Saw Palmetto
- Effective dose
- 320–320 mg
- Evidence
- 2/5· Emerging
Last updated June 1, 2026
What it is
Saw palmetto is an extract of the Serenoa repens fruit, typically standardized to fatty acids and sold for prostate health. It is proposed to influence hormone activity and inflammation in the prostate, though the relevance of these effects in people is uncertain. It is one of the most widely used supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms.
Benefits
The standard studied dose is 320 mg/day of a lipidosterolic extract, but large, high-quality trials and an updated Cochrane review found little to no improvement in urinary symptoms or quality of life versus placebo. Any benefit, if present, appears modest at best.
When to take it
Usually taken once daily with food (or split as 160 mg twice daily). Trials ran for months, so consistent long-term use is typical among users.
Side effects
Generally well tolerated; mild gastrointestinal upset and headache are the most common complaints, with rare reports of altered libido. May have mild antiplatelet effects, so caution is warranted with blood thinners and before surgery; it can also affect PSA test interpretation.
Sources
Products containing Saw Palmetto
No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.