A type of palm tree native to the southeastern United States, saw palmetto is known to offer health benefits, including improved urinary function and reduced inflammation.

The extract from its berries is commonly used in supplements to prevent hair loss in men, improve prostate health, and balance hormone levels.

Consumed widely in the USA as remedies to treat certain ailments, saw palmetto extract comes in tea, tablet, and liquid form.

In this article, we give you 5 encouraging benefits of saw palmetto, as well as its uses.

1. It may reduce inflammation

Saw palmetto has antioxidants methyl gallate and epicatechin, which help reduce inflammation, prevent damage to cells, and protect against chronic disease.

In addition, it has been shown in some research to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may potentially help in treating certain conditions.

For example, a study in mice with enlarged prostate glands administered with saw palmetto extract observed reduced swelling and improved inflammatory markers.

In addition, saw palmetto has also been found in another study in obese rates with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) to be effective at improving antioxidant status and decreasing inflammation.

Although study results are encouraging, further studies are necessary to fully elucidate its impact on humans.

2. It may help improve urinary tract function

Common among older men, urinary tract symptoms can include issues like difficulty urinating and incontinence.

Saw palmetto may help improve urinary tract symptoms linked to BPH—also called prostate enlargement—which is a condition that results in decreased urine flow.

Taking two capsules of Prostataplex (an herbal supplement that contains saw palmetto) daily has been found in one 12-week study in 92 men to help improve urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.

In addition, treatment with 160 mg of saw palmetto twice daily has been found in another study in 85 men over 45 years old to increase urine flow, reduce lower urinary tract symptoms, and improve overall quality of life after a 6-month period.

However, further study is necessary to determine whether this plant may also improve urinary tract function in the general population, including those who have no prostate problems.

3. It helps prevent hair loss

Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, genetics, and the use of medications, such as blood thinners and stimulants.

Often used to balance hormone levels, saw palmetto can combat hair loss.

In fact, it has been found in one review to help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase (5α-R), which is an enzyme that converts testosterone into a hair loss-inducing hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Additionally, it also reduces the uptake of DHT in the hair follicles, thereby preventing hair loss.

Another study has also found saw palmetto to be effective at improving hair growth in 60% of 23- and 24-year-old men with male pattern baldness.

Moreover, applying saw palmetto topically for 3 months has been found in another study in 62 adults to increase hair density by 35%.

4. It may support prostate health

A small gland located between the penis and the bladder in men, the prostate is responsible for maintaining sperm health.

Saw palmetto has been suggested in some research to support prostate health and potentially prevent problems like prostate cancer and BPH.

In fact, a test-tube study observed that saw palmetto berry extract may help reduce prostate cancer cell growth.

In addition, saw palmetto has also been found in another test-tube study to deactivate specific receptors involved in cancer development, thereby blocking the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells.

It has also been indicated in other animal and human studies to be effective at decreasing urinary symptoms and inflammation associated with BPH.

However, some studies observed that saw palmetto may be ineffective at reducing symptoms of BPH. They also did not associate the plant with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Further high-quality research is therefore necessary to fully examine saw palmetto’s effect on prostate health in humans.

5. It may regulate levels of testosterone

Saw palmetto may regulate testosterone levels. In fact, men looking to naturally boost testosterone levels use it.

Regulating levels of testosterone can have impact on mood, cognition, body composition, sex drive, and several other aspects of health.

The levels of testosterone decline with age, and low testosterone levels have been shown to contribute to conditions like heart disease.

Saw palmetto reduces the activity of 5α-R, which is an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to another sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to help preserve levels of testosterone in the body.

The effectiveness of saw palmetto extract has been found in one test-tube study to be comparable to finasteride in preserving the levels of testosterone. Finasteride is a medication that reduces the activity of 5α-R to treat hair loss and BPH.

In addition, treatment with saw palmetto has been shown in another study in 40 men to decrease DHT levels by 32% after a period of 6 months, which suggests that the plant was effective at maintaining the levels of testosterone.

Forms and dosage recommendations of saw palmetto

Widely available in supplement form, saw palmetto is very easy to add to your daily routine.

It is now made available in tablet, capsule, and softgel form. It is also often combined with other ingredients that may improve prostate health, like pumpkin seed extract.

Although less commonly, it can also come in liquid extract, dried, ground, and powdered tea form.

Most study conducted in saw palmetto used 320 mg per day, which is often divided in two doses.

Taking the supplements with food is recommended to help minimize digestive issues and prevent negative effects.

Potential side effects of saw palmetto

Saw palmetto has been associated with very few adverse effects; thus, it is generally considered safe.

Research studies reported some of the most common side effects of saw palmetto, which include constipation, headache, dizziness, and nausea.

However, it is important to note that saw palmetto is not for everyone, especially women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may affect hormone levels.

In addition, those taking hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy should also avoid saw palmetto, as it may alter hormone levels.

Further research is necessary to fully elucidate its potential effects.

What’s more, it may also interfere with blood-thinning medications, including Coumadin and warfarin, thereby increasing bleeding risk.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or taking certain medications or have any underlying health conditions, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using saw palmetto.

Conclusion

Saw palmetto is packed with several health benefits.

Numerous encouraging research has found that saw palmetto may reduce inflammation, improve urinary tract function, prevent hair loss, support prostate health, and regulate levels of testosterone.

Although it is generally considered safe, it is not recommended for everyone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, those who have any underlying health conditions, or those who are taking certain medications should consult a healthcare provider first before supplementing with saw palmetto.

In addition, some studies have mixed results in terms of its effectiveness, thereby necessitating further large-scale human study to examine how saw palmetto can impact our health.