Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is one of the plants with the most clinical studies in Western herbal medicine, although its results have been widely debated.

What is saw palmetto?

Also called sabal, it is a small palm. Its ripe berries are used as a lipid extract, rich in fatty acids (such as lauric and oleic acid) and phytosterols.

How does it work?

In laboratory studies, its extracts inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of the hormone. That is why it is researched in processes involving DHT.

What does the science say?

• Men: it has been studied mainly in relation to the prostate and urinary function. The results are contradictory and the Cochrane review found no clear difference versus placebo (Tacklind 2012).
• Hair: some small studies have evaluated its oral and topical use in relation to hair loss (Evron 2020).
• Women: it is included in formulas for female hormonal balance, although specific studies in women are scarce.

Saw palmetto has no authorised health claims in the European Union.

Dose and how to take it

Studies usually use 320 mg a day of lipid extract standardised in fatty acids, taken with food. At IVB, FemmeBalance includes 342 mg of Serenoa repens extract (103 mg of fatty acids) together with chasteberry, NAC and turmeric.

Safety

• It is usually well tolerated; it may cause digestive discomfort or headache.
• Because of its possible hormonal influence, it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• If you take hormonal contraceptives, hormone treatments or anticoagulants, check with your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

What is saw palmetto used for?

It is a plant that has been researched in relation to hormonal balance, male urinary function and hair, with mixed results. It has no authorised health claims in the EU.

Can women take saw palmetto?

Yes, outside pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is included in formulas for women. If you take contraceptives or hormone treatments, check first.

How long does saw palmetto take to work?

Studies usually assess it after at least 3 months of daily use.

References

1. Tacklind J, MacDonald R, Rutks I, Stanke JU, Wilt TJ. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12:CD001423.
2. Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A, Mesinkovska NA. Natural hair supplement: friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord. 2020;6(6):329-337.