Also known as: Serenoa repens
Latest evidence update: 2026-02-19
Strongest in Consistency (81). Held back by Recency (18).
Solid mix of RCTs with some methodological gaps.
Good cross-study replication, some imprecision.
Tens of thousands of participants pooled across studies.
Studies agree on direction of effect.
Mostly pre-2020 research; updates may be needed.
No per-outcome numbers yet for this one. Each finding's direction and strength is shown in the research below.
Areas where research points to a consistent direction of effect. The strength of evidence is graded; the size of the effect is not quantified.
Recommended: 320mg daily (liposterolic extract)
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When combined with standard prostate medications, saw palmetto may provide additional improvements in urinary symptoms and flow rate compared to medication alone
Saw palmetto alone shows minimal to no meaningful improvement in urinary symptoms or flow rate compared to placebo in high-quality studies
Saw palmetto is well-tolerated with a safety profile similar to placebo and does not negatively affect sexual function
Saw palmetto combined with other nutrients or probiotics may help prevent bacterial prostate infections and reduce related symptoms
Saw palmetto may reduce inflammation markers in prostate tissue and reduce daytime urinary frequency in women with bladder symptoms