Saw Palmetto is an extract from the fruit Serenoa repens. People look to this natural supplement as one of the possible therapies to releive symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

The extract has anti-inflamatory effects which may help with the symptoms of BPH. It is not FDA approved.

There is debate about the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto in the medical community. In 2005 the Journal of the American Medical Association published statements that Saw Palmetto is an effective treatment for men with symptomatic benign prostatic heperplasia (enlargement of the prostate).

Following that study the New England Journal of Medicine published no reduction in BPH symptoms were observed. This was based on an extensive study using a large pool of men including a blinded placebo being used as well.

Despite the controversy the herb is still popular and easy to find in most food stores.