Saw palmetto: what it's for, what the evidence says and how to take it

Getting up two or three times every night to go to the bathroom. A weaker stream than before. The feeling of not fully emptying your bladder. These symptoms are very common after 50, and many men look for a natural option: saw palmetto.

Here's what it is, what it's used for and, above all, what the evidence really says, so you can make an informed decision together with your doctor.

What is saw palmetto?

It's an extract from the fruit of a palm (Serenoa repens) native to the southeastern United States. It's one of the natural products men use most for prostate health and, in some cases, as a complement in hair care.

What is it used for?

• Urinary symptoms from benign prostate enlargement: waking up at night to urinate, weak stream, incomplete emptying.
• As a complement in men's hair healthroutines, because of its possible effect on the hormonal pathway linked to hair loss.

What does the evidence say?

Let's be clear: the latest Cochrane review, summarized by the American Academy of Family Physicians (2024), concluded that saw palmetto on its own produces little or no improvement in urinary symptoms compared with placebo, although it's well tolerated. Some analyses of standardized extracts report more favorable results.

How to take it

• The most-studied dose is 320 mg a day of extract, like our Saw Palmetto 320 mg.
• Take it with food to reduce stomach upset.
• Review with your doctor after 2 to 3 months of consistent use.

Precautions

• Side effects are usually mild: upset stomach, nausea or headache.
• Check with your doctor first if you take blood thinners or hormonal medicines, or if you have surgery scheduled.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Important: urinary symptoms can have several causes. A doctor should rule out other prostate problems before you start any supplement.

Frequently asked questions