Saw Palmetto
Berry extract supporting prostate health and DHT modulation.
By Suplagen Team · Updated
What it is
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry extract is widely used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and DHT modulation.
How it works
Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase (reduces DHT conversion); anti-inflammatory effects on prostate tissue.
What the evidence says
Mixed evidence for BPH symptom relief; European studies more positive than US trials. Safe long-term.
How much to take
The catalog range is 160 to 320 mg daily, with 320 mg as the ceiling. Use a liposterolic extract standardized to 85 to 95% fatty acids; that's the form the research used, and quality varies widely otherwise.
It's primarily used by men over 40 for prostate health. 320 mg once daily with a meal is the usual shape.
When and how to take it
With a fat-containing meal. The softgel form helps, and the fatty acid extract absorbs better with dietary fat.
Give it time. Like most botanicals, judge it over weeks, not days.
Who should skip it
Not for women, per the catalog, and avoid entirely in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hormone-sensitive conditions are a caution. Interactions: finasteride or dutasteride (moderate, since they act on the same enzyme), hormonal contraceptives (moderate), and anticoagulants (mild).
Safety Notes
- Primarily used by men over 40 for prostate health. Not recommended for women.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Use caution with: pregnancy (avoid), breastfeeding (avoid), hormone-sensitive conditions (caution).
- anticoagulants: Theoretical antiplatelet effect; monitor.
- finasteride / dutasteride: Same mechanism (5-AR inhibition); additive effects. Consult physician.
- hormonal contraceptives: Anti-androgenic effects may interact; not for use in women.
Common questions
How much saw palmetto should I take?
160 to 320 mg daily of a standardized liposterolic extract, taken with a fat-containing meal. 320 mg is the catalog ceiling.
What is the saw palmetto dosage for men?
The same 160 to 320 mg range. It's mainly used by men over 40 for prostate health; men on finasteride or dutasteride should ask their doctor first because the mechanisms overlap.
Can women take saw palmetto?
The catalog says no: it's not recommended for women, and it's contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It also interacts with hormonal contraceptives.