Last update Sept. 7, 2025

Saw palmetto

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

The fruits from this palm tree with a high content of fatty acids (oleic, lauric, myristic, linoleic and linolenic acids) are used. They also contain flavonoids and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) that exert both an antiandrogenic and estrogenic action It is used for treatment of prostate hyperplasia. Also, without much scientific evidence, in androgenic alopecia and hirsutism, including polycystic ovary syndrome. (Zeng 2022, EMA 2015, Murugusundram 2009, Rossi 2012, Wessagowit 2016).

At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found.

t has been related to some problems such as hormonal disruption when it was used in girls (Morabito 2015), but mostly without serious side effects. (Agbabiaka 2009).

No likely risk when topically used, whenever it is not applied on the chest.

A moderate consumption would not represent a risk while breastfeeding. It may be prudent to avoid using it during the neonatal period (within first month after birth) and in cases of prematurity. 

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Saw palmetto is also known as


Saw palmetto in other languages or writings:

Groups

Saw palmetto belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Saw palmetto in its composition:

List of 6 tradenames

References

  1. Zeng LH, Rana S, Hussain L, Asif M, Mehmood MH, Imran I, Younas A, Mahdy A, Al-Joufi FA, Abed SN. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Disorder of Reproductive Age, Its Pathogenesis, and a Discussion on the Emerging Role of Herbal Remedies. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jul 18;13:874914. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. Wessagowit V, Tangjaturonrusamee C, Kootiratrakarn T, Bunnag T, Pimonrat T, Muangdang N, Pichai P. Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract. Australas J Dermatol. 2016 Abstract
  3. EMA. European Union herbal monograph on Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small, fructus Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Morabito P, Miroddi M, Giovinazzo S, Spina E, Calapai G. Serenoa repens as an Endocrine Disruptor in a 10-Year-Old Young Girl: A New Case Report. Pharmacology. 2015 Abstract
  5. EMA. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Serenoa Repens Herbal Monograph. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Rossi A, Mari E, Scarno M, Garelli V, Maxia C, Scali E, Iorio A, Carlesimo M. Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2012 Abstract
  7. Murugusundram S. Serenoa Repens: Does It have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2009 Abstract
  8. Agbabiaka TB, Pittler MH, Wider B, Ernst E. Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf. 2009 Abstract

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