The American Botanical Council (ABC) recently launched a new educational video about saw palmetto, a plant traditionally used to support prostate and urinary health in men. The video, available on ABC’s HerbTV YouTube channel, is the second in a series created through ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb Video Program.
Saw palmetto, a small palm native to the southeastern United States, has a history of use in traditional medicine. Modern research supports its potential benefits for the male urinary system, especially in addressing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate.
The video features high-quality visuals and commentary from experts in various fields, providing information on the plant’s history, traditional and modern uses, research, cultivation, processing, and consumer tips. Funding for the video came from an educational grant provided by ABC Sponsor Member Valensa International, a Florida-based manufacturer of saw palmetto extracts.
Mark Blumenthal, ABC’s Founder and Executive Director, emphasized the impact of enlarged prostates on men’s quality of life and the importance of using high-quality saw palmetto products. He noted that some products on the market are ineffective due to dilution or adulteration. He highlighted Valensa International’s commitment to sustainable harvesting and research in producing authentic, clinically supported extracts.
Umasudhan Palaniswamy, CEO and president of Valensa International, discussed the prevalence of LUTS in the United States and the significant healthcare costs associated with prostate enlargement. He emphasized the importance of using a saw palmetto extract that meets US Pharmacopeia (USP) standards, delivering a clinically effective dose with a specific bioactive fatty acid profile. Valensa’s USPlus® Lipidosterolic Extract of Saw Palmetto was cited as an example.
Stefan Gafner, PhD, ABC’s Chief Science Officer, warned about the presence of adulterated saw palmetto products in the market. He referenced the ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP), which has documented instances of fraudulent ingredients, such as low-cost vegetable oils and animal fats, being used to mimic authentic saw palmetto extract.
The approximately 13-minute video is part of ABC’s Adopt-an-Herb Video Program, an expansion of its Adopt-an-Herb Program. This program provides access to scientific information on various herbs through ABC’s HerbMedPro research database. The first video in the series focused on milk thistle. The release of the saw palmetto video coincided with National Prostate Health Month and related awareness weeks.
The ABC is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to providing accurate information on herbs and related natural products. Valensa International is a leading innovator in sustainable nutraceutical solutions, producing high-quality botanical extracts, including saw palmetto.
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