Summary
Saw Palmetto is a supplement which is derived from the fruit of the plant Serenoa repens. The supplement (saw palmetto) has a caloric value, as it is rich in fatty acids.
Compounds in saw palmetto have the ability to block an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the latter of which is more androgenic and can cause hair loss in the genetically susceptible. A couple of preliminary studies suggests supplementation with saw palmetto can promote hair regrowth, though more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.
Saw Palmetto's effects on DHT production have also led to saw palmetto being used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Some studies have shown positive results, but larger and more well-designed studies have brought its efficacy into question.
What are other names for Saw Palmetto
- Serenoa Repens
Dosage information
While the active compound(s) are not yet known, it is known that they exist in what is known as the "liposterolic" fraction of the fruits. If using saw palmetto, choose a product that discloses the percentage of the supplement which is this fraction.
Supplementation of saw palmetto tends to be in the range of 160-320 mg, taken once daily, of a product which is 80-90% liposterolic compounds by weight. While it is not confirmed if saw palmetto needs to be taken with food due to the fat soluble nature of this fraction, it is advised.
Examine Database: Saw Palmetto
Unlock the full potential of Examine
Research FeedRead all studies
Research Breakdown
Examine Database References
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - MacDonald R, Tacklind JW, Rutks I, Wilt TJSerenoa repens monotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): an updated Cochrane systematic reviewBJU Int.(2012 Jun)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Willetts KE, Clements MS, Champion S, Ehsman S, Eden JASerenoa repens extract for benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized controlled trialBJU Int.(2003 Aug)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Bertaccini A, Giampaoli M, Cividini R, Gattoni GL, Sanseverino R, Realfonso T, Napodano G, Fandella A, Guidoni E, Prezioso D, Galasso R, Cicalese C, Scattoni V, Armenio A, Conti G, Corinti M, Spasciani R, Liguori G, Lampropoulou N, Martorana GObservational database serenoa repens (DOSSER): overview, analysis and results. A multicentric SIUrO (Italian Society of Oncological Urology) projectArch Ital Urol Androl.(2012 Sep)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, Neuhaus J, Hudes ES, Goldberg H, Avins ALSaw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasiaN Engl J Med.(2006 Feb 9)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Barry MJ, Meleth S, Lee JY, Kreder KJ, Avins AL, Nickel JC, Roehrborn CG, Crawford ED, Foster HE Jr, Kaplan SA, McCullough A, Andriole GL, Naslund MJ, Williams OD, Kusek JW, Meyers CM, Betz JM, Cantor A, McVary KT, Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urological Symptoms (CAMUS) Study GroupEffect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trialJAMA.(2011 Sep 28)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Suter A, Saller R, Riedi E, Heinrich MImproving BPH symptoms and sexual dysfunctions with a saw palmetto preparation? Results from a pilot trialPhytother Res.(2013 Feb)
- Hair Regrowth - Rossi A, Mari E, Scarno M, Garelli V, Maxia C, Scali E, Iorio A, Carlesimo MComparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year studyInt J Immunopathol Pharmacol.(2012 Oct-Dec)
- DHT - Strauch G, Perles P, Vergult G, Gabriel M, Gibelin B, Cummings S, Malbecq W, Malice MPComparison of finasteride (Proscar) and Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase in healthy male volunteersEur Urol.(1994)
- Prostate Specific Antigen - Andriole GL, McCullum-Hill C, Sandhu GS, Crawford ED, Barry MJ, Cantor A, CAMUS Study GroupThe effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto fruit extract on serum prostate specific antigen: analysis of the CAMUS randomized trialJ Urol.(2013 Feb)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms - Gerber GS, Kuznetsov D, Johnson BC, Burstein JDRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of saw palmetto in men with lower urinary tract symptomsUrology.(2001 Dec)