Saw Palmetto

35 research sources Also known as: serenoa repens sabal palm cabbage palm
451 Products on Market
320.0 mg Median Dose
🟢 99/100 Market Safety Score
35 Research Sources
Browse 451 products →

Product Forms

Capsule 46% Softgel Capsule 36% Liquid 9% Tablet or Pill 5% Powder 3% Other (e.g. tea bag) 1% Gummy or Jelly 0%

Dose Distribution

1-5 mg 4 10-25 mg 5 100-250 mg 134 250-500 mg 139 5-10 mg 4 50-100 mg 20 500-1000 mg 74 <1 mg 11 >1000 mg 35

Top Brands

GNC Mega Men 18 Wonder Laboratories 16 DC 15 TerraVita Premium Collection 12 Puritan's Pride 10 TerraVita 10 GNC Men's 9 NOW 9 The Vitamin Shoppe 9 Havasu Nutrition 9 Life Extension 8 Nature's Way 8

Claims on Labels

All Other 98% Structure/Function 83% Nutrient 17% No Claim 1%

Common Co-Ingredients

Pygeum Bark Extract 0% Stinging Nettle root extract 0% ProState Proprietary Blend 0% Graminex flower pollen extract 0% Glycine 0% L-Alanine 0% L-Glutamine 0% Pumpkin seed oil 0% Lycopene 0% Bearberry Leaf Extract 0%

Top-Rated Saw Palmetto Products

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Saw Palmetto 160 mg
Saw Palmetto 160 mg Sundown Naturals
Safety: 100 Softgel Capsule
Saw Palmetto 320 mg
Saw Palmetto 320 mg Vitamin World
Safety: 100 Softgel Capsule
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Safety: 100 Softgel Capsule
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Evidence Summary

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a widely used herbal supplement primarily studied for its impact on prostate health. Extensive research, including numerous meta-analyses and systematic reviews, suggests it is effective in managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Evidence by Condition

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) Strong

Multiple meta-analyses and systematic reviews indicate that Serenoa repens is effective in reducing LUTS symptoms, with some evidence suggesting efficacy comparable to alpha-blockers like Tamsulosin.

Male Infertility Insufficient

There is potential interest in its role as a non-hormonal treatment when combined with selenium and lycopene, but evidence is currently limited.

Androgenetic Alopecia Insufficient

Recent systematic reviews are investigating the effects of dietary supplements including Saw Palmetto on hair loss, but more robust data is needed.

Effective Doses

Dose ranges were not specified in the provided research summaries.

Key Findings

  • Meta-analyses support the efficacy of Serenoa repens for treating BPH and LUTS (PMID: 19370565, 23235581, 34488251).
  • Serenoa repens has demonstrated clinical efficacy comparable to Tamsulosin in the treatment of BPH (PMID: 32274957).
  • The supplement may play a role in non-hormonal treatments for male infertility when used in combination with selenium and lycopene (PMID: 31002161).

Limitations

While there is strong evidence for BPH, there are significant research gaps regarding its efficacy for androgenetic alopecia and male infertility.

Safety & Interactions

Specific drug interactions and contraindications were not detailed in the provided study abstracts.

AI-generated summary from 35 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.

Drug-Supplement Interactions

Antiarrhythmics 🔴 Critical
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C9, which decreases metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of amiodarone (antiarrhythmics), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of amiodarone. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Anticonvulsants 🔴 Critical
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of carbamazepine (anticonvulsants), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of carbamazepine. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
GI Prokinetics 🔴 Critical
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of cisapride (gi-prokinetics), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of cisapride. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Immunosuppressants 🔴 Critical
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of cyclosporine (immunosuppressants), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of cyclosporine. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Theophylline 🔴 Critical
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of theophylline (theophylline), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of theophylline. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Warfarin 🔴 Critical
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of warfarin (warfarin), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of warfarin. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
ADHD Medications 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which decreases metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of atomoxetine (adhd-medications), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of atomoxetine. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
ARB 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C9, which decreases metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of losartan (arb), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of losartan. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antibiotics 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of clarithromycin (antibiotics), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of clarithromycin. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antidiabetic Drugs 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of repaglinide (antidiabetic-drugs), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of repaglinide. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antiemetics 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which decreases metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of ondansetron (antiemetics), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of ondansetron. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antifungals 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of fluconazole (antifungals), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of fluconazole. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antipsychotics 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of haloperidol (antipsychotics), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of haloperidol. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antitussives 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which decreases metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of dextromethorphan (antitussives), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of dextromethorphan. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Benzodiazepines 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of midazolam (benzodiazepines), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of midazolam. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Beta Blockers 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, which decreases metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of metoprolol (beta-blockers), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of metoprolol. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Beta-2 Agonists 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of salmeterol (beta2-agonists), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of salmeterol. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
CFTR Modulators 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of ivacaftor (cftr-modulators), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of ivacaftor. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Calcium Channel Blockers 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of nifedipine (calcium-channel-blockers), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of nifedipine. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Chemotherapy 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of doxorubicin (chemotherapy), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of doxorubicin. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Corticosteroids 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of prednisone (corticosteroids), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of prednisone. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Leukotriene Antagonists 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of montelukast (leukotriene-antagonists), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of montelukast. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
NSAIDs 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C9, which decreases metabolism of CYP2C9 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of ibuprofen (nsaids), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of ibuprofen. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Opioids 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of methadone (opioids), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of methadone. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Oral Contraceptives 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of ethinylestradiol (oral-contraceptives), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of ethinylestradiol. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
PDE5 Inhibitors 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of sildenafil (pde5-inhibitors), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of sildenafil. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
PPIS 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of omeprazole (ppis), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of omeprazole. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
SNRI 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of venlafaxine (snri), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of venlafaxine. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
SSRI 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of sertraline (ssri), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of sertraline. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Statins 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of simvastatin (statins), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of simvastatin. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Tricyclic Antidepressants 🟡 Moderate
Mechanism: Saw Palmetto is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4, which decreases metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates, potentially increasing their plasma concentrations and risk of adverse effects.
Effect: Increased plasma levels of amitriptyline (tricyclic-antidepressants), potentially leading to toxicity or enhanced adverse effects.
Management: Monitor for increased adverse effects of amitriptyline. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consider alternative supplement or consult healthcare provider.
Evidence: cyp-inferred
Antiandrogens 🟢 Minor
Mechanism: Saw palmetto has antiandrogenic properties, potentially additive with drugs like finasteride or flutamide.
Effect: Possible additive antiandrogenic effect
Management: Monitor for additive effects. Generally safe but may enhance drug effect.
Evidence: possible
Anticoagulants 🟢 Minor
Mechanism: Saw palmetto may have mild antiplatelet properties, though evidence is weak.
Effect: Possible minor increased bleeding risk
Management: Monitor INR if on warfarin. Minor clinical concern at typical doses.
Evidence: possible

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.

Claims vs. Evidence

100% Evidence-Backed
0% Unsupported
83% Structure/Function
Claim Type% of ProductsEvidence RequiredStatus
All Other 98% Tier D (Unclassified) ✅ Supported
Structure/Function 83% Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) ✅ Supported
Nutrient 17% Tier D (Unknown) ✅ Supported
No Claim 1% Tier D (No claim on label) ✅ Supported

Research by Topic

Saw Palmetto 24 studies
MET Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia
MET Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia
SYS Non-hormonal treatment for male infertility: the potential r...
+21 more
Saw Palmetto Prostate 10 studies
MET Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symp...
SYS Clinical Efficacy of Serenoa repens Versus Placebo Versus Al...
SYS Serenoa repens monotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia ...
+7 more
Ginkgo 1 studies
MET The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: ...

⚠️ FDA Safety Data

Adverse Event Profile: Saw Palmetto

Research Evidence (35)

Meta Analysis: 15 Systematic Review: 11 Rct: 7 Narrative Review: 1 Openfda Safety: 1
B Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2009 n=419

**Tacklind et al., 2009** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Tacklind James, MacDonald Roderick, ... Wilt Timothy J. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009-Apr-15(2):CD001423. doi:10.1002/14651858....

PubMed DOI
B Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Meta Analysis The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2012 n=582

**Tacklind et al., 2012** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Meta Analysis Tacklind James, Macdonald Roderick, ... Wilt Timothy J. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012-Dec-12;12(12):CD001423. doi:10.1002/14651...

PubMed DOI
B Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Meta Analysis Investigative and clinical urology 2021 n=4853

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of Serenoa repens alone or in combination with other phytotherapy compared to placebo in men with LUTS due to benign prostatic enlargement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following a registered protocol (CRD42021226655), we sea...

PubMed DOI
B Clinical Efficacy of Serenoa repens Versus Placebo Versus Alpha-blockers for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/Benign Prostatic Enlargement: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trials
Systematic Review European urology focus 2021 n=8564

CONTEXT: International guidelines do not make any specific recommendations on Serenoa repens (SeR) for the treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), due to product heterogeneity and methodo...

PubMed DOI
B Non-hormonal treatment for male infertility: the potential role of Serenoa repens, selenium and lycopene
Systematic Review European review for medical and pharmacological sciences 2019

**Cannarella et al., 2019** | Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci | Systematic Review Cannarella R, Calogero A E, ... La Vignera S. Non-hormonal treatment for male infertility: the potential role of Serenoa repens, selenium and lycopene. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol ...

PubMed DOI
B Comparison of Serenoa repens With Tamsulosin in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Meta Analysis American journal of men's health 2020 n=1080

**Cai et al., 2020** | Am J Mens Health | Meta Analysis Cai Tong, Cui Yuanshan, ... Gao Zhenli. Comparison of Serenoa repens With Tamsulosin in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Mens Health. 20...

PubMed DOI
B Serenoa repens monotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): an updated Cochrane systematic review
Systematic Review BJU international 2012 n=2008

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? For the past 30 years Serenoa repens has become a widely used phytotherapy in the USA and in Europe, mostly because of positive comparisons to α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitor...

PubMed DOI
B Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Systematic Review Frontiers in nutrition 2025 n=894

**Zhou et al., 2025** | Front Nutr | Systematic Review Zhou Lei, Zhu Wenkang, Chen Yan. Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1719711. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1719711...

PubMed DOI
C Benign prostate hyperplasia and nutrition
Systematic Review Clinical nutrition ESPEN 2019

**Das et al., 2019** | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Systematic Review Das K, Buchholz N. Benign prostate hyperplasia and nutrition. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019-Oct;33:5-11. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.07.015 BACKGROUND: and aims: Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a...

PubMed DOI
C American palm ethnomedicine: a meta-analysis
Meta Analysis Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine 2009

**Sosnowska et al., 2009** | J Ethnobiol Ethnomed | Meta Analysis Sosnowska Joanna, Balslev Henrik. American palm ethnomedicine: a meta-analysis. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2009-Dec-24;5:43. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-5-43 BACKGROUND: Many recent papers have d...

PubMed DOI
C Benign prostatic hyperplasia and male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
Systematic Review BMJ clinical evidence 2011

**McNicholas et al., 2011** | BMJ Clin Evid | Systematic Review McNicholas Tom, Kirby Roger. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). BMJ Clin Evid. 2011-Aug-26;2011 INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract symptoms related...

PubMed
C Serenoa repens + selenium + lycopene vs tadalafil 5 mg for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction: a Phase IV, non-inferiority, open-label, clinical study (SPRITE study)
Rct BJU international 2018 n=427

OBJECTIVE: To compare in a randomised, open-label, non-inferiority clinical study, the efficacy and tolerability of Serenoa repens (SeR) + selenium (Se) + lycopene (Ly) (SeR-Se-Ly) therapy vs tadalafil 5 mg in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (L...

PubMed DOI
C Beneficial effects of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) fruit extract on the urinary symptoms of healthy Japanese adults with possible lower urinary tract symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Rct Nutrition and health 2025 n=34

Saw palmetto extract (SPE) is the most commonly used supplement for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but most evidence is for those with LUTS, and little data is verifying its effectiveness for those who do not have the disease b...

PubMed DOI
C Meta-analysis of clinical trials of permixon in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Meta Analysis Urology 2000 n=2859

**Boyle et al., 2000** | Urology | Meta Analysis Boyle P, Robertson C, ... Roehrborn C. Meta-analysis of clinical trials of permixon in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology. 2000-Apr;55(4):533-9 OBJECTIVES: Permixon is a...

PubMed
C Updated meta-analysis of clinical trials of Serenoa repens extract in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Meta Analysis BJU international 2004 n=4280

**Boyle et al., 2004** | BJU Int | Meta Analysis Boyle P, Robertson C, ... Roehrborn C. Updated meta-analysis of clinical trials of Serenoa repens extract in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU Int. 2004-Apr;93(6):751-6 OBJ...

PubMed
C Efficacy and safety of a hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon® ) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH): systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies
Meta Analysis BJU international 2018 n=5

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (HESr, Permixon® ; Pierre Fabre Médicament, Castres, France), at a dose of 320 mg daily, as monotherapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract ...

PubMed DOI
C Is Serenoa repens effective for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Meta Analysis Asian journal of surgery 2022

**Lok et al., 2022** | Asian J Surg | Meta Analysis Lok Waichan, Lin Tianhai, ... Wei Qiang. Is Serenoa repens effective for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian J S...

PubMed DOI
C Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review
Meta Analysis JAMA 1998 n=1

**Wilt et al., 1998** | JAMA | Meta Analysis Wilt T J, Ishani A, ... Mulrow C. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. JAMA. 1998-Nov-11;280(18):1604-9 OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and, w...

PubMed
C Serenoa repens and its effects on male sexual function. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Meta Analysis Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica 2021 n=7

**Paulis et al., 2021** | Arch Ital Urol Androl | Meta Analysis Paulis Gianni, Paulis Andrea, Perletti Gianpaolo. Serenoa repens and its effects on male sexual function. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Arch Ital Urol Androl....

PubMed DOI
C Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement
Narrative Review The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2023 n=4656

**Franco et al., 2023** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Narrative Review Franco Juan Va, Trivisonno Leonel, ... Jung Jae Hung. Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. Cochrane Database Syst...

PubMed DOI
C Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Systematic Review The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2000 n=1

**Wilt et al., 2000** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Wilt T, Ishani A, ... Lau J. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000(2):CD001423 OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess the e...

PubMed
C Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Systematic Review The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2002 n=1

**Wilt et al., 2002** | Cochrane Database Syst Rev | Systematic Review Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002(3):CD001423 BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), nonma...

PubMed
C Efficacy of Serenoa repens Extract Combined With Alfuzosin Versus Alfuzosin Alone in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter Randomized Study
Rct The Prostate 2026

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is commonly observed in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue and may contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as disease progression. This study evaluated the efficacy of combining a standardized...

PubMed DOI
C The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava
Meta Analysis Annals of internal medicine 2002

**Ernst et al., 2002** | Ann Intern Med | Meta Analysis Ernst Edzard. The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava. Ann Intern Med. 2002-Jan-01;136(1):42-53 Because us...

PubMed
C Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events
Systematic Review Drug safety 2009

**Agbabiaka et al., 2009** | Drug Saf | Systematic Review Agbabiaka Taofikat B, Pittler Max H, ... Ernst Edzard. Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2009;32(8):637-47. doi:10.2165/00002018-200932080-00003 S...

PubMed DOI
C [Phytotherapy in urology. Current scientific evidence of its application in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma]
Systematic Review Actas urologicas espanolas 2013 n=65

**Morán et al., 2013** | Actas Urol Esp | Systematic Review Morán E, Budía A, ... Boronat F. [Phytotherapy in urology. Current scientific evidence of its application in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma]. Actas Urol Esp. 2013-F...

PubMed DOI
C [Efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens extract combined with α-receptor blocker in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]
Meta Analysis Zhonghua nan ke xue = National journal of andrology 2019 n=7

**Zong et al., 2019** | Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue | Meta Analysis Zong Huan-Tao, Wang Xiao-Yan, ... Zhang Yong. [Efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens extract combined with α-receptor blocker in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]. Zhonghua Nan ...

PubMed
C Herbal medications for common ailments in the elderly
Meta Analysis Drugs & aging 1999

**Ernst et al., 1999** | Drugs Aging | Meta Analysis Ernst E. Herbal medications for common ailments in the elderly. Drugs Aging. 1999-Dec;15(6):423-8 The popularity of herbal medicine is at an all time peak. This article provides an overview of syst...

PubMed
C Effects of short-term dutasteride and Serenoa repens on perioperative bleeding and microvessel density in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate
Rct Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology 2009 n=21

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the effects of short term use of dutasteride and Serenoarepens before transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on the amount of intraoperative blood loss and microvessel density (MVD) of prostatic stromal and ...

PubMed DOI
C Evidence-based systematic review of saw palmetto by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration
Systematic Review Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology 2006

**Ulbricht et al., 2006** | J Soc Integr Oncol | Systematic Review Ulbricht Catherine, Basch Ethan, ... Weissner Wendy. Evidence-based systematic review of saw palmetto by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2006;4(4):170...

PubMed
C Saw Palmetto for Symptom Management During Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Rct Journal of pain and symptom management 2016 n=20

CONTEXT: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) affect 75%-80% of men undergoing radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer. OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and preliminary efficacy of Serenoa repens commonly known as...

PubMed DOI
C Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Meta Analysis Public health nutrition 2000 n=10

**Wilt et al., 2000** | Public Health Nutr | Meta Analysis Wilt T J, Ishani A, ... MacDonald R. Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Public Health Nutr. 2000-Dec;3(4A):459-72 OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the existing evidence regardi...

PubMed
C A double blind, placebo-controlled randomized comparative study on the efficacy of phytosterol-enriched and conventional saw palmetto oil in mitigating benign prostate hyperplasia and androgen deficiency.
Rct BMC urology

BACKGROUND: The present clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a standardized saw palmetto oil containing 3% β-sitosterol in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and androgen deficiency. METHODS: Subje...

PubMed DOI
D Saw palmetto alters nuclear measurements reflecting DNA content in men with symptomatic BPH: evidence for a possible molecular mechanism
Rct Urology 2002 n=20

**Veltri et al., 2002** | Urology | Rct Veltri Robert W, Marks Leonard S, ... Partin Alan W. Saw palmetto alters nuclear measurements reflecting DNA content in men with symptomatic BPH: evidence for a possible molecular mechanism. Urology. 2002-Oct;6...

PubMed
D Adverse Event Profile: Saw Palmetto
Openfda Safety FDA CAERS

**Source**: FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Adverse Event Reporting System **Total Events**: 16 **Serious Events**: 11 **Date Range**: 20040402 to 20231128 - **HOSPITALISATION**: 2

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saw Palmetto and what is it used for?

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an herbal supplement primarily used to support prostate health. There is strong evidence that it is effective in managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Does Saw Palmetto help with enlarged prostate symptoms?

Yes, there is strong evidence from multiple meta-analyses indicating that Saw Palmetto can reduce symptoms of BPH and LUTS. Some research even suggests its effectiveness is comparable to the medication Tamsulosin.

Can Saw Palmetto help with hair loss?

There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm if Saw Palmetto helps with androgenetic alopecia (hair loss). While recent systematic reviews are investigating its effects, more robust data is needed to reach a conclusion.

Is Saw Palmetto effective for male infertility?

There is currently insufficient evidence regarding the use of Saw Palmetto for male infertility. While there is interest in using it as a non-hormonal treatment combined with selenium and lycopene, more research is required.

What is the recommended dose of Saw Palmetto?

The provided research does not specify an effective or recommended dose range for Saw Palmetto. You should consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.

Are there any drug interactions with Saw Palmetto?

There are no documented drug interactions for Saw Palmetto in the available research. However, because specific safety details and contraindications were not fully detailed in the studies, you should speak with a doctor before use.

Who should avoid taking Saw Palmetto?

The provided research does not specify which individuals should avoid this supplement. Because detailed safety and contraindication data are not available, it is important to consult a medical professional before starting any new supplement.

Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.