Saw Palmetto has been shown to positively affect the structure and function of the prostate gland during the normal aging of men. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) inhibits the conversion of testosterone to its more active and potentially deleterious form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), via inhibition of alpha-5-reductase. Saw Palmetto not only inhibits the binding of DHT to cellular receptors, but also has alpha 1-adrenoceptor-inhibitory properties. Alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonism may be responsible for saw palmetto’s therapeutic effect in supporting the urinary tract during the normal aging of men. Saw palmetto extracts have also been found to inhibit the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes which may exacerbate those symptoms. Saw palmetto works most effectively for BPH when used along with zinc and essential fatty acids.