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Botanical

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto preparations come from the fruit of Serenoa repens, a small palm native to the southeastern United States.

Also listed as Serenoa, Serenoa Repens, Saw Palmetto Extract, Saw Palmetto Powder

Organ FunctionHair & SkinSexual HealthMen's Hormones

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Prostate HealthOrgan FunctionModerateBNo linked study
Skin InflammationHair & SkinSmallCNo linked study
Male LibidoSexual HealthSmallCNo linked study
Anti-aging SkinHair & SkinSmallCNo linked study
Hair GrowthHair & SkinSmallCNo linked study
InflammationSmallCNo linked study
All 9 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto preparations come from the fruit of Serenoa repens. Laboratory work suggests effects on male-hormone activity and inflammation, but its action is not fully understood. 1

Why people take it

Men's Hormones20.3%
Essential Health19.3%
Immune Support14.5%
Energy10.3%
Longevity6.2%
Organ Function6.1%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Does taking more improve prostate symptoms?

An NIH-funded trial using up to three times the usual dose still found no improvement. 2

Does it distort PSA testing?

NCCIH reports no apparent effect on PSA readings, even at higher doses. 2

What doses have hair studies used?

The review describes oral and topical products containing 100–320 mg, with variable formulations. This is study context, not an established dosing recommendation. 3

Sources