Key Takeaways
- Saw palmetto is a palm tree native to the southeastern U.S., valued for its medicinal properties.
- Commonly used to support prostate health, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones.
- May help prevent hair loss by inhibiting DHT production.
- Side effects include mild digestive issues and potential interactions with blood thinners.
- Scientific studies show mixed results, requiring further research.
Saw palmetto (commonly known as Serenoa repens, American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm), is a shrub-like type of palm. It is found in the subtropical southeastern part of the United States, more abundantly along the South Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains and sandhills. It is also seen in Cuba, Florida, Georgia, and the Bahamas.
Saw Palmetto. Image Courtesy of Ted Bodner
It is known as the fan palm, because of the nature of the arrangement of its leaves which have petioles each containing about 20 leaflets.
Different forms of saw palmetto preparations include:
- Dried berries
- Tablets
- Liquid extracts
- Powdered capsules
It is a berry-producing plant. These berries are large reddish-black drupes that serve as an important food source for animals and men. The berries can be eaten wholly or dried and used in making tea. The oily extract of these dried berries is the most frequently sold form of saw palmetto. It contains 75-90% fat based on the extraction methods. Typically it contains more vitamin E and other antioxidants than the raw berry form.
Saw palmetto extracts have been extensively studied as a dietary supplement. So far, it is known to possess nutritional, aphrodisiac, sedative, and antitussive properties.
Read Also: University of Missouri Researchers Used Salmonella to Turbocharge Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Health benefits of Saw Palmetto
In prostate health
The prostate is a small organ in the male reproductive system that sits directly below the bladder and functions in the production of semen.
Prostate problems are common and are associated with older men. This is usually characterized by an inflamed prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and occasionally prostate cancer. Such individuals experience difficulties in voiding urine (which might arise from poor bladder tone or urinary tract obstruction).
Saw palmetto could aid prostate health by preventing conditions like prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
Although BPH is a normal condition of aging, its etiology remains unknown though it can be as a result of hormonal changes in male sex hormone levels. Saw palmetto does not shrink the overall size of the prostate but the inner lining of the organ.
In one test study, it was observed that saw palmetto extracts decreased the growth and blocked the spread of prostate cancer cells by denaturing specific androgen receptors. In another, it was shown that saw palmetto could be used in the management of BPH.
In inflammation
Inflammation refers to the body’s mechanism in fighting against infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself.
Saw palmetto is known to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants could be natural or man-made substances that prevent or reduce damage to cells caused by free radicals. The body produces these free radicals in response to environmental and other pressures.
Antioxidants could be referred to as “free-radical scavengers”. Some antioxidants contained in saw palmetto are epicatechin and methyl gallate. Saw palmetto extracts decrease inflammation as well as improve the overall antioxidant status.
In testosterone levels
In an attempt to boost testosterone levels naturally, saw palmetto is often recommended.
Body composition, sexual drive, cognition, and mood can be attributed to testosterone levels in men. Age-related changes tend to decrease testosterone levels in most men. Saw palmetto increases testosterone levels by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase (5a-R), which is an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
In preventing hair loss
Androgenetic alopecia refers to hair loss in males. It is often a source of significant discomfort, unease, and even trepidation. Hair loss is attributed to a lot of factors ranging from genetic factors, hormonal changes, medications (stimulants, blood thinners, chemotherapy), as well as certain medical conditions.
Saw palmetto helps in maintaining hormonal balance and fights hair loss. As previously mentioned, saw palmetto blocks the activity of 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. A reduction in the uptake of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by hair follicles could be a way of preventing hair loss as DHT is often the culprit in male pattern alopecia. Saw palmetto is also excellent in increasing hair density.
Saw Palmetto Side effects, interactions, and controversies
Saw palmetto is well tolerated by many. however, it can be associated with mild effects which include digestive symptoms (like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea), fatigue, headache, dizziness, sleeping disorders, vertigo, and even bad breath.
In severe cases, liver problems may be seen. Intracranial bleeds, pancreatitis, and even death may result.
It is seen on several occasions to interact with some blood-thinning medications (Anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs) like
- Warfarin
- Heparin
- Ibuprofen
- Diclofenac
- Aspirin
- Coumadin
This increases bleeding risk by slowing down blood clotting.
Saw palmetto use is highly discouraged in children, pregnant women, or lactating mothers.
Saw palmetto alters hormonal levels, and as such is not recommended for people taking hormonal contraceptives (birth control) or hormone replacement therapy.
Certain studies, including this one, have suggested that saw palmetto doesn’t show improved efficacy over placebos in trials. Further studies are still ongoing to resolve the controversy
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Saw Palmetto FAQs: Uses, Safety, and What the Evidence Says
1. What is saw palmetto used for?
Primarily supports prostate health (BPH), hair loss, and hormone balance. Also studied for anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Does it really work for enlarged prostate (BPH)?
Some studies show mild improvement in urination symptoms, but others find it no better than placebo. Results vary.
3. Can saw palmetto prevent hair loss?
May slow male pattern baldness by reducing DHT, but evidence is limited and not FDA-approved for this use.
4. Are there serious side effects?
Rare, but possible liver issues, pancreatitis, or bleeding (especially if mixed with blood thinners like warfarin).
5. Who should avoid it?
Pregnant/nursing women, children, and those on hormonal therapy or blood thinners.
6. Does it boost testosterone?
Indirectly: Blocks DHT conversion, which may increase free testosterone levels, but clinical impact is unclear.
7. What’s the best form (capsules, tea, etc.)?
Standardized berry extracts (85–95% fatty acids) are most researched. Avoid raw berries due to potency variability.
8. How long until I see results?
For BPH or hair loss, effects (if any) may take 3–6 months. Discontinue if no improvement.
9. Can I take it with medications?
Consult a doctor—it interacts with blood thinners, hormones, and NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen).
10. Are there proven alternatives?
For BPH: FDA-approved drugs like finasteride. For hair loss: minoxidil or prescription DHT blockers.
11. Is it safe long-term?
Short-term use (up to 6 months) is considered safe. Long-term risks are understudied.
Conclusion
Saw palmetto looks to be a useful tool in the management of conditions related to hormonal dyscrasias. However, certain schools of thought are not so convinced of its efficacy.
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Saw palmetto. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto
Wilt, T. J., Ishani, A., Rutks, I., & MacDonald, R. (2000). Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Public Health Nutrition, 3(4A), 459–472. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980000000549
Bonnar-Pizzorno, R. M., Littman, A. J., Kestin, M., & White, E. (2006). Saw palmetto supplement use and prostate cancer risk. Nutrition and Cancer, 55(1), 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327914nc5501_3
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