Saw Palmetto
Research reviewed: up until 05/2023
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 467 participants, researched for Hair loss, BPH Symptoms, Hair & Scalp Health.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Hair loss
StrongBPH Symptoms
ModerateHair & Scalp Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Hair loss
To describe the effects of Saw Palmetto extract on hair loss conditions and its associated side effects. Intervention under study: Oral and topical supplements containing 100-320 mg/day Saw Palmetto Studies Reviewed: 5 randomised controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, and 1 case report
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To describe the effects of Saw Palmetto extract on hair loss conditions and its associated side effects. Intervention under study: Oral and topical supplements containing 100-320 mg/day Saw Palmetto Studies Reviewed: 5 randomised controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, and 1 case report
Results
The systematic review found associations between saw palmetto supplements and positive effects on patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) and telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event), such as improvements in hair quality by 60%, hair density, and hair count by 3.4 to 27%.
To compare the effects of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) with finasteride on treating male androgenetic alopecia
Study Type
Clinical trial (Uncontrolled)
Purpose
To compare the effects of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) with finasteride on treating male androgenetic alopecia
Dose
320 mg/day of saw palmetto or 1 mg/day finasteride per day
Participants
100 men aged 20 to 40 years
Duration
2 years
Results
The study found an association between that 320 mg/day of saw palmetto and an increase in crown hair growth in 38% of patients. 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.
To evaluate the efficacy of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) combined with alfuzosin versus alfuzosin alone in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
Study Type
Phase III, randomized, multicenter RCT
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) combined with alfuzosin versus alfuzosin alone in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
Dose
Serenoa repens hexanic extract 320 mg/day + Alfuzosin 10 mg/day vs Alfuzosin 10 mg/day alone
Participants
300 treatment-naive men with moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS > 7), prostate volume > 30 cc
Duration
12 months
Results
Combination therapy of saw palmetto with alfuzosin was significantly more effective than alfuzosin alone for LUTS relief from month 3 onward, with greater improvements in nocturia and Qmax
How They Measured It
International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), quality of life, sexual function (IIEF-5, MSHQ-Ej)
To assess beneficial effects of saw palmetto fruit extract on urinary symptoms in healthy Japanese adults with lower urinary tract symptoms
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT
Purpose
To assess beneficial effects of saw palmetto fruit extract on urinary symptoms in healthy Japanese adults with lower urinary tract symptoms
Dose
320 mg saw palmetto extract daily
Participants
67 healthy Japanese adults aged ≥50 years without BPH diagnosis
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Saw palmetto significantly decreased daytime urinary frequency and improved symptom bother score and quality of life
How They Measured It
Daytime urinary frequency, symptom bother score, quality of life assessment
BPH Symptoms
To assess therapeutic efficacy and safety of saw palmetto extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To assess therapeutic efficacy and safety of saw palmetto extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Dose
Saw palmetto extract (160 mg twice daily)
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs in men with BPH
Duration
Various study periods
Results
Saw palmetto extract improved urinary tract symptoms, nocturia, and urine flow in some populations. Peak urine flow improvements noted.
How They Measured It
Urinary tract symptoms, urine flow rate, prostate size
To evaluate saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Dose
Saw palmetto herbal blend
Participants
Men with symptomatic BPH
Duration
Study period
Results
Saw palmetto blend showed some benefit for BPH symptoms in studied population.
How They Measured It
BPH symptoms, urinary function
Hair & Scalp Health
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a proprietary bioactive fatty acids extract from saw palmetto for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Purpose
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a proprietary bioactive fatty acids extract from saw palmetto for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.
Dose
Saw palmetto fatty acids extract 160 mg twice daily
Participants
Adults with self-perceived thinning hair
Duration
90 days
Results
Saw palmetto extract significantly increased hair count, hair thickness, and reduced hair shedding compared to baseline over 90 days.
How They Measured It
Hair count, hair thickness, global assessment of hair loss, patient satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saw Palmetto research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), involving 467 total participants. Research covers Hair loss. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Saw Palmetto has been researched for: Hair loss. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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