Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the southeastern United States, and its dark berries have a long history of traditional use for urinary and reproductive health. Research suggests that saw palmetto, particularly in its liposterolic extract form, may help support prostate health by influencing certain hormonal pathways, with several clinical studies showing modest benefits for men experiencing mild lower urinary tract symptoms. Studies also indicate potential roles in supporting healthy hair growth, possibly by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair thinning. While generally well tolerated, the evidence varies in quality across studies, and ongoing research continues to clarify its mechanisms and effectiveness for the various wellness areas it has been traditionally associated with.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that saw palmetto may support hair health primarily through its ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductas...
View studies →Research suggests that saw palmetto possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may be relevant across several health...
View studies →Research suggests that saw palmetto's most studied mechanism relevant to testosterone involves inhibiting 5-alpha-red...
View studies →Research suggests that saw palmetto extract has shown mixed results for urinary tract health, particularly in men wit...
View studies →Research suggests that saw palmetto and its primary active component, beta-sitosterol, show promising but inconsisten...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 320–960 mg | Daily | Hair health and androgenic alopecia | Range used in clinical studies evaluating saw palmetto for hair loss |
| Extract | 160–320 mg | Daily | Anti-inflammatory and prostate health | Common in clinical trials combining prostate health and inflammatory outcome measures |
| Extract | 160 mg | Twice daily | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary tract health | Most common dose in clinical trials; liposterolic extract standardized to 85-95% fatty acids |
| Extract | 320 mg | Daily | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary tract health | Once-daily dosing equivalent studied in RCTs as alternative to split dosing |
| Extract | 200–320 mg | Daily | Testosterone support and anti-androgenic effects | Doses used in studies examining 5-alpha reductase inhibition and testosterone metabolism |