About Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is the most studied herbal treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A 2012 Cochrane review (32 RCTs, 5666 men) found evidence for mild improvement in urinary symptoms, though the largest STEP and CAMUS trials (NEJM 2006, 2011) showed no significant benefit over placebo for LUTS at 320 mg/day. European Urology guidelines still include it as a phytotherapy option. Acts as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, reducing DHT conversion. The discrepancy between earlier positive trials and larger recent negative trials makes this controversial. Extract standardization matters significantly.
What Saw Palmetto supports
- May support prostate health and urinary flow
- Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase (DHT conversion)
- Well-tolerated herbal option for mild BPH symptoms
How much Saw Palmetto to take
Clinical studies typically use 160–320 mg of Saw Palmetto. Standard dose is 320 mg/day of liposterolic extract (85–95% fatty acids). Some studies use 160 mg twice daily.
- Effective range
- 160–320 mg
Clinical evidence
Strong clinical evidence. Cochrane review of 32 trials (5,666 men); mixed results between earlier positive and later negative trials
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