Evidence supporting the use of: Saw palmetto
For the health condition: Bladder (irritable)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Native American and Western herbal medicine, for supporting urinary and bladder health, including symptoms related to irritable or overactive bladder. Traditionally, saw palmetto berries were used to treat urinary tract symptoms such as increased frequency, nocturia, and discomfort, especially in older men. Most of the modern attention to saw palmetto focuses on its effects in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), where it has been researched for its ability to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms. While some studies have explored its effects on urinary symptoms, the evidence is inconsistent, particularly for populations without prostate involvement or for irritable bladder specifically.

Scientific evidence supporting saw palmetto for "irritable bladder" or overactive bladder is limited. Most clinical trials have focused on BPH-related symptoms rather than irritable or overactive bladder in the general population or in women. A few small studies and traditional reports suggest potential anti-inflammatory and antiandrogenic effects, which could theoretically benefit bladder function, but these mechanisms are not well established for irritable bladder syndromes. As a result, the use of saw palmetto for bladder irritation is primarily justified by its traditional use, with a low overall evidence rating due to a lack of robust scientific studies specifically addressing this indication.

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