Also known as: Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulatum
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a palm native to the southeastern United States, whose berry extract is widely used to support prostate health and manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Saw palmetto extract is derived from the ripe berries of Serenoa repens and is one of the most widely consumed botanical supplements for men's health worldwide. The extract contains a complex mixture of fatty acids (including lauric, myristic, and oleic acids), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), and polyphenols. Its proposed mechanism of action involves inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase (both type I and type II isoforms), which reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key driver of prostatic growth. Additionally, saw palmetto exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways. While European clinical guidelines and pharmacopoeias have historically endorsed saw palmetto for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH, large US-based trials (STEP and CAMUS) showed no significant difference from placebo. The discrepancy may relate to extract quality and standardisation. It is generally very well tolerated.
Some clinical trials and a Cochrane review suggest mild improvements in urinary symptom scores and urinary flow rate, though large placebo-controlled US trials did not confirm superiority over placebo.
In vitro and some clinical studies show that saw palmetto extract inhibits both isoforms of 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT levels without significantly affecting total testosterone or PSA levels.
Once daily or split into two 160 mg doses, with food
Benefits may take 4–8 weeks to become noticeable. Hexane- or CO₂-extracted products most closely match clinical trial materials.
Prostate health and BPH symptom relief
General supplementation
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