Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto)
Inhibits 5-alpha reductase and reduces prostate inflammation — commonly used for BPH urinary symptoms with mixed but positive reports.
Saw Palmetto is extracted from the berries of a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. It's the most commonly used herb for prostate health, particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While evidence is mixed, many men report improved urinary symptoms. Works through anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Reduces DHT production in prostate
Reduces prostate inflammation
How Saw Palmetto works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
320mg standardized extract (85-95% fatty acids)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Liposterolic extract (standardized to 85-95% fatty acids) | Recommended |
| 💊CO2 extract | Alternative |
| 🧪Dried berry powder (less effective) | Alternative |
The fatty acid fraction is the active component. Standardized extracts are more reliable than raw berry.
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 24 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Fat-soluble — take with food for better absorption. Can split into two doses.
Better urinary flow and less frequency
Fewer trips to bathroom at night
Not intended for women; may affect hormones
Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to anti-androgenic and hormonal effects. May interfere with fetal development.
May have mild antiplatelet effects — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy
Similar mechanism — may be additive
May have hormonal effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Usually resolves
Tip: Much less common than with finasteride
Often combined for prostate support
Enhanced BPH symptom relief
Prostate has high zinc requirements
Comprehensive prostate nutrition
Often combined for prostate support
Enhanced prostate health support
Both support prostate health through different mechanisms
Enhanced prostate and urinary support
Both inhibit 5-alpha reductase through complementary phytosterol mechanisms, potentially providing additive BPH and hair loss benefits
Enhanced DHT reduction and prostate symptom relief
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Russo GI et al. • European urology focus (2021)
“In this network meta-analysis, we demonstrated that SeR did not show clinically meaningful improvement in LUTS and PF.”
Vela-Navarrete R et al. • BJU International (2018)
“Saw palmetto extract significantly improved urinary flow rate and nocturia compared to placebo in men with BPH.”
Tacklind J et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012)
“Saw palmetto was not superior to placebo for BPH symptoms.”
Barry MJ et al. • JAMA (2011)
“Increasing doses of a saw palmetto fruit extract did not reduce lower urinary tract symptoms more than placebo.”
McNicholas T et al. • BMJ clinical evidence (2011)
“We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.”
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