Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is best known for its use in decreasing symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, BPH). Saw Palmetto is used for treating certain types of prostate infections. It is also sometimes used, in combination with other herbs, to treat prostate cancer. Some people use saw Palmetto for colds and coughs, sore throat, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and migraine headache. It is also used to increase urine flow (as a diuretic), to promote relaxation (as a sedative), and to enhance sexual drive (as an aphrodisiac).

• Saw Palmetto is available under the following different brand names: American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm (saw Palmetto), dwarf palm, juzhong, palmier nain, sabal fructus, sabal serrulata, serenoa repens, serenoa serrulata. 

Common side effects of Saw Palmetto include:

• Headache, 
• Nausea, 
• Diarrhea, and dizziness
• Constipation

Serious side effects of Saw Palmetto include:

• Nausea, 
• Diarrhea, 
• Dizziness,
• Bleeding during surgery

Rare side effects of Saw Palmetto include:

• None 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Suggested Dosing

• Whole berries: 1-2 g orally daily
• Lipophilic extract: 320 mg/day orally once a day OR 160 mg orally two times a day
• Standardized extracts of 100-400 mg orally two times a day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Saw Palmetto has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Saw Palmetto has serious interactions with no other drugs.
• Saw Palmetto has moderate interactions with at least 33 other drugs.
• Saw Palmetto has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • danazol
  • finasteride
  • fluoxymesterone
  • mesterolone
  • methyltestosterone
  • oxandrolone
  • oxymetholone
  • testosterone
  • testosterone buccal system
  • testosterone topical

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Pregnant women should avoid contact: potential for transdermal absorption, or exposure from semen.

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Saw Palmetto?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Saw Palmetto?”

Cautions

• None

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid use.
• Lactation
  • Avoid use.