Dr. De Matteis , nutritionist biologist, talks about the properties of serenoa and its benefits.
Serenoa Repens has two other names: Sabal Serrulata and Saw Palmetto . It is a dwarf palm that grows on the Atlantic coast of the United States, in southern Europe and in northern Africa . It produces dark red berries as big as olives, from which the active ingredients are extracted. What's in it:
- Triglycerides
- Phytosterols
- Sitosterol derivatives
- Flavonoids
PROPERTY'
- Antiandrogen
- Active against prostatic hypertrophy
- Improves the speed of urinary flow
- It inhibits aromatase , the enzyme necessary for the production of estrogen
- Antiproliferative effect
- Acne
- Hair loss
To understand how the serenoa works, let's keep in mind the following reaction that occurs in the human body: T + 5αR → DHT, where:
- T represents testosterone
- 5αR the 5 alpha reductase enzyme
- DHT the dihydrotestosterone.
In practice, testosterone binds to the 5 alpha reductase enzyme and is transformed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the active form of the hormone.
The 5alpha enzyme is highly concentrated in: skin , liver , central nervous system and prostate . DHT in turn, if produced in excess, acts in several ways:
- It stimulates the sebaceous gland to produce sebum
- Promotes the formation of acne
- Promotes prostatic hypertrophy
- Promotes hair loss
SERENOA 'S SUPPLEMENTS
Serenoa-based supplements are consequently used above all to combat prostatic hypertrophy in men and androgenetic baldness, including seborrheic alopecia. As for prostatic hypertrophy, it must be said that the plant works not so much in reducing the volume of the prostate, but rather its symptoms , releasing the muscles of the urinary tract and unblocking the closure of the urethra , a typical effect of prostatic hypertrophy. .
DERMOCOSMETIC USE OF SERENOA
The dermocosmetic uses of serenoa are similar to those of the supplement:
- ANTI-ACNE CREAMS
- CREAMS FOR OILY SKIN
- HAIR LOSS LOTIONS
WARNINGS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Some possible side effects of the supplement can be nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is not recommended in case of concomitant hormonal therapies.
Author: Dr. Giuseppe De Matteis, Biologist, Nutritionist, Professor of Cosmetology
SOURCES
- Enrica Campanini '' Dictionary of Phytotherapy and Medicinal Plants '' New Techniques
- Firenzuoli '' Phytotherapy. Guide to the clinical use of medicinal plants '' University Library