Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Extract from the berries of the dwarf palm Serenoa repens, sold for prostate complaints.
What the research shows
No sound research in humans.
The Cochrane review by Franco (2023) pooled 27 studies with 4656 men and found virtually no difference from placebo in symptom scores and quality of life. Trivisonno (2021) reached the same null finding across 27 trials with 4853 participants. Hair loss, another indication it is sold for, was not examined in these reviews.
Who it makes sense for: Nobody: for urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate it worked no better than placebo, with reasonable certainty.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement.Franco JV et al. (2023)
- Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Trivisonno LF et al. (2021)Funded by: Auteurs verklaren niets te melden te hebben.
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.