Saw Palmetto
- Latin
- Serenoa repens
Saw palmetto berry extract is widely marketed for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate. Large reviews and NIH-funded trials find little or no benefit when it is used alone, so its popularity is stronger than its clinical result.
Also Known As
Latin: Serenoa repens
Traditional Context
Saw palmetto is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. Its historical use is associated with Indigenous and later North American herbal traditions.
Primary Actions
- Traditionally used for urinary and reproductive complaints
Secondary Actions
- Historically used as a nutritive berry preparation
Classical References
- North American herbal medicine tradition
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Free fatty acids
- Phytosterols
- Lauric acid
- Oleic acid
- Beta-sitosterol
Studied Effects
- Urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, with little or no benefit when used alone
- Male pattern hair loss, with evidence too limited for a conclusion
- Adverse-event and interaction profile
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Use before surgery without medical guidance
Cautions
- Most safety data come from studies in men.
- Digestive symptoms, dizziness, and headache can occur.
- NCCIH reports no demonstrated medication interaction, while MSK notes bleeding case reports and preclinical enzyme effects.
Drug Interactions
Medication evidence for saw palmetto is inconsistent. NCCIH reports that interactions have not been demonstrated, while MSK notes bleeding case reports and laboratory effects on CYP and UGT enzymes.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines … Case reports suggest additive bleeding effects, but a consistent clinical interaction has not been established. (Moderate) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs … A case report raised concern for increased adverse effects and bleeding. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and UGT substrate medicines … Laboratory inhibition has been reported, but clinical relevance is not known. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
Conditions
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Research ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Hair Loss Research ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saw Palmetto used for?
Saw Palmetto is traditionally used to Traditionally used for urinary and reproductive complaints. Research has investigated its effects on: Urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, with little or no benefit when used alone; Male pattern hair loss, with evidence too limited for a conclusion.
What are other names for Saw Palmetto?
Saw Palmetto is also known as American Dwarf Palm, Cabbage Palm, Sabal. In TCM: Serenoa repens.
Is Saw Palmetto safe during pregnancy?
Saw Palmetto is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Saw Palmetto?
Saw Palmetto should not be used in: Pregnancy or breastfeeding; Use before surgery without medical guidance. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Does Saw Palmetto interact with any medications?
Saw Palmetto may interact with: Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines - Case reports suggest additive bleeding effects, but a consistent clinical interaction has not been established. - (Moderate severity); Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - A case report raised concern for increased adverse effects and bleeding. - (Uncertain severity); CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and UGT substrate medicines - Laboratory inhibition has been reported, but clinical relevance is not known. - (Uncertain severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.