Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (A non-cancerous prostate problem in which the normal elements of the prostate gland grow in size and number, thereby compressing the urethra, and impeding flow of urine. This leads to urine retention and the need for frequent urination).	Effective in treatment of BPH since it inhibits 5AR type I and type II. 5AR inhibition by Saw Palmetto is prostate-specific and does not alter plasma DHT or sex hormone levels. Studies showed an improved urinary flow rate (BJU Int. 2004 Apr;93(6):751-6). Saw Palmetto's compounds reduce the action of Insulin-like growth factor IGF-1, which is important for prostate growth and development. (Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Endocrinology. 2004 Jul;145(7):3205-14. Epub 2004 Mar 19.
Chronic Prostatitis  (Inflammation of the prostate gland, accounting for up to 25% of all medical office visits by young and middle-age men for problems relating to the genital and urinary systems).	Inhibits lipooxygenase and cyclooxygenase, and is beneficial in treating chronic prostatitis.
Prostate Cancer  (An uncontrolled (malignant) growth of cells in the prostate gland It is a leading cause of death of males in the U.S).	Used in treatment of prostate cancer.

SOURCE 
Saw Palmetto herb or berry (also called Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata, American dwarf palm tree and sabal) grows in the USA and the West Indies. It has a rich composition of healthful free fatty acids (Oleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid), Phytosterols or plant sterols (Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and cycloartenol), Free fatty alcohols and Monoglycerides.

THE MECHANISM
Saw Palmetto effects prostate growth by:
   Inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase, an enzyme that helps in conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (Int J    Cancer, 2004 Nov 12). DHT is associated with prostate growth.
   Inhibition of binding DHT to androgen receptors in prostate cells.
   Contributes to anti-estrogenic action.
   Saw Palmetto's compounds reduce the action of Insulin like growth factor IGF-1, which is important for prostate    growth and development.
   Acts as an alpha1 antagonist.
   Inhibits prolactin-induced cell proliferation.
   Modifies bax/bcl-2 index expression and capase-3 activity in prostatic tissue (J.Urol. 2005 Feb; 173: 507-10).
   Anti-inflammatory effects.

A COMPARISON WITH OTHER THERAPIES FOR BPH
Other therapies for BPH include prescription alpha blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (most notably Finasteride or Proscar). Research found that:
1) Saw Palmetto is as effective as Finasteride in the treatment of BPH with fewer side effects.
2) Unlike Proscar (Finasteride) which has one active ingredient, Saw Palmetto has a number of different compounds in it
3) Numerous studies indicate that Saw Palmetto improves symptoms in patients suffering from BPH. The benefits often occur without a dramatic decrease in the size of the prostate gland.
Urinary symptoms resulting from prostate enlargement respond to Saw Palmetto with fewer side effects than drugs. Saw Palmetto does not influence PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, which is an advantage over other treatments because it allows use of PSA measurements as a useful biomarker for prostate cancer screening and evaluation of tumor progress (Int J Cancer. 2004. Nov 12). Further, pretreatment with saw palmetto, before TURP (Tran urethral resection of the prostate procedure), a surgical procedure, improves the efficacy of the procedure and reduces complications such as pre-operative bleeding and duration of postoperative catheterization. (Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2004 Mar;56(1):73-8).

OTC NATURAL THEREPEUTICS FROM THE HOUSE OF NOVO
Novo's Super Critical Fluid Extraction (SCFE) process extracts Saw Palmetto at its highest level of concentration and purity. Novo's Saw Palmetto extract had EFA content of 100% (industry bench mark of 85%) with Beta-sitosterol at 5 times the standard level (Beta-sitosterol is the compound in Saw Palmetto that contributes to reduction of DHT).

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Dosage varies for different conditions.