Saw Palmetto

botanical
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Saw Palmetto is a small palm native to the southeastern United States, where its therapeutic properties are concentrated in its dark berries. The resulting extract is rich in fatty acids, phytosterols, and flavonoids, which contribute to its potential health applications. Its primary mechanism is thought to involve inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen involved in prostate growth and hair loss. By modulating this process, the botanical may help reduce prostate size and alleviate urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. In addition to its hormonal roles, the extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation associated with prostate conditions. It may also improve urinary flow and comfort. While much of the focus remains on men’s health, these properties may offer broader supportive benefits for overall well-being.

Natural sources
Berries of the Saw Palmetto palm tree (Serenoa repens)

Ingredient forms

No public comparison lists found.

Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Consuming Saw Palmetto with food may help minimize the potential for mild stomach upset.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum160 mg
Maximum320 mg
Safety & Toxicity
4 safety notes
  • Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
  • Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, or those undergoing hormone therapy, should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Discontinue use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to potential mild antiplatelet effects.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications that affect blood clotting.
Goals
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:160–320 mg
Saw Palmetto is thought to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the primary hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing male and female pattern baldness. This makes it an excellent choice for this specific type of hair loss.

Study evidence

5 studies

Saw Palmetto shows promise for improving hair growth in some adults with thinning hair or pattern hair loss. Evidence is limited and depends on the preparation studied; findings do not establish equal effectiveness across products or equivalence to established hair-loss treatments.

View goal

Studies

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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.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. The Safety and Efficacy of a Proprietary Bioactive Fatty Acids Extract From Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) for Promoting Hair Growth and Reducing Hair Loss in Adults With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair: 90-Day Results.
    Ablon G · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025
    Randomized trial60 participantsHair Health
  2. Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
    Zhou L; Zhu W; Chen Y · Frontiers in nutrition · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,658 participants19 studies pooledHair Health
  3. The Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Extract for Promoting Hair Growth in Adults With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair: 180-Day Results.
    Ablon G · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026
    Randomized trial60 participantsHair Health
  4. Beyond Minoxidil: Off-Label Therapies for Male Androgenetic Alopecia-A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses.
    Gupta AK; Compton SAH; Liddy A; Talukder M; Wang T; Bamimore MA · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2026
    Meta-analysis50 participants23 studies pooledHair Health
  5. Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study.
    Rossi A; Mari E; Scarno M; Garelli V; Maxia C; Scali E; Iorio A; Carlesimo M · International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology · 2013
    Non-randomized trial100 participantsHair Health