Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Saw Palmetto, Sabal, Sabal serrulatum,Serenoa serrulatum

Oleic acid (A kind of Saw Palmetto fatty acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid)

Chemical Name: (9Z)-Octadecenoic acid, (Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid, cis-9-Octadecenoic acid, cis-Δ⁹-Octadecenoic acid, 18:1 cis-9
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₂

Mol. Wt.: 282.4614

Molecular Structure:

Serenoa repens, the saw palmetto, is the sole species currently classified in the genus Serenoa. It has been known by a number of synonyms, including Sabal serrulatum, under which name it still often appears in alternative medicine. It is a small palm, normally reaching a height of around 2–4 m (3–6 ft). Its trunk is sprawling, and it grows in clumps or dense thickets in sandy coastal lands or as undergrowth in pine woods or hardwood hammocks. It is endemic to the southeastern United States, most commonly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains, but also as far inland as southern Arkansas. It is a hearty plant; extremely slow growing, and long lived, with some plants, especially in Florida, possibly being as old as 500-700 years.

Saw palmetto fruit (berry) is a large reddish-black drupe and is an important food source for wildlife and historically for humans. It contains constituents such as fatty acids, steroidal saponins, phytosterols, volatile oil, resin, tannins. Saw Palmetto berries contain an oil with a variety of fatty acids and phytosterols. These fatty acids include capric, caprylic, caproic, lauric, palmitic, and oleic acid and their ethyl esters. The major phytosterols are beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol, lupeol, lupenone, and 24-methyl-cyclo-artenol.

The fruits of the saw palmetto are highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols, which were used traditionally as a general tonic to nourish the body and encourage appetite and normal weight gain. The berries were also used in the treatment of genito-urinary tract problems including enuresis, nocturia, and urinary tract disorders. And it was used for remedy for atrophy of the testes, impotence, inflammation of the prostate, and low libido in men. And it was used as a tonic and expectorant for mucous membranes, particularly the bronchial passages. Recent clinical trials have shown that saw palmetto berries are helpful in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The fat soluble Saw palmetto berry Extract has been shown to inhibit the conversion of testosterone (DHT) which is thought to be responsible for the enlargement of the prostate. In addition saw palmetto extract inhibits the binding of DHT to receptors thus blocking DHT's action and promoting the breakdown of the potent compound.

The Saw Palmetto Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the fruits of the plant Serenoa repens.

Benefits

• Treat urinary tract infections

• Prevent and relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

• Calm the irritated and overactive bladder occasionally associated with bedwetting

• Reduce hormonal damage to prostate cells, possibly reducing the future risk of developing prostate cancer.

• Maintain healthy blood vessels, nerves and tissues

• Lower cholesterol

• Tonic and Expectorant for mucous membranes (particularly the bronchial passages)

Mechanism

Refer to the above relative introductions.

Safety

There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with the use of saw palmetto berries.

There are no known side effects and no toxicity reports associated with the use of saw palmetto berries.

The oil in saw palmetto berries can easily go rancid, so store them in the refrigerator or freezer and be sure to discard them by the date indicated on the package.

If you are experiencing bothersome or troubling symptoms of possible prostate enlargement (weak urine flow, frequency, post-void dribbling and backwash, for example), see your doctor.

Keep in mind that although the seeds may relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, they have not been proven to actually reduce the size of this gland.

Dosage

• The typical dose is 300-500mg per day (usually in 1-2 doses throughout the day).

• Bio-enhancing agents: African Pygeum

• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Saw Palmetto Extract Features and Benefits:

Saw Palmetto Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Serenoa repens fruits.

• High purity: over 60%

• NO solvent - residual free

• Pesticide-free

• White to greenish White in appearance

• High anti-bacteria, and relatively longer shelf life.