Saw Palmetto
Description
Saw Palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States, with its therapeutic properties primarily found in its dark berries. The extract from these berries is rich in fatty acids, phytosterols, and flavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for its health benefits. It is commonly used as a natural supplement for various health concerns. The primary mechanism of action for Saw Palmetto is thought to involve the inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a potent androgen that plays a crucial role in prostate growth and hair loss. By inhibiting this enzyme, Saw Palmetto may help reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate associated urinary symptoms. Beyond its hormonal effects, Saw Palmetto also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with prostate conditions. It may also contribute to improved urinary flow and overall urinary tract comfort. While most research focuses on men's health, its anti-inflammatory and hormonal balancing effects may have broader applications.
Sources
Berries of the Saw Palmetto palm tree (Serenoa repens)
Cheapest Saw Palmetto Supplements
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Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Taking Saw Palmetto with food can help minimize potential mild stomach upset.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum160 mg
Maximum320 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Interactions
Positive Interactions
Stinging Nettle
Often combined with Saw Palmetto in supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as they are believed to work synergistically to support prostate health.
Zinc
An essential mineral for prostate health; its supplementation can complement Saw Palmetto's actions in supporting overall prostate function.
Selenium
An antioxidant known to play a role in prostate health, potentially offering broader cellular protection when combined with Saw Palmetto.
Lycopene
A powerful antioxidant particularly beneficial for prostate health, which can synergistically support the prostate alongside Saw Palmetto's hormonal and anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric
Its active compound Curcumin (41497) has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which can complement Saw Palmetto by helping to reduce prostate inflammation.
Negative Interactions
Omega-3
Saw Palmetto may possess mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically add to the mild blood-thinning properties of Omega-3 fatty acids, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Fish Oil
Saw Palmetto may possess mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically add to the mild blood-thinning properties of Fish Oil, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Saw Palmetto may possess mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically add to the mild blood-thinning properties of EPA, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.
DHA
Saw Palmetto may possess mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically add to the mild blood-thinning properties of DHA, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$24.04
Median$21.50
Price per serving
Average$0.52
Median$0.39
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.38
Median$0.19
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Fatty Acids (29) 80
Saw Palmetto berries are rich in various fatty acids, which are considered the main biologically active constituents. These include saturated fatty acids like lauric acid and myristic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitic acid. These compounds are believed to be crucial for Saw Palmetto's mechanism of action, primarily by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
Pros
- Directly involved in the primary mechanism of action (5-alpha-reductase inhibition)
- Often standardized in high-quality Saw Palmetto extracts
- Well-researched for their role in Saw Palmetto's effects
Cons
- Typically consumed as part of a complex extract rather than isolated
- Efficacy depends on the specific profile and concentration of different fatty acids
Per product
Avg$33.49
Med$25.00
Per serving
Avg$0.77
Med$0.70
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.22
Price distribution
total Fatty Acids (5) 85
Many Saw Palmetto extracts are standardized to contain a high percentage of 'Total Fatty Acids', typically 85-95%. This standardization ensures a concentrated source of the active compounds believed to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. These fatty acids are crucial for Saw Palmetto's ability to interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a primary mechanism for its potential benefits in hair health.
Pros
- Common and reliable standardization for potent Saw Palmetto extracts
- Directly linked to the main mechanism of action (5-alpha-reductase inhibition)
- Ensures a high concentration of the key active compounds
Cons
- The specific profile of fatty acids can vary between extracts, affecting nuanced efficacy
- May not fully account for the synergistic effects of other minor compounds like sterols
Per product
Avg$36.08
Med$26.33
Per serving
Avg$0.92
Med$0.87
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.24
Price distribution
Total Fatty Acids (5) 85
Many Saw Palmetto extracts are standardized to contain a high percentage of 'Total Fatty Acids', typically 85-95%. This standardization ensures a concentrated source of the active compounds believed to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. These fatty acids are crucial for Saw Palmetto's ability to interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a primary mechanism for its potential benefits in hair health.
Pros
- Common and reliable standardization for potent Saw Palmetto extracts
- Directly linked to the main mechanism of action (5-alpha-reductase inhibition)
- Ensures a high concentration of the key active compounds
Cons
- The specific profile of fatty acids can vary between extracts, affecting nuanced efficacy
- May not fully account for the synergistic effects of other minor compounds like sterols
Per product
Avg$36.08
Med$26.33
Per serving
Avg$0.92
Med$0.87
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.27
Med$0.24
Price distribution
Active Sterols (3) 80
The term 'Active Sterols' emphasizes the functional components among the plant sterols found in Saw Palmetto. These sterols, with beta-sitosterol being the most prominent, are directly involved in the mechanism of action that benefits hair health: inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. By reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT, these active sterols help to mitigate hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia.
Pros
- Focuses on the most functionally significant sterol components
- Implies a higher quality extract that emphasizes known active ingredients
- Directly targets the mechanism of DHT reduction
Cons
- Can sometimes be a marketing term if not accompanied by specific standardization percentages
- May not capture the full synergistic effect of all fatty acids present in the berry oil
Per product
Avg$32.64
Med$33.56
Per serving
Avg$0.66
Med$0.70
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.11
Med$0.11
Price distribution
Beta-Sitosterol (2) 85
Beta-Sitosterol is one of the most studied phytosterols in Saw Palmetto, known for its ability to help inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone strongly linked to androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) and prostate enlargement. While not the sole active compound, beta-sitosterol plays a key role in the plant's overall therapeutic effects.
Pros
- Specific compound with established anti-androgenic activity
- Contributes to 5-alpha-reductase inhibition
- Can be standardized in extracts for consistent potency
Cons
- May not capture the full synergistic effects of all Saw Palmetto compounds if used in isolation
- Often more expensive to isolate and standardize compared to total extracts
Per product
Avg$22.02
Med$22.02
Per serving
Avg$0.26
Med$0.26
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.06
Med$0.06
Price distribution
fatty acids and sterols (2) 80
Saw Palmetto berries are rich in various fatty acids, which are considered the main biologically active constituents. These include saturated fatty acids like lauric acid and myristic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitic acid. These compounds are believed to be crucial for Saw Palmetto's mechanism of action, primarily by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
Pros
- Directly involved in the primary mechanism of action (5-alpha-reductase inhibition)
- Often standardized in high-quality Saw Palmetto extracts
- Well-researched for their role in Saw Palmetto's effects
Cons
- Typically consumed as part of a complex extract rather than isolated
- Efficacy depends on the specific profile and concentration of different fatty acids
Per product
Avg$62.28
Med$62.28
Per serving
Avg$1.03
Med$1.03
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.32
Med$0.32
Price distribution
free Fatty Acids (2) 80
Free fatty acids are those not bound to other molecules (like glycerol) and are thus in a more direct form for biological activity. In Saw Palmetto, these free fatty acids are believed to be the specific components that directly interact with and inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This inhibition reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is crucial for addressing hair loss related to androgenetic alopecia.
Pros
- Represents the directly bioavailable and active form of fatty acids
- More readily available for interaction with target enzymes
Cons
- Difficult to precisely isolate or standardize specifically for 'free fatty acids' in commercial extracts, which often specify 'Total Fatty Acids'
- Stability might be a concern compared to esterified forms in some contexts
Per product
Avg$40.68
Med$40.68
Per serving
Avg$1.35
Med$1.35
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.58
Med$0.58
Price distribution
Sterols (2) 70
Sterols, also known as phytosterols, are a class of plant-derived compounds present in Saw Palmetto. These include beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, among others. They are recognized for their role in contributing to the extract's medicinal properties, especially in inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is involved in the conversion of testosterone to DHT. This action is relevant for addressing hair loss caused by excess DHT.
Pros
- Essential active components of Saw Palmetto
- Contribute to the plant's efficacy against DHT-related issues
Cons
- A general term; specific impact depends on the concentration and type of sterols present
- Less precise for standardization compared to 'Total Sterols' or 'Beta-Sitosterol'
Per product
Avg$19.50
Med$19.50
Per serving
Avg$0.81
Med$0.81
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.29
Med$0.29
Price distribution
Total Sterols (2) 75
Total sterols refer to the sum of various plant sterols naturally occurring in Saw Palmetto berries. These sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, are considered important active components alongside fatty acids. They work synergistically to exert effects such as inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, which is critical for managing conditions like androgenetic alopecia by reducing DHT production.
Pros
- Represents a significant active fraction of the Saw Palmetto plant
- Includes multiple compounds that contribute to the desired effects
- Often part of standardization for comprehensive extracts
Cons
- Less specific than standardizing for individual active sterols like beta-sitosterol
- The overall effectiveness can depend on the specific profile of sterols included
Per product
Avg$22.02
Med$22.02
Per serving
Avg$0.26
Med$0.26
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.06
Med$0.06
Price distribution