A popular herbal remedy to boost testosterone levels in men is Saw Palmetto. This is a natural therapy, and it is derived from the Serenoa repens plant, which bears fruit. According to scientists, this herbal remedy is indeed helpful in treating a few reproductive and sexual functions in males.

Here is how the herb affects:

1. It does impact your testosterone levels

Research provides evidence that the Saw Palmetto reduces 5-alpha reductase. It is a critical enzyme that helps transform your testosterone into DHT. This dihydrotestosterone, which is also known as DHT, is a vital androgen hormone that influences a series of characteristics in men. As men tend to age, the DHT impact on the body is slowed down. Some researches also indicate that men who took this herb over a fortnight did have higher levels of testosterone.

2.   Has an impact on women too

Along with men, this herbal remedy is known to be beneficial for women too. In women, it helps to fight problems like PCOS, which is the abbreviation of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Saw Palmetto helps in lowering androgens and prolactin. Some women do experience heavier flow of blood along with excessive growth of facial and body hair. It helps to reduce or minimize the impact of the male hormone or testosterone in women.

3.   Side effects are minor

The side effects of Saw Palmetto are minor. Some people may experience bad breath, pain in the stomach, or even constipation along with other symptoms.

4.  Can lower BPH symptoms in men

Another issue is that people often suffer from Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BHP. This is not really a cancerous condition, but it does lead to an enlarged prostate, which is a critical part of the male reproductive system. With an enlarged prostate, there is too much pressure on the urethra, which in turn impacts the penis and makes it hard to urinate. Studies have shown that Saw Palmetto helps to reduce these symptoms.

On the other hand, this herb is known to reduce risks of prostate cancer, too, which impacts at least one out of 9 men in the US. It is said that DHT is exhibited without any threats to the body, and this helps fight cancer.

5.   Boosts sex drive

With reduced or lower levels of testosterone in the male body, libido takes a toll. And as a result of this, your sex drive goes for a toss. A study by Urologia Internationalis supports that regular consumption of this herb helped in improving sexual functions. About 120 men with enlarged prostate issues were monitored under the study. Saw Palmetto boosted their sexual functions and improved quality of life.

6.   Reduce hair loss in men

While 50-100 hair falls and grows back again in most cases, there is a chance that excessive levels of DHT result in added hair loss. In this reference, Saw Palmetto helps to restrict the issue of hair loss. Some studies have shown that hair tends to grow back in some cases by regular consumption of the herb. In some cases, baldness can also be treated.

On the whole, there is no harm in taking the herb as long as it is in pure form.

Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP