Evidence brief · Supplement
Saw Palmetto for Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Evidence grade C — Trial 8–12 weeks
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
Assembled by the app from other entries in this library. It adds no evidence of its own — follow the links to the entries it draws on.
1 at grade C — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasiaEvidence grade C
Trial 8–12 weeks
Unclearmixed
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (grade C).
The evidence in words
The verdict
For benign prostatic hyperplasia, Saw Palmetto earns evidence grade C (unclear effect, mixed consistency) — the evidence is limited or mixed. Trial 8–12 weeks
How it might work
Proposed 5-alpha-reductase inhibition and anti-inflammatory effects on prostate tissue.
How to use it
320 mg/day of a standardized lipidosterolic extract, 8–12 week trial.
Safety & cautions
Well tolerated; mild GI upset; may affect PSA interpretation and has mild antiplatelet action.
Bottom line
Popular but largely placebo in the best trials. Worth a monitored trial for BPH; don't expect much.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- 320 mg/day lipidosterolic extract.
Goes with
- Saw PalmettoRead the full Saw Palmetto monographEvidence grade C
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Pygeum for Benign prostatic hyperplasiaEvidence grade C — ModestEvidence grade C
- Stinging Nettle for Benign prostatic hyperplasiaEvidence grade C — ModestEvidence grade C
- Pygeum for BPH urinary symptomsEvidence grade C — Older dataEvidence grade C
- Saw Palmetto for BPH urinary symptomsEvidence grade C — CAMUS nullEvidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own — it is assembled from the entries it links to, whose sources are on their pages.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.