Saw palmetto is a plant extract used for prostate problems, hair loss, and other conditions. Learn about its possible benefits, risks, interactions, and dosage from WebMD. If you’re coping with common concerns such as prostate issues or hair loss, you may wonder whether any natural supplements will help.Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), a type of palm native to the southeastern United States, is commonly used in supplements to improve prostate health, balance hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men.Plus, it’s associated with a variety of other benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved urinary function.Here are 5 promising benefits and uses of saw palmetto, along with some key risks and side effects.See full list on healthline.comHair loss is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, certain medical conditions, hormone changes, and the use of medications such as stimulants and blood thinners (1).Saw palmetto is often used to balance hormone levels and combat hair loss.According to one study, saw palmetto may help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into another sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that is linked to hair loss (2).Saw palmetto may also prevent hair loss by reducing the uptake of DHT in your hair follicles, which decreases DHT’s ability to bind to specific hormone receptors (2).One review of 7 studies found that oral and topical supplements containing saw palmetto improved hair quality by 60%, raised total hair count by 27%, and increased hair density in 83% of people with hair loss (3).
Understanding the Context
Even though some study results suggest that saw palmetto may have beneficial effects on hair growth, more research is needed (4).See full list on healthline.comUrinary tract symptoms such as incontinence and difficulty urinating are common among older adults (5).Saw palmetto may improve urinary symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes an enlargement of the prostate gland and results in decreased urine flow.In one small 12-week study, men who took 1,000 mg daily of saw palmetto oil enriched with beta-sitosterol, a compound found naturally in many plants, experienced significant improvements in BPH symptoms compared with those who took unenriched saw palmetto oil (6).Similarly, a 24-week study in 354 men found that taking 320 mg of saw palmetto decreased symptoms of BPH and improved urinary flow, quality of life, and sexual function compared with a placebo (7).On the other hand, a recent review of 27 studies concluded that saw palmetto had no significant impact on lower urinary tract symptoms when used alone (8).Therefore, more research is needed to determine whether this supplement aids urinary tract function in the general population, including in those with and without prostate issues.See full list on healthline.comThe prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis. It’s responsible for maintaining sperm health (9).Some research suggests that saw palmetto can support prostate health and help prevent issues such as BPH and prostate cancer (10).Other human and animal studies also indicate that this supplement may reduce urinary symptoms and inflammation related to BPH (7, 11, 12).What’s more, a 15-year study in 30 men concluded that taking 320 mg of saw palmetto extract daily may help prevent the progression of BPH (13).Yet some studies don’t associate saw palmetto with improvements in prostate health or BPH symptoms (8).For this reason, further high quality research is needed.See full list on healthline.comSome research suggests that saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat certain conditions.For example, one study in mice with enlarged prostates observed that saw palmetto extract decreased swelling and several markers of inflammation, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) (12).Another study in rats with BPH found that saw palmetto decreased inflammation and improved antioxidant status (14).Although these results are promising, human studies are lacking.summarySaw palmetto is high in antioxidants and has been shown to decrease inflammation in animal studies. Nonetheless, high quality human studies are needed.See full list on healthline.comSaw palmetto is often used by people looking to naturally boost testosterone levels.Testosterone levels affect several aspects of health, including body composition, sex drive, mood, and brain function. Levels decline with age, and some research suggests that low levels contribute to health conditions such as heart disease (15, 16).Saw palmetto works by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase — an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT — to help preserve testosterone levels (2).One test-tube study found that the effectiveness of saw palmetto extract was comparable to finasteride in preserving testosterone levels.
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Key Insights
Finasteride is a medication used to treat hair loss and BPH by reducing the activity of 5-alpha reductase (2).According to one review, saw palmetto may help block the uptake of DHT and decrease its ability to bind to androgen receptors by nearly 50%. In turn, this may help regulate testosterone levels (3).One 14-day study also noted that taking 1,200 mg per day of Resettin — a supplement made with saw palmetto and astaxanthin, a type of antioxidant found in algae — increased serum testosterone levels by 38% compared with a placebo (17).See full list on healthline.comThe active compounds in saw palmetto are believed to help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT (19).This process may help maintain testosterone levels as you get older, which may lead to improvements in body composition, libido, and mood (15).Because DHT is also involved in the enlargement of the prostate gland, decreasing your levels of DHT by using saw palmetto may also improve prostate health and BPH (20).Furthermore, saw palmetto may help support hair health, as DHT regulates hair growth and may contribute to hair loss and balding (21).However, research is mixed. As such, it’s unclear whether saw palmetto is effective for any of these conditions.summarySee full list on healthline.comSaw palmetto is widely available in supplement form and is therefore incredibly easy to add to your daily routine.It comes in capsule, softgel, and tablet forms and is often combined with other ingredients that help enhance prostate health, such as pumpkin seed extract (22).Less commonly, it can also be found in ground, dried, liquid extract, or powdered tea form.Most research is conducted using saw palmetto in dosages of 320 mg per day, often divided into 2 doses.Some experts recommend taking the supplement with food, which may minimize digestive issues and prevent adverse effects.summarySee full list on healthline.comSaw palmetto is generally considered safe and has been associated with very few side effects.Some of the most commonly reported side effects are headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation (19).However, saw palmetto is not recommended for everyone.For example, those who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this supplement, as there is limited research on its safety and long-term effects (23).Because it may alter hormone levels, saw palmetto may likewise be unsuitable for those taking hormone replacement therapy or hormonal contraceptives. More research is needed to evaluate its potential effects (24).Saw palmetto may also interfere with blood thinners, such as warfarin or Coumadin, to increase bleeding risk (25).See full list on healthline.comSaw palmetto is a species of palm used to produce a supplement packed with potential health benefits.Promising research suggests that saw palmetto may help increase testosterone levels, improve prostate health, reduce inflammation, prevent hair loss, and enhance urinary tract function.See full list on healthline.comMay 2, 2024 · Saw palmetto helps to stimulate sexual drive, treat impotence, strengthen the immune system, prevent kidney problems, boost muscle mass and improve hair growth. · Though the exact mechanisms by which saw palmetto impacts health aren’t fully understood, it’s thought that the compounds contained within saw palmetto, including beta-sitosterol, help relax...
Important Details
Saw palmetto is a dietary supplement for urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, but it is probably not helpful. Learn about the evidence, safety, and regulation of this herb from NCCIH. Saw palmetto is a natural supplement that may improve prostate health, reduce inflammation, and enhance testosterone levels. Learn how to take it, what are the potential side effects, and what conditions it may help or harm.
Final Thoughts
What are the health benefits of saw palmetto?Saw palmetto contains a variety of compounds that are thought to have medical benefits. Most are derived from the berry of the plant. Phytosterols: These are plant-based steroids that are thought to block the effects of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone.Why is saw palmetto so popular?One of the reasons saw palmetto has become so popular in recent years is that it contains natural anti-inflammatory properties. Those who suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and dandruff greatly benefit from this ingredient in their shampoo. As these conditions are treated, the overall health of hair will improve significantly.Does saw palmetto help with weight loss?Because saw palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the body can retain normal levels of testosterone. This helps with weight loss, strength management, pain response, hair loss and sex drive.
· Saw palmetto has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in reducing complications from prostate surgery (such as blood loss or problems during surgery) and the time spent in the hospital after surgery. · Saw palmetto helps to stimulate sexual drive, treat impotence, strengthen the immune system, prevent kidney problems, boost muscle mass and improve hair growth. · Though the exact mechanisms by which saw palmetto impacts health aren’t fully understood, it’s thought that the compounds contained within saw palmetto, including beta-sitosterol, help relax... Saw palmetto is a dietary supplement for urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, but it is probably not helpful. Learn about the evidence, safety, and regulation of this herb from NCCIH. Saw palmetto is a natural supplement that may improve prostate health, reduce inflammation, and enhance testosterone levels. Learn how to take it, what are the potential side effects, and what conditions it may help or harm. · Saw palmetto has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in reducing complications from prostate surgery (such as blood loss or problems during surgery) and the time spent in the hospital after surgery.
