Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is a fatty acid mix from Serenoa repens that has been touted for its abilities to increase testosterone (not effective) and suppress prostate growth (questionable effectiveness); safe for use in benign prostatic hyperplasia and abnormal urine flow rates in men, but studies have had mixed results in terms of efficacy.

Quick Answer

What it is

Saw Palmetto is a fatty acid mix from Serenoa repens that has been touted for its abilities to increase testosterone (not effective) and suppress prostate growth (questionable effectiveness); safe for use in benign prostatic hyperplasia and abnormal urine flow rates in men, but studies have had mixed results in terms of efficacy.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
  • Grade D: Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • Grade D: DHT (Low Testosterone)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Saw Palmetto

Quick Facts: Saw Palmetto

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:13
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Male Sexual Dysfunction
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C2
D2
3 conditions · 13 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
B
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
Small Improvement
smallImproves
D
Prostate-Specific Antigen
No effect
none
?
Sexual Function
4 studies
Improves
?
Quality of Life
2 studies
Improves
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
C
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
Small Improvement
smallImproves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
Improves
C
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
Small Improvement
smallImproves
?
Quality of Life
1 study
Improves
?
Sexual Function
1 study
Improves
D
DHT
No effect
none
?
Testosterone
1 study
Improves
?
Hair Regrowth
Improves

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