Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
Also known as: Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata, saw palmetto oil extract, saw palmetto lipidosterolic extract
A lipid-sterol extract of saw palmetto berries, standardized to fatty acids, that is the most widely used botanical in men's prostate and urinary-comfort products. It has been tested in dozens of randomized trials at 320 mg per day; a Cochrane review concluded that it did not outperform placebo on urinary symptom scores at standard or escalated doses, so confidence in its clinical effect is tempered even though it remains commercially dominant. The extract is oily and suits softgels.
Research summary
Fatty acids and phytosterols are proposed to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and modulate androgen receptor activity in prostate tissue.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 320 mg | 960 mg | — |
320 mg per day of an 85 to 95% fatty-acid extract, as a single softgel or 160 mg twice daily with food. Trials in the Cochrane review used 320 mg per day, with one escalating to 960 mg without added benefit. Give at least 12 weeks before judging effect.
Standardization: 85–95% fatty acids and sterols
Source material: berry supercritical CO2 or hexane extract (oil)
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oil-based; softgel is the standard format. Powdered berry (not extract) exists for capsules but is a different ingredient.
Formulation notes
Frequently combined with beta-sitosterol, pumpkin seed oil, zinc, or nettle root. Rancidity is a concern; request peroxide values.
Sources
Related ingredients
Pumpkin Seed Extract
BotanicalPumpkin seed extract is derived from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo and is rich in phytosterols, tocopherols, and zinc-bearing proteins.
Typical: 500–1,000 mg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg
L-Selenomethionine
MineralThe organic selenium form found in Brazil nuts, grains, and selenium yeast, in which selenium replaces sulfur in the amino acid methionine.
Typical: 50–200 mcg
Zinc Picolinate
MineralZinc chelated with picolinic acid, a tryptophan metabolite that is proposed to aid mineral transport across the gut wall.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Biotin
VitaminBiotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as the cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes in fatty acid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism.
Typical: 300–5,000 mcg