Overview

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall with thorn-shaped leaves arranged like a fan. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicine.

Saw palmetto seems to lower the amount of pressure on the tubes that carry urine in males. Saw palmetto also might prevent testosterone from being converted to a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Reduced levels of DHT might help prevent some types of hair loss.

People commonly use saw palmetto for symptoms of an enlarged prostate called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). But it doesn't seem to improve this condition. Saw palmetto is also used to prevent complications from prostate surgery and for treating other prostate conditions, male-pattern baldness, sexual dysfunction, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • A type of prostate surgery (transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP). Taking 320 mg of saw palmetto by mouth daily for 2 months before prostate surgery can improve surgery outcomes.

Possibly Ineffective for

There is interest in using saw palmetto for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is likely safe when used for up to 3 years. Side effects are usually mild and might include dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

When given rectally: Saw palmetto is possibly safe when used for up to 30 days. It's unknown if it is safe to use for longer periods of time.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is likely safe when used for up to 3 years. Side effects are usually mild and might include dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

When given rectally: Saw palmetto is possibly safe when used for up to 30 days. It's unknown if it is safe to use for longer periods of time.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Saw palmetto is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It acts like a hormone, and this could be dangerous. Don't use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Surgery: Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with SAW PALMETTO

    Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting. Taking saw palmetto along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with SAW PALMETTO

    Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Saw palmetto might decrease the effects of estrogen in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with birth control pills might decrease their effects. If you take birth control pills along with saw palmetto, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.

  • Estrogens interacts with SAW PALMETTO

    Saw palmetto seems to decrease estrogen levels in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with estrogen pills might decrease their effects.

Dosing

Saw palmetto has most often been used by adults in doses of 320-960 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 years. It's also been used in lotion. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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