User:Nancyuta/sandbox

=Saw Palmetto Extract=

Children
The use of saw palmetto extract is not recommended in children under 12 years old because it may affect the metabolism of androgen and estrogen hormones. In a case report, an 11 year old girl experienced hot flashes after using saw palmetto extract. The symptom went away after she stopped taking the extract.

Pregnancy and lactation
Saw palmetto extract should not be used during pregnancy. The effects of saw palmetto extract on androgen and estrogen metabolism can potentially impair fetal genital development. Saw palmetto extract should also be avoided during breastfeeding due to a lack of available information.

Surgery
Saw palmetto extract can significantly slow down blood clotting, leading to increased bleeding time before and after surgery. In a case report, a patient taking saw palmetto had increased bleeding time during surgery. The bleeding time returned to normal after he stopped taking the herb. It is recommended that the use of saw palmetto extract be stopped at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions
Saw palmetto extract may decrease the effectiveness of estrogen products by reducing estrogen levels in the body via its antiestrogenic effects. It can interfere with the use of birth control pills that contain estrogen as an active ingredient. As a result, it is recommended that an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, be used to prevent pregnancy in patients taking birth control pills with saw palmetto extract. In addition, saw palmetto extract can also interfere with hormone replacement therapy by reducing the effectiveness of estrogen pills. Therefore, the combination of saw palmetto extract with estrogen products should be used with caution.

When used in combination with an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug, saw palmetto extract can increase the risk of bleeding by enhancing the anticoagulation or antiplatelet effects. Some examples of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and warfarin. Therefore, the combination of saw palmetto extract with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs should be used with caution.