A Valuable Medicinal Plant

Names

Saw palmetto, scientifically known as Serenoa repens, is also commonly referred to as the American dwarf palm tree. Other names include cabbage palm, palmetto scrub, and Sabal. The name “saw palmetto” derives from the saw-like teeth on the petioles of its leaves.

Health Benefits

Saw palmetto has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various health benefits, most notably:

  1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): It is widely used to alleviate symptoms of BPH, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men. Studies suggest it can improve urinary symptoms and flow measures. Some studies suggest it may improve urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine flow, and night time urination by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to prostate enlargement. However, evidence is mixed, with some reviews, including a 2023 study of 27 trials, finding no significant benefit compared to placebo.
  2. Prostate Health: Saw palmetto may support overall prostate health and reduce the risk of prostate-related conditions.
  3. Hormonal Balance: It is believed to help balance hormones, particularly by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can contribute to conditions like hair loss and prostate enlargement.
  4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The plant has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in various conditions.
  5. Urinary Tract Function: By acting on bladder receptors, saw palmetto may relieve urinary symptoms such as incontinence or urinary frequency, particularly in older adults. It can support urinary tract function and reduce the frequency of urination in both men and women.
  6. Hair Health: Saw palmetto may reduce hair loss in androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) by lowering DHT levels, which can shrink hair follicles. A 2023 study showed oral and topical saw palmetto reduced hair fall by 22-29% and increased hair density by 5-7% over 16 weeks.

Other Benefits

  1. Libido Enhancement: Some believe it can enhance sexual function and libido by influencing hormone levels.
  2. Immune Support: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties provide general immune system support.
  3. Antioxidant Properties – Rich in fatty acids and plant sterols that combat oxidative stress. 
  4. Traditional Tonic – Used historically to boost energy and libido. 
  5. Wildlife Support – In its native habitat, its berries are a food source for animals. 
  1. Traditional Uses: Native Americans in the southeastern U.S. used saw palmetto berries for food and to treat urinary and reproductive issues. The leaves were woven into baskets and other household items.
  2. Ecological Benefits: As a hardy plant, saw palmetto supports biodiversity in surroundings, providing food and shelter for wildlife.

How It Is Used

  1. Capsules and Tablets: Standardized extracts in pill form are a convenient way to consume saw palmetto. Standardized extracts (75-95% fatty acids) are commonly taken at 320 mg daily, often in one or two doses, with food to reduce digestive issues.
  2. Liquid Extracts and Tinctures: These forms allow for flexible dosing and are quickly absorbed by the body. Usage should be guided by a healthcare provider, especially for long-term use or when combined with other treatments.
  3. Teas: Dried saw palmetto berries can be brewed into a tea, though this is less common due to the bitter taste. It is taken by dissolving 1 tablespoon of saw palmetto powder in water, consumed twice daily. The active ingredients are less effective in tea due to their fat-soluble nature.
  4. Topical Applications: Some hair products include saw palmetto extract for its potential to reduce hair loss. The oil is applied to the scalp for hair loss or skin for conditions like eczema. Users massage the lotion into the scalp for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Powdered Berries: Sometimes added to smoothies or foods. 

Side Effects/Caution

While saw palmetto is generally considered safe for most people, some potential side effects and cautions include:

  1. Digestive Issues: Some users may experience stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  2. Headache, Dizziness and fatigue: These are less common but possible side effects.
  3. Hormonal Effects: As it influences hormone levels, saw palmetto should be used with caution by those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
  4. Bleeding Risk: It may slow blood clotting, so individuals taking blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should avoid it.
  5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to its hormonal effects, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  6. Iron Absorption: Tannic acid in saw palmetto may inhibit iron absorption; separate intake by several hours.

References

  • Bent, Stephen, et al. “Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” *The New England Journal of Medicine*, vol. 354, no. 6, 9 Feb. 2006, pp. 557–566.
  • MacKay, Douglas, and Ian Hemphill. “Saw Palmetto as a Treatment for BPH.” *Alternative Medicine Review*, vol. 6, no. 1, 2001, pp. 16–22.
  • Vela Navarrete, Remigio, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Saw Palmetto Extract in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Phytotherapy and Physiopathology.” *Archivos Españoles de Urología*, vol. 65, no. 4, 2012, pp. 376–386.
  • Wilt, Timothy, et al. “Serenoa Repens for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews*, no. 3, 1998.
  •  National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Saw Palmetto.” NCCIH, 2020, [www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto). 
  • Wilt, Timothy J., et al. “Saw Palmetto Extracts for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” JAMA, vol. 280, no. 18, 1998, pp. 1604–1609. 
  • Rossi, Andrea, et al. “Saw Palmetto Extract for Hair Loss in Men.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 18, no. 6, 2012, pp. 525–530. 
  • Ulbricht, Catherine, and Wendy Weissner. “An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Saw Palmetto.” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, vol. 6, no. 3-4, 2006, pp. 161–200. 
  • Agbabiaka, Taofikat B., et al. “Serenoa repens for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Enlargement: An Updated Cochrane Review.” World Journal of Men’s Health, vol. 42, no. 2, 2024, pp. 123-134, doi:10.5534/wjmh.230404.
  • Barry, Michael J., et al. “Effect of Increasing Doses of Saw Palmetto Extract on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized Trial.” JAMA, vol. 306, no. 12, 2011, pp. 1344-1351, doi:10.1001/jama.2011.1364.
  • “Saw Palmetto.” Drugs.com, 20 May 2025, www.drugs.com/mtm/saw-palmetto.html.[](https://www.drugs.com/mtm/saw-palmetto.html)
  • “Saw Palmetto: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage.” Healthline, 12 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto.[](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto)
  • “Saw Palmetto: Usefulness and Safety.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Apr. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto.[](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto)
  • “Saw Palmetto Uses, Benefits & Dosage.” Drugs.com, 20 Nov. 2024, www.drugs.com/npp/saw-palmetto.html.[](https://www.drugs.com/npp/saw-palmetto.html)
  • “Saw Palmetto: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects.” Medical News Today, 25 Oct. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320921.[](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318782)
  • Sudeep, H. V., et al. “Oral and Topical Administration of a Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects – A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. 16, 2023, pp. 3251-3266, doi:10.2147/CCID.S435833.