after 12 weeks, males with CP/CPPS who were given a daily 160-mg dose of saw palmetto had lower overall pain scores than those given a placebo. However, the findings from other studies have been inconsistent, with some showing no significant changes in pain symptoms.
Saw palmetto has also been used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can interfere with bladder function. Several studies have investigated saw palmetto's effect on BPH, with mixed results. While some studies have reported that saw palmetto may help increase urine flow and reduce nighttime urination in men with BPH, others have found no effect.
Overall, while saw palmetto has been used to reduce inflammation and treat various medical conditions, the evidence supporting these claims is weak, and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
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Saw palmetto and hair loss
Saw palmetto is a plant with small berries that has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years. It is also known as the American Dwarf Palm Tree. The plant's ripe fruit is used to make medicine.
Saw palmetto is purported to have benefits for hair regrowth. It is believed that saw palmetto blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a molecule that shrinks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Research on the efficacy of saw palmetto in treating hair loss is limited but promising. Five randomised clinical trials and two prospective cohort studies demonstrated positive effects of topical and oral supplements containing saw palmetto among patients with androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. Sixty per cent improvement in overall hair quality, a 27% improvement in total hair count, increased hair density in 83.3% of patients, and stabilised disease progression among 52% were noted with the use of various topical and oral saw palmetto-containing supplements.
Saw palmetto is generally considered safe but should not be used by children or pregnant or nursing people. It may also interact with blood thinners and oral contraceptives. It is important to consult a doctor before taking saw palmetto or any other supplement.
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Saw palmetto's serious side effects
Saw palmetto is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall with thorn-shaped leaves. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicine. It is often used as a supplement to treat hair loss, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and urinary problems.
While saw palmetto is generally considered safe, some people have reported experiencing muscle aches after taking it, especially males over 60 years old. In a phase IV clinical study of FDA data, 1.99% of people who reported side effects from taking saw palmetto experienced muscle aches.
Saw palmetto may also cause other serious side effects, although these are rare and may not be directly caused by the supplement. These include liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking saw palmetto to ensure it is safe for you, and to stop taking it and seek medical advice if you experience any adverse effects.
Additionally, saw palmetto may slow blood clotting and cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Therefore, it should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and those taking it should inform their healthcare providers before any surgical procedures.
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Frequently asked questions
Saw palmetto is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall with thorn-shaped leaves arranged like a fan. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicine.
Saw palmetto has been associated with muscle aches in people who take it, especially males over 60. Other side effects include liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death, although it is not always clear whether saw palmetto was the cause.
Saw palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and may help prevent androgenic alopecia, a type of hair loss also known as male and female pattern baldness. It has also been shown to improve muscle endurance, increase sperm count, and boost testosterone production in rats.
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