Does Saw Palmetto Work?

Does Saw Palmetto Work?

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an herbal remedy that is frequently used to treat an enlarged prostate (known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In addition to this use, saw palmetto is sometimes claimed to be useful for the following conditions:

 

Studies on Saw Palmetto

Of all the possible saw palmetto uses, only one has convincing scientific evidence proving the supplement's effectiveness. Even so, studies have shown conflicting results. Many studies have shown saw palmetto to be quite effective for treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (often as effective as prescription medications), and many studies have shown that saw palmetto is no more effective than a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient). There does not yet seem to be a consensus in the scientific community about this matter.

 

Even though there is little scientific evidence supporting the use of saw palmetto for hair loss, it may work for this use, based on the way saw palmetto works. In particular, the herbal supplement may work for male pattern baldness. Only one preliminary study has suggested that saw palmetto, in combination with beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol, may help with male pattern baldness. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that saw palmetto would work for other types of hair loss, however, such as hair loss in women.

 

There is little reason to believe that saw palmetto would work for a low sex drive or other sexual problems. In fact, saw palmetto may actually decrease sex drive or cause impotence, based on the way that the supplement works.

 

There is not enough evidence to recommend saw palmetto for nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, prostate cancer, or acne.