Saw Palmetto
NCCAM.NIH.gov; NursingLink
What It Is Used For
Urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland
Chronic pelvic pain
Bladder disorders
Decreased sex drive
Hair loss
Hormone imbalances
Who Should Not Use It
Pregnant Women
Children
Side Effects and Cautions
Stomach discomfort.
Some men have reported side effects such as tender breasts and a decline in sexual desire
What the Science Says
Several small studies suggest that saw palmetto may be effective for treating BPH symptoms.
In 2006, a large study of 225 men with moderate-to-severe BPH found no improvement with 320 mg saw palmetto daily for 1 year versus placebo. NCCAM cofunded the study with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of saw palmetto for reducing the size of an enlarged prostate or for any other conditions.
Saw palmetto does not appear to affect readings of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is protein produced by cells in the prostate. The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor patients who have had prostate cancer.
