Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a type of palm found in North America. They are named after their sharp and saw-like projections.
Locals and natives have used it for its health properties for ages, and more recently, it has captured the imagination of several health companies as well.
Saw palmetto berries that have a high percentage of fat are the ones most commonly used in supplements (1).
Available in the form of capsules, pills, oils, extracts, teas, and dried raw form, saw palmetto supplements have flooded the market. They are believed to cure prostate issues, urinary infections, hair loss, skin problems, and flagging testosterone levels.
But how many of these benefits are indeed true? What are the best saw palmetto supplements to take? What is the right dosage, and what are the side effects of saw palmetto? Let’s find out.
Best Saw Palmetto Supplements: Our Picks
1. Best Saw Palmetto Supplement With Pumpkin Seed Oil: Essential Elements’ Saw Palmetto Plus
2. Best Saw Palmetto Supplement For Men: Sundown Natural’s Saw Palmetto for Him
3. Best Saw Palmetto Supplement For Nighttime: Havasu Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Extra Strength
4. Best Supplement for Women and Men: Saw Palmetto by Nature’s Craft
5. Budget Saw Palmetto Supplement for Men Over 40: Zhou Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Prostate Health Complex
6. Best Budget Saw Palmetto Supplement: Swanson’s Saw Palmetto Supplement
1. Best Saw Palmetto Supplement With Pumpkin Seed Oil: Essential Elements’ Saw Palmetto Plus
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is responsible for baldness as it prevents nutrients from being absorbed by hair follicles. This eventually causes hair fall. Saw palmetto has natural DHT-blocking properties and can help with hair fall in men and women.
Like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed is said to have DHT-blocking properties naturally, and many supplements use its oil to maximize the health benefit. Pumpkin seed and cranberry oil are also believed to help with urinary infections (2), (3).
About Essential Elements’ Saw Palmetto Plus
Known for using quality and potent ingredients in supplements with clinically-verified ratios, Essential Elements offers great prices and customer service. The company makes all its health supplements and products as per the FDA’s GMP guidelines. They also obtain third-party certifications of quality for all products.
Made using oils of saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, and cranberry seed, Saw Palmetto Plus has been designed to regulate urinary function, boost prostate health, and improve testosterone levels.
Devoid of gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, and shellfish, this supplement has no GMO ingredients.
What it Contains:
Each serving size, or two soft gels, contain the following:
- Saw Palmetto Oil (85% CO2 Extract) – 320 mg
- Pumpkin Seed Oil – 260 mg
- Cranberry Seed Oil – 15 mg
The other constituents of the soft gels are safflower oil, gelatine, glycerine, sunflower lecithin, and beeswax.
Each unit of the supplement contains 60 soft gels, which means you get the supply for a month, as the recommended serving size is two capsules daily.
In addition to securing discounts on bulk purchases and subscribing to regular deliveries, you also have a 365-days money-back guarantee from Essential Elements.
The Pros:
- Simple 3-ingredients potent formula
- Made in the USA as per GMP guidelines
- 365-days money-back guarantee
- Non-GMO and Gluten-free
Summary: Essential Elements’ Saw Palmetto Plus is an excellent supplement with three powerful ingredients known to improve urinary and prostate health. It would be ideal for men looking to improve their overall prostate function and testosterone levels, alongside arresting hair loss.
2. Best Saw Palmetto Supplement For Men: Sundown Natural’s Saw Palmetto for Him
While older men tend to experience urinary and prostate health issues, they can benefit from taking saw palmetto supplements. In fact, men, in general, can enjoy its advantages. Since the supplement contains pure saw palmetto and nothing else, it would be ideal for men who want to boost their hormone balance and urinary function.
About Sundown Natural’s Saw Palmetto for Him
With a motto to offer affordable and clean health supplements to its customers, Sundown Natural has been a renowned name in the health and wellness industry for over 40 years.
Their Saw Palmetto For Him is a herbal supplement that supports prostate and urinary health in men made in the USA under strict quality checks and regulations. Made with only saw palmetto and absolutely nothing else, this is one of the purest supplements available in the market.
Free of dairy, gluten, GMO, wheat, artificial colors and flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, sugar, yeast, starch, sodium, or nuts, Saw Palmetto For Him is among the cleanest supplements as well.
What it Contains:
One serving size, or two capsules, of the supplement packs in 900 mg of saw palmetto. The only other ingredient present in the supplement is gelatin.
Men who take this supplement are suggested to take two capsules daily, ideally one with both meals. You may also add the capsule ingredients to a tea or herbal concoction.
With one bottle of the supplement containing 250 capsules, you get a supply for more than four months or 125 days.
The Pros:
- Pure and clean saw palmetto with no other active ingredients
- Free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and sugars
- Certified gluten-free
- Made in the USA
Summary: Crafted to be beneficial for men, Sundown Natural’s Saw Palmetto for Him is a great supplement for men of all ages to regulate their body’s urinary and testosterone functions. Since it has only pure saw palmetto, one can be assured of purity and quality, with no added harmful ingredients.
3. Best Saw Palmetto Supplement For Nighttime: Havasu Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Extra Strength
People suffering from prostate and urinary problems often have disturbed sleep patterns as the urge to urinate disrupted their sleep cycles. A supplement that aids this will significantly benefit men who wish to sleep and rest peacefully at night.
About Havasu’s Nutrition Saw Palmetto Extra Strength
The first choice for many health enthusiasts and bodybuilders, Havasu Nutrition, offers a wide range of high-quality wellness supplements. Among them is the Saw Palmetto Extra Strength, a supplement to boost urinary and prostate function alongside hair support.
It is available in two versions, one for day-to-day usage and one specifically for nighttime use to avoid frequent urination.
Containing a powerful saw palmetto blend, the supplement doesn’t have common allergens like gluten and shellfish. Made in the USA in a GMP-registered facility, the supplement is entirely non-GMO and tested by a third-party for quality and purity.
What it Contains:
The day version of the supplement (AM) contains 500 mg of the saw palmetto blend, which contains powdered saw palmetto berries and their extract. Other ingredients include bovine gelatin and vegetable magnesium stearate.
The night variant (PM) also includes 25 mg of chamomile extract and 3 mg of melatonin. Other inactive ingredients and the ones in the AM version are rice flour and silicon dioxide.
The serving size for both the version is the same, I.e., one capsule with a meal or as directed by the physician.
With 100 capsules in each bottle, you get roughly three months of supplements in each order.
The Pros:
- A special variant to promote better sleep at night
- Made in the USA
- Free of gluten and shellfish
- Non-GMO
Summary: With the daytime and nighttime variant, Havasu Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Extra Strength helps men get quality sleep and a good night’s rest by reducing the need to go to the bathroom frequently. Men who face urinary problems stand to benefit a lot from this supplement, as the PM version also contains sleep-promoting ingredients.
4. Best Supplement for Women and Men: Saw Palmetto by Nature’s Craft
Since saw palmetto benefits prostate and urinary function, most saw palmetto supplements are directed for men. However, women experiencing hair loss might also stand to benefit from the supplement. A product that caters to both men and women is, thus, vital in the market.
About Saw Palmetto by Nature’s Craft
Nature’s Craft has built a reputation for pure and quality health supplements in the healthcare industry. Their Saw Palmetto supplement is one of the few products in the market suitable for both men and women. It claims to restore hormonal imbalance and hair growth in both genders.
This non-GMO formula is made in the USA in compliance with GMP guidelines. The manufacturers say that the supplement boosts the inner core and overall health, no matter whether men or women take it.
What it Contains:
It contains 500 mg of pure saw palmetto berries extract (powder/ 25% extract) per serving and no other active ingredient.
The only other things present in the capsule are gelatin, rice flour, and vegetable magnesium stearate.
A single bottle of the supplement contains 100 capsules, and since the serving size is one capsule per day, you get more than three months’ worth of supply. You are recommended to take the capsule before eating food, with a glass of water.
The supplement is not suitable for children, pregnant or nursing mothers.
The Pros:
- Pure saw palmetto ingredients
- Promotes hair growth in women
- Boosts overall health
- Made in the USA and non-GMO
Summary: One of the few saw palmetto supplements catering to both genders, Saw Palmetto by Nature’s Craft is safe for women, as per the company. Although it contains pure saw palmetto extracts, be sure to check with your physician before you start this supplement.
5. Saw Palmetto Supplement for Men Over 40: Zhou Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Prostate Health Complex
A majority of men of the age of 40 have enlarged prostates and frequent urination cycles. A natural supplement geared towards men who are beginning to show signs of aging and arrest the symptoms caused by such issues can do wonders for men over 40 who want to boost their health.
About Zhou Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Prostate Health Complex
Zhou Nutrition has a diverse range of health products and supplements that come with the promise of quality. Their Saw Palmetto supplement is one such product that contains pure powder and extracts from the plant’s berries.
Ideal for men over the age of 40, the supplement says that it can regulate urinary flow, improve prostate health, and even result in better hair growth. Crafted by experts for maximum benefit to prostate health, this supplement is made in Utah under GMP guidelines and is verified by labs for consistent quality. Made entirely with non-GMO ingredients, the supplement is also free of gluten.
What it Contains:
One serving size of the supplement has:
- Saw Palmetto Berries (Powder) – 450 mg
- Saw Palmetto Berries (Extract 45% Fatty Acids) – 50 mg
The only other ingredients present are gelatin and vegetable magnesium stearate.
A single unit of the product carries 100 capsules, and you are recommended to take one capsule each day. In other words, you get 100 days of capsules per bottle.
You have to take the supplement with a meal, or as your doctor suggests. The supplement also comes with a 6-day money-back guarantee.
The Pros:
- 60 days money-back guarantee
- Made in the USA
- Pure saw palmetto formula
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
Summary: Ideal for men over 40, Zhou Nutrition’s Saw Palmetto Prostate Health Complex is a great product for men who are beginning to age. The company says that it will improve urinary and prostate health and offer better hair growth.
6. Best Budget Saw Palmetto Supplement: Swanson’s Saw Palmetto Supplement
Since saw palmetto is indigenous to few regions, most saw palmetto supplements tend to be priced on the higher side due to limited availability. Thus, an affordable variant that doesn’t compromise on quality is essential for those who intend to take the supplement for the long-term.
About Swanson’s Saw Palmetto Supplement
For more than half a century, Swanson has been providing quality health products made with scientifically-backed ingredients. The company has gained the trust of its customers by providing consistent quality at affordable prices for decades.
All their products are GMP-certified and also tested by third-party laboratories for purity and potency.
Their Saw Palmetto supplement is unique. It provides only pure whole saw palmetto berry powder, which most other products offer in combination with other active ingredients. Claiming to improve the health of the urinary tract and prostate, the supplement may also help men with age-related hairball issues.
What it Contains:
One serving size, which is a single capsule, contains 540 mg of the whole saw palmetto berry powder. The only other constituent of the supplement is gelatin.
You are suggested to take one capsule twice or thrice every day with water. The supplement comes in packs of 100 and 250 tablets. There is also a 100% 30-day money-back guarantee on the product.
The Pros:
- 30-days money-back guarantee
- Whole saw palmetto berry powder
- Tested for quality and purity
- Made as per GMP guidelines
Summary: One of the most cost-effective saw palmetto supplements in the market, Swanson’s Saw Palmetto Supplement offers whole saw palmetto berry powder. People who have to take the supplement for a sustained period may consider this without worrying about the high price, as compared to similar products.
The Recommended Dosage of Saw Palmetto Supplements
Saw palmetto berries, in various forms, have been consumed for a very long time now, and even though they do not pose any risk, their impact is yet to be studied scientifically.
On the other hand, while saw palmetto supplements have been researched extensively, few studies have been able to ascertain the right quantity of the dosage.
What complicates matters further is that there are various types of saw palmetto supplements available in the market. These include, but may not be limited to, dried berries, tea, capsules, extracted oils, and concentrated extracts.
On average, daily doses in the range of 160 to 320 mg have been found to be the most effective (4), (5), (6).
One potential caveat here is that most of the studies conducted to determine the efficiency of the right saw palmetto dosage have been conducted with men only. This means that it cannot be said with certainty whether women will benefit from the same dosage and quantity as well (7).
Thus, we require more comprehensive studies that determine the right dosage of saw palmetto supplements in both men and women.
Summary: While there is little consensus on the safe daily dosage limit of saw palmetto supplements for the best results, generally, the range between 160 to 320 mg is considered useful. However, you must consult your physician before starting saw palmetto supplements to determine the ideal dosage for you.
Potential Side Effects of Saw Palmetto Supplements
People who take saw palmetto supplements have experienced adverse effects such as headache, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, lower sexual drive, and vertigo. However, most of these symptoms are usually seen at the onset of the intake and tend to be mild and reversible (8).
Some isolated cases of saw palmetto supplement consumption has also resulted in more severe symptoms like liver damage, brain bleeding, pancreatitis, and even death. But, saw palmetto supplements haven’t been exclusively held accountable for these side effects (9), (10), (11), (12).
In women, saw palmetto supplements administered to treat hair loss led to hot flashes as well (13), (14).
Furthermore, saw palmetto has also been considered a factor for birth defects and abnormal development of male genitals in some studies (15).
As a precaution, you must not take saw palmetto supplements on your own or above the recommended dosage. Always consult your physician to know if you require them and decide the dosage.
People who have issues related to the prostate or cancer must particularly keep this in mind, as saw palmetto might interfere with other medicines. Similarly, children and pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking this supplement.
Remember, like other health supplements, saw palmetto supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
Summary: Since saw palmetto has been consumed for hundreds of years, they are generally safe for most people. However, some people may experience headaches, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, lower sexual drive, vertigo, or other severe symptoms. People must exercise caution before taking saw palmetto supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Saw Palmetto Supplements
Are There any Natural Sources of Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto trees are indigenous to parts of North America and are found only in places like Florida, Georgia, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The tree’s berries, which have a large seed, are the only natural source of the compound.
The berries have been used by Native Americans for their nutritional, health, and aphrodisiac values for centuries. The only way to take saw palmetto naturally is in the form of berries (fresh or dried), extracts, oils, and tea infusions.
Most reputed supplement manufacturers source saw palmetto and extract oils from berries to use in saw palmetto supplements.
How do Saw Palmetto Supplements Impact Testosterone Levels?
Saw palmetto is used to treat prostate and urinary function-related health issues and is sometimes used to improve low sperm count, reduce libido, inflammation, and hair loss. It is widely believed that saw palmetto helps enhance sexual drive by blocking enzymes that lead to testosterone’s breakdown.
It also reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone in the body, which can ultimately reduce hair loss. Thus, overall, saw palmetto supplements improve testosterone levels in the human body (both men and women).
However, it may interfere with other medications or supplements as well. Furthermore, in some isolated cases, people who take saw palmetto supplements for prostate-related health problems experienced lower libido as well.
Should I Take Saw Palmetto Supplements for Treating Skin Problems?
Saw palmetto contains high levels of essential fatty acids that nourish the skin and may help relieve acne breakouts in people who have oily skins.
Along with a host of other seeds and oils, it has shown beneficial results in reducing oily skin and acne caused by hormonal imbalances, like enhanced androgen levels (16).
However, it is important to note that the study was conducted more than 14 years ago with just 20 participants. There is no other medical study that affirms this notion, and most people believe anecdotal, or word-of-mouth evidence before taking saw palmetto supplements for acne.
In addition to some side effects mentioned above, saw palmetto supplements have also worsened skin conditions in some people. Hence, it is best to limit its usage only under medical expert supervision and guidance.
Are Saw Palmetto Supplements Safe for Women?
Saw palmetto is considered to be beneficial for prostate health and hair loss in men. Since it increases testosterone levels in the body by suppressing the production of dihydrotestosterone, it can be used to improve the hormone level in both men and women.
However, women should be extra careful while taking saw palmetto supplements. This is because it may interact with other hormones and other medications, like birth control pills.
The FDA and the American Pregnancy Association strongly recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women against taking saw palmetto (17).
Thus, women should avoid it unless directly prescribed by a physician.
The Final Note
Saw palmetto supplements are readily available over the counter and are believed to treat a diverse range of health issues, ranging from prostate problems to hair loss. Although they have been consumed in their natural form for a long time, today, they are usually available in the form of capsules and oils.
There is little evidence to back the claims made by manufacturers, and the medical fraternity needs to undertake more studies to establish the benefits, dosage conclusively, and side effects of saw palmetto. These studies must also take into account the impact of the supplements on women’s bodies.
You should evaluate and examine the claims of all supplements before consuming them and avoid self-medication. Always consult your physician before taking saw palmetto supplements and determining the right dosage for you.
Thus, like other health supplements, you need to be careful and scrutinize the ingredients and composition before making your choice.
Saw palmetto might have many health benefits for the human body. But it needs to be taken under supervision, and only on the recommendation of your doctor.