At a Glance
- Best Overall NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg – an extract with at least 85% fatty acids, taken twice a day: the same 160 mg twice-daily schedule used in the largest US trial.Review ↓
- Best 85–95% Standardized Doctor’s Best Saw Palmetto – 320 mg of extract standardized to 85–95% fatty acids in one softgel.Review ↓
- Best Practitioner Brand Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320 – 320 mg of extract (85% fatty acids) in a softgel made only of gelatin, glycerin and water.Review ↓
- Best Vegan Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto – a CO2 extract giving 320 mg of fatty acids a day in vegan liquid capsules.Review ↓
- Best Third-Party Verified Flomentum Saw Palmetto – 320 mg of CO2 extract with the USP Verified mark.Review ↓
- Best Organic Zazzee Organic Saw Palmetto – a USDA Organic 20:1 extract in one vegan capsule a day.Review ↓
The Short Answer: Choose a liposterolic extract standardized to 85–95% fatty acids at 320 mg a day: that is the form and dose used in the major trials23. Our top pick is NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg, taken twice a day. Be realistic about results: a 2023 Cochrane review of 27 trials found that saw palmetto makes little or no difference to urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate compared with placebo1, and the evidence for hair loss is limited45.
On this page
- Do You Actually Need a Saw Palmetto Supplement?
- Find Your Match
- Saw Palmetto Supplements Compared
- The 7 Best Saw Palmetto Supplements, Reviewed
- Products We Didn’t Recommend
- Evidence Scorecard
- How to Take Saw Palmetto
- Safety, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
- How to Choose a Saw Palmetto Supplement
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
We compared 15 saw palmetto supplements and checked each label’s extract type, fatty acid content and daily dose against the research. Each product gets a BFN Score relative to the others in this guide. Our review process explains how we score.
Do You Actually Need a Saw Palmetto Supplement?
Most men take saw palmetto for frequent urination, weak flow or getting up at night, which are typical symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best trials don’t support it for that purpose. In the STEP trial of 225 men, 160 mg twice a day for a year did no better than placebo on symptoms, urine flow or prostate size2, and NCCIH concludes it is probably not helpful for BPH4. For hair loss, one 2-year study found that 38% of men taking 320 mg a day had more hair, compared with 68% of men taking finasteride5.
A saw palmetto supplement may still be worth trying if:
- You have mild urinary symptoms, your doctor has ruled out other causes, and you want to try a well-tolerated option first
- You want a nonprescription option for mild male pattern hair loss and accept the limited evidence
- You can take it consistently for 2 to 3 months before judging it
Who Should Skip It (or Ask First)
- Anyone with new urinary symptoms, blood in the urine or pain: see a doctor first to rule out infection or cancer
- Men taking finasteride, dutasteride or other prostate medicines: ask your doctor before adding saw palmetto
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: saw palmetto may be unsafe4
- People taking any prescription medicine: ask your pharmacist, because herbs can interact with medicines4
For a closer look at the research, see saw palmetto for BPH: what the research shows and how long saw palmetto takes to work.
Find Your Match
| If you… | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want the trial form and dose at a low cost | NOW Saw Palmetto 160 mg | 160 mg twice a day, at least 85% fatty acids |
| Prefer one softgel a day | Doctor’s Best Saw Palmetto | 320 mg, 85–95% fatty acids |
| Want the simplest ingredient list | Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320 | Extract plus gelatin capsule only |
| Avoid gelatin | Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto | Vegan capsule, CO2 extract |
| Want independent quality verification | Flomentum Saw Palmetto | USP Verified mark |
| Want an organic product | Zazzee Organic Saw Palmetto | USDA Organic, one capsule a day |
| Are a woman with thinning hair | Havasu Saw Palmetto for Women | Saw palmetto plus biotin |
Saw Palmetto Supplements Compared
Scroll sideways to see every column →
| # | Product | Extract Type | Fatty Acids | Daily Dose | Form | Testing | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NOW Saw Palmetto 160 mg | Berry extract | Min. 85% | 320 mg (2 softgels) | Softgel (bovine gelatin) | GMP audited by Intertek | $$$ |
| 2 | Doctor’s Best Saw Palmetto | Berry extract | 85–95% | 320 mg (1 softgel) | Softgel (gelatin) | “Third-party tested” (lab not named) | $$$ |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320 | Berry extract | 85% | 320 mg (1 softgel) | Softgel (gelatin) | Not shown on listing images | $$$ |
| 4 | Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto | Supercritical CO2 extract | 160 mg per capsule | 376 mg extract (2 capsules) | Vegan liquid capsule | Purity and heavy metal testing claimed | $$$ |
| 5 | Flomentum Saw Palmetto | Supercritical CO2 extract | Not shown | 320 mg (1 softgel) | Softgel | USP Verified mark | $$$ |
| 6 | Zazzee Organic Saw Palmetto | 20:1 organic extract | 45% | 300 mg (1 capsule) | Vegan capsule | Certified organic | $$$ |
| 7 | Havasu Saw Palmetto for Women | Berry powder + extract blend | 45% (extract part) | 1,500 mg blend (2 capsules) | Vegan capsule | Not shown on listing images | $$$ |
Cost tiers per day at the label dose: $ under $0.30 · $$ $0.30–$1.00 · $$$ over $1.00 (checked November 2026).
The 7 Best Saw Palmetto Supplements, Reviewed
#1Best Overall
1. NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg
BFN Score9.6/10
$$$Budget120 servings2 softgels per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atPurity & additives
NOW gives 160 mg of saw palmetto berry extract with at least 85% fatty acids per softgel, taken twice a day with food. That matches the extract type and the 160 mg twice-daily schedule used in the STEP trial2, at the lowest cost per day on our list.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Saw palmetto berry extract (Serenoa repens), min. 85% fatty acids
- Dose per serving
- 160 mg per softgel; 2 softgels a day = 320 mg
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 160 mg twice-daily dose in the STEP trial2 and the 320 mg standard dose3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or upper limit
- Purity testing
- GMP audited by Intertek; no product-specific test shown
- Other ingredients
- Softgel capsule (bovine gelatin, glycerin, water, caramel color), organic extra virgin olive oil
- Additives
- Minor (caramel color)
- Allergens & diet
- Not vegetarian (bovine gelatin)
- Safety flags
- Label advises adults only and asking a doctor if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication
Clinical Relevance
In the STEP trial, 225 men over 49 with moderate-to-severe BPH symptoms took 160 mg of extract twice a day or placebo for a year. Symptom scores, urine flow and prostate size did not differ between the groups, and side effects were similar2. If you want to try saw palmetto anyway, this is the form and dose that was tested.
Strengths
- Trial-matched extract and dosing schedule
- Lowest cost per day on our list
- Small softgels
Limitations
- Two softgels a day
- Contains caramel color
- Not suitable for vegetarians
Practical Details
Take one softgel twice a day with food. Taking it with a meal helps avoid an aftertaste.
Best For / Not For
Best formen who want to try saw palmetto in its studied form at a low cost.
Not forvegetarians, or anyone who wants a once-a-day product.
Buyer Experience
Buyers say it works well, including for night-time urination, and that the softgels are easy to swallow and good value.
Some received softgels stuck together, and a few mention a saw palmetto aftertaste when it is taken without food.
vs. Doctor’s Best Saw Palmetto
Both use an extract with at least 85% fatty acids at 320 mg a day. NOW costs less per day; Doctor’s Best is one softgel instead of two.
Nutritionist’s Note
Store the bottle somewhere cool. Heat can make softgels soften and stick together.
Verdict: The studied form and dose of saw palmetto at the lowest cost per day.
#2Best 85–95% Standardized
2. Doctor’s Best Saw Palmetto
BFN Score9.5/10
$$$Mid-range60 servings1 softgel per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atQuality & testing
Doctor’s Best gives 320 mg of saw palmetto berry extract (Prosterol), standardized to 85–95% total fatty acids, in a single softgel. The only other ingredients are the gelatin, glycerin and water of the softgel.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Saw palmetto berry extract (Prosterol), standardized to 85–95% total fatty acids
- Dose per serving
- 320 mg
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 320 mg standard daily dose3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or upper limit
- Purity testing
- “Third-party tested for purity and potency” (lab not named)
- Other ingredients
- Softgel capsule (gelatin, glycerin, purified water)
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free; not vegetarian (gelatin)
- Safety flags
- None on the label
Clinical Relevance
320 mg a day of a standardized extract was the starting dose in the CAMUS trial of 369 men. After 72 weeks, including increases to 640 mg and then 960 mg, symptom scores improved by 2.2 points with saw palmetto and 3.0 points with placebo3.
Strengths
- Tightest stated fatty acid range (85–95%)
- One softgel a day
- Clean ingredient list
Limitations
- Testing lab not named
- Costs more per day than NOW
- Not vegetarian
Practical Details
Take one softgel a day, with or without food.
Best For / Not For
Best formen who want a single daily softgel of a standardized extract.
Not forvegetarians.
Buyer Experience
Buyers report fewer bathroom trips at night, better sleep and good value.
Some report stomach upset, and several mention issues with ease of use.
vs. Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320
Both are clean 320 mg softgels with at least 85% fatty acids. Doctor’s Best states a tighter range and costs much less per day.
Nutritionist’s Note
If you are also using finasteride or another prostate medicine, tell your doctor before adding saw palmetto.
Verdict: A clean, once-daily standardized extract at a fair price.
#3Best Practitioner Brand
3. Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320
BFN Score9.4/10
$$$Mid-range120 servings1 softgel per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atValue & practicality
Pure Encapsulations gives 320 mg of saw palmetto extract standardized to 85% total fatty acids in each softgel. It’s a practitioner brand, and its listing says its products are made without common allergens, artificial colors or magnesium stearate.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract (fruit), standardized to 85% total fatty acids
- Dose per serving
- 320 mg
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 320 mg standard daily dose3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or upper limit
- Purity testing
- Not shown on the listing images we checked
- Other ingredients
- Gelatin capsule (gelatin, glycerin, water)
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- Gluten-free, non-GMO; not vegetarian (gelatin)
- Safety flags
- None on the label
Clinical Relevance
The label allows 1 to 2 softgels a day. The higher dose isn’t supported: in the CAMUS trial, raising the dose from 320 mg to 960 mg a day did not improve symptoms more than placebo3.
Strengths
- Simplest ingredient list on our list
- Practitioner brand
- 120 softgels per bottle
Limitations
- Highest cost per day among the softgels
- Testing details not shown on the listing
- Not vegetarian
Practical Details
Take one softgel a day between meals, as the label suggests.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople with allergies or sensitivities who want the fewest ingredients.
Not forbudget buyers.
Buyer Experience
Buyers praise its quality and the brand, and many say it helps with prostate symptoms.
The price is the most common complaint, and some mention a sour smell, which is typical of saw palmetto extract.
vs. NOW Saw Palmetto 160 mg
Same 320 mg daily dose of an 85% extract. Pure has no colorings and is one softgel a day; NOW costs far less.
Nutritionist’s Note
A sour or strong smell is normal for saw palmetto extract. A softgel that tastes rancid or has changed color should be thrown away.
Verdict: The cleanest 320 mg softgel, if you’re willing to pay for the brand.
#4Best Vegan
4. Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto
BFN Score9.1/10
$$$Premium30 servings2 capsules per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atValue & practicality
Gaia uses a supercritical CO2 extract of saw palmetto berries in a vegan liquid capsule. Each capsule gives 188 mg of extract providing 160 mg of fatty acids, so the suggested two capsules a day give 320 mg of fatty acids.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Saw palmetto berry supercritical CO2 extract
- Dose per serving
- 188 mg extract (160 mg fatty acids) per capsule; 2 capsules a day = 376 mg extract (320 mg fatty acids)
- Dose vs. research
- Provides about the fatty acid content of 320 mg of an 85–95% extract3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or upper limit
- Purity testing
- Brand states testing for purity, potency and heavy metals; no certificate shown
- Other ingredients
- Sunflower seed lecithin (350 mg), vegan capsule (hypromellose)
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- Vegan; gluten-, dairy- and soy-free
- Safety flags
- None on the label
Clinical Relevance
Gaia’s extract isn’t a branded trial extract, but it states its fatty acid content per capsule, which lets you compare it directly with the standardized extracts used in the trials23.
Strengths
- Only fully vegan liquid capsule on our list
- Fatty acid content stated in milligrams
- No fillers beyond sunflower lecithin
Limitations
- Highest cost per day on our list
- 60 capsules last only 30 days at the label dose
Practical Details
Take one capsule twice a day, as the label suggests.
Best For / Not For
Best forvegans and vegetarians who want an extract rather than berry powder.
Not forbudget buyers.
Buyer Experience
Buyers trust the brand’s quality, and some women say they use it for hair.
Price is the most common complaint.
vs. Zazzee Organic Saw Palmetto
Both are vegan. Gaia provides far more fatty acids per day; Zazzee is organic and costs much less.
Nutritionist’s Note
Sunflower lecithin makes Gaia a good choice for people who avoid soy lecithin.
Verdict: The best vegan option for getting a trial-level amount of fatty acids, at a premium price.
#5Best Third-Party Verified
5. Flomentum Saw Palmetto
BFN Score9.0/10
$$$Mid-range90 servings1 softgel per serving
Strongest atQuality & testingWeakest atPurity & additives
Flomentum gives 320 mg of saw palmetto oil extract made by supercritical CO2 extraction, according to the listing. It carries the USP Verified mark, which means USP checked that the product contains what the label says and meets its purity standards. Few saw palmetto supplements have it.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Saw palmetto oil extract, supercritical CO2 (per listing)
- Dose per serving
- 320 mg (per listing)
- Dose vs. research
- Matches the 320 mg standard daily dose3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or upper limit
- Purity testing
- USP Verified mark
- Other ingredients
- Not shown on the listing images we checked
- Additives
- Not assessed
- Allergens & diet
- Not assessed
Clinical Relevance
Flomentum’s 320 mg dose matches the trials, but its marketing goes beyond the evidence. The Cochrane review found little to no difference from placebo in urinary symptoms at 3 to 6 months or after a year1.
Strengths
- USP Verified: independent check of what’s in the bottle
- Once-daily dose
Limitations
- Supplement Facts and fatty acid percentage not shown on the listing
- Marketing claims are stronger than the evidence
- More mixed buyer feedback than our other picks
Practical Details
Take one softgel a day with food.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople who want independent verification of quality.
Not foranyone who wants to check the full ingredient list before buying.
Buyer Experience
Buyers value the USP verification and easy-to-swallow softgels, and some report fewer trips to the bathroom at night and a stronger stream.
Some noticed no change, and a few report leaking softgels.
vs. Doctor’s Best Saw Palmetto
Flomentum has the stronger quality verification; Doctor’s Best shows its full label and costs less.
Nutritionist’s Note
You can check any USP Verified claim on USP’s website before buying.
Verdict: The best pick if independent verification matters most to you, despite a missing label on the listing.
#6Best Organic
6. Zazzee Organic Saw Palmetto
BFN Score8.8/10
$$$Budget120 servings1 capsule per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atEvidence fit
Zazzee gives 300 mg of a USDA Organic 20:1 saw palmetto extract with 45% fatty acids in one vegan capsule. That is about 135 mg of fatty acids a day, well below the roughly 270–300 mg in 320 mg of an 85–95% extract.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Organic saw palmetto 20:1 extract (fruit), 45% fatty acids
- Dose per serving
- 300 mg
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or upper limit
- Purity testing
- Certified organic; no product test shown
- Other ingredients
- Organic pullulan (vegetarian capsule), organic bamboo silica, organic rice hulls
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- Vegan; made without wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts or sesame
- Safety flags
- Label advises against use in pregnancy
Clinical Relevance
The trials used extracts with at least 85% fatty acids23. A 45% extract hasn’t been studied in the same way. Note that the product title says 40% fatty acids, while the Supplement Facts panel says 45%.
Strengths
- USDA Organic and vegan
- One capsule a day; a bottle lasts 4 months
- Low cost per day
Limitations
- About half the fatty acids of the trial extracts
- Title and label give different fatty acid percentages
Practical Details
Take one capsule a day, preferably with food.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople who want an organic, vegan product.
Not foranyone who wants to match the trial extracts.
Buyer Experience
Buyers report better urinary flow, fewer trips at night, easy-to-swallow capsules and good value.
Complaints are few.
vs. Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto
Both are vegan. Zazzee is organic and much cheaper; Gaia gives more than twice the fatty acids per day.
Nutritionist’s Note
If you choose Zazzee, judge it after 2 to 3 months. Taking extra capsules isn’t recommended on the label.
Verdict: A low-cost organic and vegan option with a weaker extract.
#7Best for Women
7. Havasu Saw Palmetto for Women
BFN Score8.2/10
$$$Mid-range60 servings2 capsules per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atEvidence fit
Havasu combines a 1,500 mg saw palmetto blend (berry powder plus a 45% fatty acid extract) with 5,000 mcg of biotin in two vegan capsules. It’s aimed at women with thinning hair. The label doesn’t say how much of the blend is extract.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- Saw palmetto blend (powder and extract, 45% fatty acids), biotin
- Dose per serving
- 1,500 mg blend; 5,000 mcg biotin
- Dose vs. research
- Split between powder and extract not stated; saw palmetto has not been well studied in women
- % DV / Upper Limit
- Biotin 16,667% DV (no upper limit set)
- Purity testing
- Not shown on the listing images we checked
- Other ingredients
- Hypromellose (capsule), magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide
- Additives
- Minor
- Allergens & diet
- Vegan; free of major allergens
Clinical Relevance
Hair studies of saw palmetto were done in men5, and NCCIH calls the evidence too limited to draw conclusions4. There’s little evidence that extra biotin helps hair unless you are deficient, and high doses can interfere with lab tests, including thyroid and heart tests7.
Strengths
- Only women’s formula on our list
- Clear lab-test warning on the label
- Vegan
Limitations
- Blend doesn’t show how much is extract
- Very high biotin dose
- Little research in women
Practical Details
Take two capsules a day with a meal. Tell your doctor you take biotin before any blood test.
Best For / Not For
Best forwomen with mild hair shedding who want to try saw palmetto.
Not forwomen who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
Buyer Experience
Buyers report thicker hair, stronger nails and easy-to-swallow capsules.
Opinions on value and side effects are mixed, and some report headaches or a strong smell.
vs. Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto
Gaia is a stronger, cleaner extract without biotin. Havasu adds biotin and is designed for women.
Nutritionist’s Note
Hair shedding in women has many causes, including low iron and thyroid problems. Ask your doctor to check these before trying a supplement.
Verdict: A women’s hair formula with a vague blend and a lab-test warning to take seriously.
Products We Didn’t Recommend
- Nutricost Organic Saw Palmetto 1,000 mg: the listing calls it an extract, but the Supplement Facts panel lists saw palmetto powder.
- Havasu Saw Palmetto for Men and Nature’s Craft Extra Strength: both use 500 mg blends or powders without a clear standardized extract dose.
Products We Considered
- Swanson Saw Palmetto 320 mg: a 320 mg CO2 extract (85% fatty acids), but it adds pumpkin seed oil and has far fewer buyer reviews than our picks.
- Nature’s Craft Saw Palmetto for Women: 500 mg of berry powder with maca, bamboo silica, biotin and zinc.
- Designs for Health and Life Extension PalmettoGuard: multi-ingredient prostate formulas.
- Triquetra Saw Palmetto Extract: a standardized extract we already cover in our pumpkin seed oil with saw palmetto guide.
- Nature’s Bounty Saw Palmetto 450 mg: whole berry powder rather than an extract.
Evidence Scorecard
| Use | What the research shows | Evidence level |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary symptoms of BPH | Little to no difference vs. placebo at 3–6 and 12–17 months1 | High certainty, no benefit1 |
| Urine flow and prostate size | No difference vs. placebo after 1 year2 | High (large trials) |
| Higher doses (up to 960 mg) | No better than placebo over 72 weeks3 | High (large trial) |
| Male pattern hair loss | 38% improved vs. 68% with finasteride over 2 years5 | Low (one open-label study) |
| Saw palmetto oil, 320 mg (small trial) | Symptom scores improved from baseline by 3 months; urine flow improved by 12 months, in 47 Korean men6 | Low (small trial) |
| Hair loss in women | No good trials | Very low |
| Safety | Mild, infrequent side effects14 | Moderate to high |
How to Take Saw Palmetto
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Studied dose | 320 mg a day of an 85–95% fatty acid extract, often split into 160 mg twice a day23 |
| Best time | With food, to avoid stomach upset or aftertaste |
| How long to try | 2 to 3 months; stop if you notice no change |
| Higher dose? | No benefit seen up to 960 mg a day3 |
| Whole berry powder? | Contains far fewer fatty acids per milligram than an extract |
Safety, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
| Issue | What to know | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Common side effects | Stomach upset, dizziness, headache; mild and infrequent4 | Take with food |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | May be unsafe4 | Avoid |
| Prostate medicines (finasteride, dutasteride) | Not well studied together | Ask your doctor first |
| Other medicines | Herbs can interact with medicines4 | Ask your pharmacist |
| Biotin-containing formulas | Biotin can distort some lab tests7 | Stop as directed before blood tests |
| New urinary symptoms | Can signal infection or cancer | See a doctor before self-treating |
How to Choose a Saw Palmetto Supplement
Form and Absorption
Look for “extract” and a fatty acid percentage on the Supplement Facts panel. The trials used extracts concentrated to at least 85% fatty acids23. “Saw palmetto berries” or “powder” means ground fruit.
Dose and % DV
There is no DV. Aim for 320 mg a day of an 85–95% fatty acid extract, or about 270–300 mg of fatty acids.
Purity Testing
A USP Verified or NSF Certified mark means an independent lab checked the product. Few saw palmetto supplements have one.
Additives and Allergens
Most softgels use gelatin. Vegans should look for hypromellose or pullulan capsules.
Other Nutrients
Single-ingredient products make it easier to tell what helps. Biotin in “hair” formulas can interfere with lab tests7.
Cost per Effective Dose
Compare cost per 320 mg of standardized extract, not per capsule. A cheap 1,000 mg powder capsule can contain fewer fatty acids than a 160 mg extract softgel.
Label Red Flags
- “Blend” with no split between powder and extract
- No fatty acid percentage
- “Clinically proven” prostate claims
- Very high milligram numbers from berry powder
Important: These supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results vary by individual. If you have a health condition or take medications, check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine.
For related reading, see saw palmetto for hair loss, the best pumpkin seed oil supplements and the best prostate supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best saw palmetto supplement?
Our top pick is NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg: an extract with at least 85% fatty acids, taken twice a day, which matches the form and dose used in the STEP trial2. Doctor’s Best is the best once-a-day option.
What should I look for in a high-quality saw palmetto supplement?
An extract standardized to 85–95% fatty acids, 320 mg a day, a clear Supplement Facts panel, and ideally an independent quality mark such as USP Verified. Avoid blends that don’t state how much is extract.
Does saw palmetto work for an enlarged prostate?
Is saw palmetto good for hair loss?
The evidence is limited. In a 2-year study, 38% of men taking 320 mg a day had more hair, compared with 68% taking finasteride5. NCCIH says there isn’t enough evidence to draw conclusions4. See our saw palmetto for hair loss guide.
What is the best saw palmetto for women?
Few studies have looked at women. Havasu Saw Palmetto for Women is made for women’s hair, while Gaia Herbs is a stronger single-ingredient vegan option. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid saw palmetto4.
Final Verdict
The best saw palmetto supplement is NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg: the standardized extract and twice-daily dose used in the trials, at the lowest cost per day. Doctor’s Best is the best once-daily softgel, and Gaia Herbs is the best vegan choice. Keep your expectations modest, and see a doctor about any new urinary symptoms.
Sources & History
References
- Franco JVA et al. Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023
- Bent S et al. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia (STEP) — New England Journal of Medicine, 2006
- Barry MJ et al. Effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trial (CAMUS) — JAMA, 2011
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Saw Palmetto
- Rossi A et al. Comparative effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study — International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 2012
- Hong H et al. Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia — Nutrition Research and Practice, 2009
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Biotin — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
Update history
- Rebuilt the guide around extract type and studied dose after comparing 15 products; new #1 (NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 160 mg); added Doctor’s Best, Pure Encapsulations, Gaia Herbs and Flomentum; removed powder and blend products; added an evidence scorecard, dosing table and safety table.













