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
Best 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.
Recommended products
Value 
ProFlo Prostate Health Complex
Urinozinc
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
This complex focuses on prostate health with Saw Palmetto, Zinc, and Selenium, alongside general vitamins and minerals, but its proprietary blend and some lower ingredient dosages are notable.
Best 
SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations
Saw Palmetto: 640 mg
A premium and highly comprehensive formula featuring a potent Saw Palmetto extract alongside numerous synergistic herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants for broad-spectrum men's health and wellness support.
Best 
Prostate Health
Gaia Herbs
Saw Palmetto: 213 mg
A high-quality liquid extract of supercritical CO2 Saw Palmetto and a proprietary herbal blend, offering comprehensive support in a larger bottle.
Value 
Saw Palmetto 320
Pure Encapsulations
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
A premium, high-dose Saw Palmetto extract (320mg) standardized for total fatty acids, offering precise and potent herbal support.
Value 
Standardized Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
Bluebonnet
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
A high-potency Saw Palmetto berry extract standardized for active sterols and fatty acids, ideal for focused herbal support.
Best 
Saw Palmetto Maximum Strength
Swanson
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
A potent softgel containing 320mg of standardized supercritical CO2 Saw Palmetto extract with organic Pumpkin Seed Oil for enhanced support.
Value 
Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg
NOW
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
A highly popular NOW product delivering 320 mg of standardized Saw Palmetto extract along with pumpkin seed oil in a convenient softgel, offering strong, combined support.
Best 
PalmettoGuard
Life Extension
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
This softgel provides key ingredients like Saw Palmetto and Boron, often chosen for prostate and bone health support, alongside contributions to male hormone balance.
Best 
Saw Palmetto 1000 mg
Nutricost
Saw Palmetto: 1000 mg
This Nutricost product offers a very high 1000 mg dose of Saw Palmetto berry extract per serving in capsules, catering to those seeking maximum potency at a reasonable price.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg
NOW
Saw Palmetto: 160 mg
This is an affordable and accessible Saw Palmetto berry extract in a softgel, providing a standard 160 mg dose for hair health support from a trusted brand.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto 450 mg
21st Century
Saw Palmetto: 450 mg
A large-quantity, budget-friendly capsule combining 450mg saw palmetto powder with 15mg of well-absorbed zinc picolinate, ideal for consistent, long-term use.
Best 
Prosta-Response
Source Naturals
Saw Palmetto: 800 mg
This is a comprehensive men's health supplement, heavily focused on prostate support, featuring a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a wide range of potent herbal extracts.
Best 
Prost-Mate
Mushroom Wisdom
Saw Palmetto: 640 mg
This blend features a strong Saw Palmetto dosage alongside Maitake mushroom and antioxidant-rich botanicals, offering diverse support for general wellness and male health.
Best 
Saw Palmetto
Herb Pharm
Saw Palmetto: 598 mg
This liquid Saw Palmetto extract from Herb Pharm provides a generous 598 mg dose per serving, offering flexible consumption for those who prefer tinctures from a trusted herbal brand.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto 450 mg
Nature's Bounty
Saw Palmetto: 450 mg
An extremely cost-effective Saw Palmetto supplement (450 mg per capsule) in a large quantity, suitable for budget-conscious users seeking a basic herb form.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto Berries 585 mg
Nature's Way
Saw Palmetto: 585 mg
An extremely affordable whole Saw Palmetto berry powder from Nature's Way, offering a moderate dose in capsule form with extensive customer feedback for general support.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg
NOW
Saw Palmetto: 160 mg
A standard 160 mg Saw Palmetto berry extract in softgel form, this option from NOW provides a common dose at a good price for a smaller package.
Value 
Ultra Prostate Formula
Life Extension
Saw Palmetto: 320 mg
This formula offers a broad spectrum of ingredients specifically chosen to support prostate health and includes Boswellia for additional inflammatory support.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto Berries 585 mg
Nature's Way
Saw Palmetto: 585 mg
This is an economical whole Saw Palmetto berry powder in capsule form from Nature's Way, providing a moderate dose for general herbal support with good customer feedback.
Best 
Saw Palmetto Pygeum Nettle Root
Vital Nutrients
Saw Palmetto: 606 mg
This product provides a potent, multi-herb extract blend of standardized Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, and Nettle Root, often chosen for comprehensive hair health support.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto 540 mg
Swanson
Saw Palmetto: 540 mg
A very affordable and popular Saw Palmetto supplement offering 540 mg per capsule, ideal for budget-focused, long-term use.
Best 
Saw Palmetto 690 mg
Nature's Answer
Saw Palmetto: 640 mg
This Nature's Answer product provides a strong combination of 640 mg Saw Palmetto extract and 50 mg whole berry in capsules at a very good price from a well-regarded brand.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto 580 mg
Solaray
Saw Palmetto: 580 mg
This Solaray product is a very affordable whole Saw Palmetto berry in VegCaps, providing a moderate 580 mg dose from a trusted brand with extensive customer feedback for general support.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto 580 mg
Solaray
Saw Palmetto: 580 mg
An extremely economical Solaray product providing 580 mg of whole Saw Palmetto in VegCaps, recognized for its large quantity and high customer satisfaction.
Budget 
Saw Palmetto 450 mg
21st Century
Saw Palmetto: 450 mg
A budget-friendly capsule offering 450mg of saw palmetto powder and 15mg of well-absorbed zinc picolinate for foundational support.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$34.34
Median$25.59
Price per serving
Average$0.75
Median$0.66
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.27
Median$0.21
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