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SAW PALMETTO
Also Known As:
American Dwarf Palm Tree, Cabbage Palm, JuZhong, Palmier Nain, Sabal, Sabal
Fructus, Saw Palmetto Berry.
Scientific Name:
Serenoa repens, synonyms Serenoa serrulata, Sabal serrulata.
Family: Arecaceae/Palmae.
People Use This For:
Orally, saw palmetto is used for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It
is also used orally as a mild diuretic, a sedative, an antiinflammatory, and as an
antiseptic. Saw palmetto is used to increase breast size, to improve sexual vigor, and
as an aphrodisiac. It is also used to treat chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic
pelvic pain syndrome, colds, coughs, irritated mucous membranes, sore throat,
asthma, chronic bronchitis, migraines, cancer, and to stimulate hair growth. Saw
palmetto is also used to prevent complications during transurethral resection of the
prostate (TURP).
In combination with other herbs, saw palmetto is used to treat prostate cancer.
Vaginally, the powdered fruit is used as a uterine and vaginal tonic.
Safety:
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Saw palmetto has been
safely used in clinical studies lasting up to a year (2732, 2735, 6750, 6751, 6752, 6762, 6764, 6772,
6773, 6777, 6778) (8330, 11354, 14274, 14275, 15550, 17202, 17304, 17306) .
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Saw
palmetto has hormonal activity (6766); avoid using.
Effectiveness:
POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Multiple clinical studies lasting up to a year
show that saw palmetto provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary
symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, hesitancy, urgency, and
perineal heaviness. Studies also show that it decreases nocturia, improves peak and
mean urinary flow, and lowers residual urine volume in patients with BPH (2732, 5094,
6750, 6751, 6752, 6762, 6764, 6772, 6773, 6777, 6778) (8330, 14275) .
Some clinical studies also show that saw palmetto is comparable in efficacy to
finasteride (Proscar) and saw palmetto might be better tolerated (6424, 6763, 14275).
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However, saw palmetto does not seem to reduce prostate size or prostatespecific
antigen (PSA) levels like finasteride (6424). Alphaadrenergic blockers such as
prazosin (Minipress) seem to be more effective than saw palmetto for relieving some
symptoms of BPH (6775, 6776). Although other preliminary research suggests that saw
palmetto is similar in efficacy to tamsulosin (Flomax) after 12 months of treatment
(11243) . Adding saw palmetto to an alphablocker such as tamsulosin does not seem to
relieve symptoms any better than the alphablocker alone (8901). Additionally, while
alphablockers tend to provide significant and rapid improvement, treatment with
saw palmetto may take one to two months before significant symptomatic
improvement occurs (2732, 6750, 6778).
A specific commercial product containing saw palmetto and stinging nettle root
(PRO 160/120) also seems to be comparable to finasteride (Proscar) for relieving
symptoms of BPH and modestly improves some BPH symptoms compared to
placebo (6763, 17304, 17307).
Although most research shows that saw palmetto is modestly effective for improving
BPH symptoms, some clinical research shows no benefit. In one of the highest
quality studies, saw palmetto 160 mg twice daily was ineffective for reducing
symptoms in men with moderate to severe symptoms of BPH after a year of
treatment (14274). In another study, saw palmetto 360 mg/day was not effective for
men with relatively mild BPH after 12 weeks of treatment (11314). Another clinical
study using saw palmetto lipid extract 106 mg, nettle root extract 80 mg, pumpkin
seed oil extract 160 mg, lemon bioflavonoid extract 33 mg, and betacarotene 190
IU taken three times daily for 6 months found that this combination product was not
effective for relieving symptoms (5093). Additionally, a metaanalysis of all saw
palmetto studies suggests that saw palmetto might modestly reduce nocturia and
some measures of BPH symptoms compared to placebo, but it might not improve
other measures of BPH symptoms or measures of peak urine flow. Interestingly, the
analysis also showed no significant difference between taking saw palmetto extract
and conventional drugs used for BPH such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or finasteride
(Proscar) (17304).
The reason for these confusing and inconsistent research findings is not clear.
Differences may be due to different study methodologies, different patients, different
symptom measurement methods, and differences in the saw palmetto products used
in studies. Research shows significant variation in the chemical composition of
commercially available saw palmetto extracts which might explain different study
findings (17304, 17305). Additionally, many of the saw palmetto studies are small, short
term, and of poor quality. Larger, higherquality studies are more likely to show no
beneficial effect of saw palmetto (17305).
Overall, it appears that saw palmetto might offer modest symptom improvement for
some men with BPH symptoms. However, other men may have no symptoms relief.
Most clinical studies have used a liposterolic extract of saw palmetto berry
containing 80% and 90% free fatty acids (Permixon). This formulation is similar to
Super Saw Palmetto (Enzymatic Therapy), Saw Palmetto (Centrum), Standardized
Saw Palmetto Extract (Nature's Way), and others.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Androgenic alopecia (alopecia areata). Preliminary clinical research suggests that
a combination of saw palmetto extract 200 mg plus betasitosterol 50 mg taken twice
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daily improves subjective scores of hair quantity and quality in men with androgenic
alopecia (15550).
Prostate cancer. Population research suggests that people who take saw palmetto
supplements do not have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer (15217).
Prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Preliminary clinical research
suggests that saw palmetto given orally for one year doesn't help nonbacterial
prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (11354).
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Preliminary clinical research
shows that taking saw palmetto 160 mg orally once daily, 5 weeks prior to
transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), does not lower the risk of
perioperative hemorrhage or decrease the density of prostatic tissue (17202).
More evidence is needed to rate saw palmetto for these uses.
Mechanism of Action:
The applicable part of saw palmetto is the ripe fruit. The lipid fraction contains
volatile oils and fatty oils, which are active in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH). Many saw palmetto products are standardized based on the fatty acid
content. Most saw palmetto extracts used in clinical studies for benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) are berry extracts prepared with lipophilic nonpolar solvents
containing 80% to 90% free fatty acids. However, an analysis of saw palmetto
products that are commercially available in Europe shows that the free fatty acid
content in these products ranges from about 41% to 81% (17305).
Water extraction, including brewed tea, probably does not adequately extract fat
soluble active constituents.
Saw palmetto has antiandrogenic, antiproliferative, and antiinflammatory properties
that seem to be responsible for improving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH). Saw palmetto appears to noncompetitively inhibit 5 alphareductase types 1
and 2 and to prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in
vitro, which might reduce prostate growth (6765, 6769, 6770, 6773, 17308). However, 5 alpha
reductase levels in prostatic tissue and serum testosterone, DHT, and PSA are not
significantly reduced by saw palmetto in vivo (2735, 6771, 17308). Saw palmetto does not
seem to affect overall prostate size, but shrinks the inner prostatic epithelium (2736,
5093) . Saw palmetto might slow prostate cell proliferation by inhibiting fibroblast
growth factor and epidermal growth factor and stimulating apoptosis (6765, 6769, 6770).
Inhibition of 5 alphareductase and prevention of conversion of testosterone to DHT
may contribute to activity of saw palmetto in androgenic alopecia. It is suggested
that this condition involves increased sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT, reducing
their growth phase and size (15550).
Inflammatory mediators appear to contribute to the etiology of BPH. In men with
BPH, a liposterolic extract of saw palmetto berry seems to lower tumor necrosis
factor (TNF)alpha and interleukin (IL)1beta, which are markers of inflammation in
prostate tissue (11224). Laboratory evidence suggests that saw palmetto inhibits
lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase (COX), which are involved in inflammation (6769,
6779) .
Increased COX2 expression is also associated with an increased incidence of
prostate cancer. Preliminary research indicates that saw palmetto reduces the
proliferation of experimental prostate cells, possibly by inhibiting COX2 expression
(8902) .
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Saw palmetto also seems to have antiestrogen, antispasmodic, and alphaadrenergic
inhibitory properties (5095, 6766, 6780). Laboratory fertility studies indicate that saw
palmetto has no effect on oocytes or sperm motility, but it might induce metabolic
changes in sperm (4239, 4240).
There is conflicting evidence about the effects of saw palmetto on cytochrome P450
(CYP450) enzymes 2D6 (CYP2D6) and 3A4 (CYP3A4). In vitro evidence suggests
that saw palmetto might inhibit CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 (11026). But when used in
healthy volunteers, saw palmetto 320 mg/day does not seem to affect CYP2D6 or
CYP3A4 (11225, 13712). Saw palmetto also does not seem to affect CYP1A2 or
CYP2E1 in healthy volunteers (13712).
Adverse Reactions:
Orally, the adverse effects of saw palmetto are generally mild and comparable to
placebo. Dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal complaints such as dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea are the most frequently reported
adverse effects. Other side effects reported in clinical trials include asthenia,
headaches, loss of libido, ejaculation disorders, and postural hypotension (6751, 6752,
6762, 11354, 17304, 17306) .
A combination of saw palmetto and betasitosterol has been associated with single
reports of loss of appetite, flatulence, diarrhea, and worsening acne (15550).
There is one case report of cholestatic hepatitis associated with the use of the multi
ingredient product that contains saw palmetto (Prostata) (598). In another case, a
patient who took saw palmetto developed acute hepatitis and pancreatitis. Symptoms
resolved when saw palmetto was discontinued. Upon rechallenge with saw
palmetto, symptoms reemerged. This strongly suggests that saw palmetto was the
cause of these adverse events (14457). However, a product analysis was not conducted
in order to rule out potential product contamination.
Some clinicians are concerned that saw palmetto might cause erectile dysfunction,
ejaculatory disturbance, or altered libido because of its potential effects on 5alpha
reductase. There is one case report of decreased ejaculatory volume associated with
an herbal blend product containing saw palmetto extract, nettle root extract,
pumpkin seed oil extract, lemon bioflavonoid extract, and betacarotene (5093).
However, clinical studies indicate that the occurrence of impotence in men taking
saw palmetto is similar to placebo and significantly less than finasteride (Proscar)
(2732, 6424, 6762, 17306) .
There is also concern that saw palmetto might have antiplatelet effects and
potentially increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. There is one report of
excessive intraoperative bleeding in a patient who took saw palmetto prior to
surgery. Bleeding time normalized when saw palmetto was discontinued (8659). To
date, there are no documented cases of spontaneous bleeding in patients taking saw
palmetto.
Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:
ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS:
Concomitant use of herbs and supplements that affect platelet aggregation could
theoretically increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Some of these herbs
include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and others.
Interactions with Drugs:
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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS
Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = D
Theoretically, saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding when used
concomitantly with these agents. Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time
(8659) . Some of these drugs include aspirin; clopidogrel (Plavix); nonsteroidal anti
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others),
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others); dalteparin
(Fragmin); enoxaparin (Lovenox); heparin; warfarin (Coumadin); and others.
CONTRACEPTIVE DRUGS
Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Severity = High • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = B
Theoretically, concomitant use with saw palmetto might interfere with contraceptive
drugs. Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects (6766).
ESTROGENS
Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Severity = Moderate • Occurrence = Possible • Level of Evidence = B
Theoretically, concomitant use with saw palmetto might interfere with hormone
therapy. Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects (6766).
Interactions with Foods:
None known.
Interactions with Lab Tests:
BLEEDING TIME: Saw palmetto can prolong bleeding time and increase the
results of bleeding time tests (8659).
PROSTATESPECIFIC ANTIGEN: Contrary to earlier concerns, saw palmetto
extract appears to have no significant effect on serum prostatespecific antigen
(PSA) levels (764).
Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:
SURGERY: There is concern that saw palmetto might have antiplatelet effects and
could potentially cause excessive bleeding during surgery. Excessive intraoperative
bleeding has been reported in one case in a patient who took saw palmetto before
surgery (8659). Advise patients to discontinue saw palmetto at least 2 weeks prior to
elective surgery.
Dosage/Administration:
ORAL: For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 160 mg twice daily or 320 mg once
daily of a lipophilic extract containing 80% to 90% fatty acids has been used in
clinical trials (2732, 5094, 6750, 6751, 6752, 6762, 6764, 6772, 6773, 6777, 6778) (8330, 14274).
For androgenic alopecia (alopecia areata), 200 mg twice daily combined with beta
sitosterol 50 mg twice daily has been used (15550).
Editor's Comments:
In the first half of the twentieth century, saw palmetto tea was included in the United
States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary.
An analysis of saw palmetto products that are commercially available in Europe
shows substantial variation in chemical profile. The free fatty acid content in these
products ranges from about 41% to 81% (17305). The majority of clinical studies
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evaluating saw palmetto for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have
used saw palmetto extracts containing 80% to 90% free fatty acids.
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