Natural Products

Saw Palmetto

saw palmetto, sabal, scrub palmetto, saw palmetto liposterolic extract

General Information

Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the eastern United States. Its fruit was used medicinally by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Common Name(s)

saw palmetto, sabal, scrub palmetto, saw palmetto liposterolic extract

Scientific Name(s)

Serenoa repens

What is this product used for?

Saw palmetto is used mainly for urinary symptoms (e.g., incomplete voiding, frequent urination) associated with mild-to-moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). People with BPH have an enlarged prostate gland. The majority of clinical studies researching saw palmetto have used liposterolic extracts of the berry which contain 80% to 95% free fatty acids.

Saw palmetto may be ineffective in treating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, saw palmetto may be effective at improving the results of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Saw palmetto appears to be well-tolerated by most users. Side effects include stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and headache. Decreased libido and runny nose have also been reported.

Saw palmetto may interact with the following medications:

  • anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban, warfarin)
  • antiplatelet drugs (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], clopidogrel)
  • contraceptive drugs
  • estrogens

Stop taking saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before elective surgery to avoid excessive bleeding.

Consult your health care provider before using saw palmetto to ensure that your symptoms are not signs of prostate cancer.

People who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use saw palmetto.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.