Herb Hero: Saw Palmetto

Common names: Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is one of the ‘fan palms’ which is also known as American dwarf palm and cabbage palm. Other common names are shrub palmetto, Juzhong, Palmier Nain and Old Man’s Friend. Current research has demonstrated the effectiveness of saw palmetto in the area of men’s health, in particular, prostate support and alopecia.

Growing and harvesting: Saw palmetto is an evergreen shrub that usually stands 2ft–10ft tall. The plant is found all over Florida, from the beach dunes in the south to the forests in the north but is native to most of the south-eastern states and plays a large and important role in the eco-system. Saw palmetto blooms from April to early June with the fruit ripening in the September and October months.

Health giving benefits: Historically, the berries were used as medicine by the native American population of the south-eastern states. The Eclectics used saw palmetto for respiratory tract infections, atrophy for breasts, ovaries, and testes, and for prostate health. Saw palmetto has traditionally been associated with therapy for the prostate gland, with many pharmacopoeias testifying its use for general prostate health and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Today, saw palmetto is often promoted and used to support general prostate health, chronic pelvic pain, migraines, and alopecia.

A systematic review conducted in 2024 investigated whether saw palmetto extract was effective at supporting patients with chronic prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland. For the review, 21 studies were included with a pooled sample of 1,666 participants. The researchers reported that saw palmetto showed improved symptom relief compared to placebo. Other research suggests that saw palmetto has positive outcomes when compared to conventional medications, such as alpha-blockers or 5-ARIs.

The presumed mechanism behind this effect is due to the fatty acids and sterols present in saw palmetto. Lauric acid and myristic acid, two of the fatty acids found in saw palmetto, are thought to reduce prostate enlargement caused by testosterone-induced BHP. It may also decrease the growth of prostate cells, and anti-inflammatory action.

An independent international panel of urology experts discussed the effectiveness of saw palmetto’s fatty acid sterols on male lower urinary tract infections. Each member of the panel examined results from clinical trials and concluded that saw palmetto extract should be considered as a treatment for mild to moderate lower urinary tract infection as an alternative to watchful waiting.

Other research investigated saw palmetto on hair health and growth, with promising results. While the research is scarce, the studies that are available suggest that it may be supportive. The researchers reported improvements to hair count, density, and self-perceived hair thinning when compared to placebo.

Choosing saw palmetto for supplementation: With a number of clinical trials showing the potential benefits of saw palmetto for men’s health, this ingredient can be found in a formulation alongside other therapeutic herbs such as nettle root, pine bark extract and pumpkin seed extract. It can also be taken as a standalone ingredient. Always check to make sure the supplement you are taking is free of artificial ingredients and excipients as they have no beneficial value to health and are instead used in the manufacturing process. For more information, visit your local health food store for dietary, supplement, and lifestyle advice. Find your local health store at www.findahealthstore.com.

Author: Will Jordan, BSc (Hons) MSc, is a Nutrition Advisor at Viridian Nutrition. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Nutrition and BSc in Food and Nutrition.

References:
Bennett BC, & Hicklin JR. Use of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens, Arecaceae) in Florida. Economic Botany. 1998; 52 (4) 381-393

Leung AY, & Foster S. Saw Palmetto. Encyclopaedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2^nd Edition. John Wiley & Sons. 1996; 467-469

Punyala A, Sze C, Wingograd J, Codelia-Anjum A, Morfin Montes de Oca E, Bjohani N, Elterman D, Zorn KC, & Chughtai B. Saw Palmetto Treatment for Prostatitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature. JU Open Plus. 2024; 2 (2) e00009

Adams JD, Lein EJ, & Wang X. Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens, in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, mechanism of action, and reasons for its use. Pharm Pharmacol Int J. 2015; 2 (1) 1-4

Nickel JC, Chughtai B, De Nunzio C, Brahmbhatt J, Shore N, Te AE, & Djavan B. Rethinking the Role of Saw Palmetto Extract for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in North America. Uro. 2022; 2 (3) 137-150

Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A, & Mesinkovska NA. Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2020; 6 (6) 329-337

The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.