The fruit is a large reddish-black drupe and is an important food source for wildlife and historically for humans. The plant is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species such as Batrachedra decoctor, which feeds exclusively on the plant.
Saw palmetto extract
The fruits of the saw palmetto are highly enriched with fatty acids and phytosterols, and extracts of the fruits have
been the subject of intensive research for the treatment of urinary tract infections. This extract is also commonly
used for other medical issues.
Early studies of S. repens in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia were encouraging, suggesting good
tolerability and "mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures".
Later trials of higher methodological quality indicated no difference from placebo.
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