Herbal
Saw Palmetto
Also known as: Permixon, Serenoa repens (hair), Saw Palmetto (PCOS Antiandrogen), Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw palmetto extract is derived from the fruit of Serenoa repens and has been studied primarily for prostate and urinary health support. Evidence suggests modest benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, though results are mixed and effects may be modest compared to pharmaceutical alternatives.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Saw Palmetto product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320 | 91 A | $0.75 |
| 2 | NOW Foods Saw Palmetto Berries | 90 A | $0.16 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto Plus | 87 A | $1.78 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate | 84 A- | $2.23 |
| 5 | Nature's Way Saw Palmetto Berries | 84 A- | $0.17 |
| 6 | Bluebonnet Nutrition SAW PALMETTO BERRY EXTRACT | 84 A- | $0.70 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Men's Pure Pack | 82 A- | $3.08 |
| 8 | NOW Foods Clinical Strength Prostate Health | 82 A- | $0.97 |
| 9 | Herb Pharm Saw Palmetto | 81 A- | $0.11 |
| 10 | Vital Nutrients Saw Palmetto Pygeum Nettle Root | 81 A- | $2.05 |
| 11 | Gaia Herbs Prostate Health | 80 A- | $1.14 |
| 12 | Life Extension PalmettoGuard Saw Palmetto, Nettle Root and Beta-Sitosterol | 79 B+ | $0.35 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Saw Palmetto should I take?
The typical range is 320mg standardized extract daily (or 160mg 2x). 2-3 months for effect, ongoing
When should I take Saw Palmetto?
With meals. Yes, fat-soluble.
Which form of Saw Palmetto is best?
Standardized extract — 85-95% fatty acids. Other forms in the catalog: Capsules, Softgels, Standardized extract 85-95%, Permixon, CO2 extract, Extract powder, Liposterolic extract (LPS), Tablets.
Is Saw Palmetto safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Headache, Decreased libido (rare). Serious warnings: Get prostate checked - don't self-diagnose, May affect PSA. Safe
Which Saw Palmetto supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Saw Palmetto 320, at 91/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Hair loss
- DHT blocking
- Pattern baldness
- Thinning hair
- Hirsutism
- Antiandrogen
- DHT reduction
- Acne (androgen-related)
- BPH/enlarged prostate
- Urinary symptoms
- Prostate health
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms
How it works
- Inhibits 5-alpha reductase
- Reduces DHT
- Anti-inflammatory for prostate
- Improves urinary symptoms
Dosage
- Typical range
- 320mg standardized extract daily (or 160mg 2x)
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes, fat-soluble
- Duration
- 2-3 months for effect, ongoing
- Special populations
- Men with BPH, urinary symptoms
Forms
- Standardized extract
- Capsules
- Softgels
- Standardized extract 85-95%
- Permixon
- CO2 extract
- Extract powder· 70/100
- Liposterolic extract (LPS)· 70/100
- Tablets· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Headache
- Decreased libido (rare)
Contraindications
- Undiagnosed prostate issues (see doctor first)
- Surgery (blood thinning)
Products containing Saw Palmetto
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Saw Palmetto on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Strong evidence for BPH symptom improvement
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.