Question
I took Saw Palmetto for 3 weeks, hoping it would help any prostate issues I may have, it didn't. So I stopped it, and a few days later had my cholesterol/triglycerides tested. Compared to 6 weeks ago, it was sky high, as in 100 points higher! I have no doubt the saw palmetto had a lot to do with it (my diet didn't change) and I read online that it contains something similar to cholesterol itself. But my question is this, can an herb cause a Permanent reaction? I wonder, because the saw palmetto should have been out of my system after a few days.  Thanks

Answer
The element of saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, which indeed is similar to cholesterol, is known to be an agent which lowers the bad cholesterol in persons who take it regularly.  the recommended dose is 300 to 600 mg daily of beta sitosterol.   I don't know the reason for your cholesterol level to rise.  Has it gone back to the level you were at before?  Below is a Quote from a double blind study of beta-sitosterol and its effect on the human body.

         "If there was only one supplement you could take to reduce your cholesterol it should be beta-sitosterol taken in 300-600 mg doses every day. Beta-sitosterol is the most studied, most proven, most effective supplement to lower total and LDL cholesterol. The studies on this in the medical journals actually go back 50 years."

I regret that you had a bad experience.  I have used many different herbs for more than 20 years, and have yet to find any ill side effect.  Admittedly there are a few herbs that must be taken with caution and a few wonderful herbs that work for millions of people can cause an allergic reaction similar to hay fever in some individuals.  And there are cautions about taking any supplement for persons with diabetes, high blood pressure and other physical concerns.  I know some herbs interact with certain prescription drugs and produce a bad result, but in general prescription drugs are many times more likely to produce annoying, dangerous and even lethal side-effects that most herbs on the market.   

I encourage you to do some research on saw palmetto and its affect on cholesterol levels.  Finally, let me say I sincerely hope your situation improves.  Thank you, Lee, for your question.