Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Tier 2 — promising · BPH · Urinary symptoms · Prostate

One of the most popular prostate supplements in the world, but three Cochrane systematic reviews — including the most recent 2024 update — all concluded saw palmetto is no better than placebo for improving urinary flow or BPH symptoms. Despite strong marketing, it simply does not work. Consult your doctor about evidence-based options like alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Dose: 320 mg/day standardised extract (85–95% fatty acids); consistent Cochrane evidence shows no benefit over placebo