Comparisons
Saw Palmetto or African Cherry?
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and African cherry bark (Prunus africana) are extracts sold for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. Whichever is chosen, a doctor must first rule out serious disease. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | Saw PalmettoSerenoa repens | African Cherry BarkPrunus africana |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | — No rated benefit | B Limited clinical evidence |
| Needs | — | Men’s Health |
| Form | Clay, Soap & Other | Clay, Soap & Other |
| How to use | A clinician should first assess the cause of urinary symptoms. If a finished product is chosen, follow its own instructions and the clinician’s assessment. | The standardised bark extract is taken by mouth as capsules or tablets. Long-term use is possible; the bark itself is not prepared at home. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Unknown |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Unknown |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 18 | From age 18 |
| Drug interactions | Interactions reported | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Not stated | Not stated |
Which one, when?
Saw Palmetto
The EMA assesses one specific hexane extract under well-established use; yet a review of 27 studies found little or no benefit on its own for prostate symptoms. INR should be monitored in people taking warfarin.
Full card →African Cherry Bark
The EMA accepts its standardised bark extract for traditional use; a Cochrane review of 18 trials found moderate improvement in night-time urination and urine flow. The trials were small and short, with no comparison to standard medicines.
Full card →Good to know
- Both are for adult men only; there is no use in women or under 18.
- See a doctor at once for fever, cramps, blood in the urine, painful urination or inability to pass urine.
- Do not stop your prostate medicine without talking to your doctor.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small, fructusEMA HMPC · 2015 · MonographSource accessed:
- Saw Palmetto: Usefulness and SafetyNIH NCCIH · 2025 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- European Union herbal monograph on Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkm., cortexEMA HMPC · 2016 · MonographSource accessed:
- Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasiaCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2011 · Systematic reviewSource accessed: