In vitro experiments found that saw palmetto extract induces growth inhibition and pro-apoptosis of prostate cancer cells, and inhibits the proliferation of human breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In glioma patients, T lymphocytes, especially CD4+ T cells, were severely reduced in number, and saw palmetto extract could increase the percentage of glioma CD4+ T cells in GL261 rats in a dose-dependent manner . Saw palmetto extract can effectively induce apoptosis of U266 cells, and its mechanism of action may be through regulating the levels of p27 and Mcl-1 proteins. The combined application of saw palmetto extract and AG490 inhibits the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells, and the effect is better than that of single use. Saw palmetto extract inhibits U266 cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by blocking STAT3 pathway.
2. Effects on the genitourinary system
The extract of saw palmetto fruit can increase the blood supply of male sexual organs, thereby improving the regulation of endocrine on sexual function. The large amount of sitosterol contained in saw palmetto dried fruit has anti-androgenic activity, so it can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. The earliest American Indians discovered that saw palmetto berries can be used to treat diseases such as prostate and urinary tract infections. Later, the Germans used saw palmetto in the treatment of urinary tract diseases of prostatic hypertrophy, and the modern medicinal use of saw palmetto was carried forward. . Saw palmetto can maintain the normal size and function of the prostate, make urination unobstructed; reduce the problems of nocturia, frequent urination and urgency. It can also inhibit the secretion of dihydroandrogen, which stimulates prostatic hyperplasia, and fundamentally solve the problem of prostatic hyperplasia. Most of the currently clinically used BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) drugs are androgen-antagonizing western drugs (such as finasteride, etc.), and long-term use of such anti-androgen drugs is prone to side effects. In recent years, the use of natural plant preparations to treat prostate diseases such as BPH has become an international trend.
3. Antibacterial effect
Saw palmetto extract contains natural specific bactericidal factor phytate, which directly destroys pathogen DNA polymerase, destroys drug-resistant strains, and kills pathogen plasmids.
4. Treats Hair Loss
In addition to the role of saw palmetto fruit on men's urinary diseases, saw palmetto is also known as finasteride in the plant kingdom, which can be used to treat hair loss. The mechanism of androgenesis is: testosterone and type II 5α-reductase metabolism in the body DHT is produced, and hair loss occurs because the hair follicles are vulnerable to DHT attack and shrink. The pharmacological effects of saw palmetto are achieved by blocking male hormones and preventing DHT from damaging hair follicles. In addition, because of the natural lipophilicity of saw palmetto, it can be quickly absorbed by hair follicles.