(15-07-2012, 02:58 AM)Belly59 Wrote: I've heard varying stories about Saw Palmetto...that it is a T enhancer used primarily for enlarged prostrate. One explanation I saw for this was that the SP helps the prostrate by reducing T therefore reducing the reason for enlarged prostrate. SP is generally accepted as an anti-T (forgot the real name) or blocker.
Sorry, but this is wrong and I need to correct you somewhat, for the sake of anyone else who may read it and get confused.
Saw Palmetto ( SP) is reportedly an anti-ANDROGEN and its function is to block the conversion of Testosterone (T) into Di-Hydro-Testosterone (DHT).
DHT is more potent than T and is responsible for many male secondary characteristics, such as body hair, male pattern baldness, sex-drive and prostate enlargement. This is why SP is taken for enlarged prostate, not because SP blocks T production.
A secondary effect is that by blocking the T -> DHT conversion, it leaves the excess T available for conversion to Oestrogens ( which happens naturally anyway and is the reason for body builders developing 'bitch-tits))
SP does NOT block the production of T itself and it would be counter-productive if it did.
Having said all that, speaking personally, SP seems to have little effect on me anyway.