--- title: "Saw Palmetto: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Saw palmetto fruit extract may help urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement; raised INR has been reported with warfarin." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saw-palmetto/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) # Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens A Strong clinical evidence Saw palmetto fruit extract may help urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement; raised INR has been reported with warfarin. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **Unknown** Breastfeeding **Unknown** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance The EMA classes standardised saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) fruit extract as "well-established use" for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Use it with ready-made products after a doctor has ruled out serious disease. Long-term use is possible. **Parts used:** fruits **Key constituents:** Fatty Acids & Phytosterols Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - A Strong clinical evidence Standardised extract may help urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, after a doctor's assessment. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Food Ready-made product: 320 mg extract once daily or 160 mg twice daily. **Amount:** 1–2 times daily **Duration limit:** Long-term use is possible \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 18 years - See a doctor if urinary symptoms worsen or you get fever, cramps, blood in urine, painful urination or urinary retention. - The cause of prostate symptoms should first be assessed by a doctor. - There is no relevant use for women or under 18. \[1\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Warfarin | Raised INR has been reported in a few cases; monitor INR closely. [1] | Moderate | ### Side effects - Abdominal pain, nausea - Headache - Raised liver enzymes, skin rash (uncommon) - Reversible breast enlargement (uncommon) #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Saw palmetto's prostate use is accepted as "well-established" by the EMA only for a specific hexane extract. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Does saw palmetto help the prostate? Based on clinical data, the EMA accepts that saw palmetto extract may help urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. Can I take saw palmetto with warfarin? Raised INR has been reported in a few cases, so people on warfarin should ask their doctor and have INR checked. How long can it be used? Long-term use is possible; see a doctor if symptoms persist. When should I see a doctor? With fever, blood in urine, painful urination or if you cannot pass urine. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small, fructus](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-serenoa-repens-w-bartram-small-fructus_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2015 ### Cite This Page Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saw-palmetto/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Tribulus](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tribulus/) B Limited clinical evidence Tribulus terrestris The spiny fruit known as tribulus. It has not been shown to raise testosterone or muscle strength; small studies saw limited benefit for libido. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Pumpkin Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/) T Traditional use Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Small-Flowered Willowherb](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/small-flowered-willowherb/) T Traditional use Epilobium parviflorum Traditionally taken as a tea for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, after a doctor has ruled out serious conditions. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ferula Root Water](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ferula-root-water/) C Laboratory / animal evidence Ferula spp. A drink made from Ferula (çakşır) root, traditionally used for male sexual vigour. Its effect has only been studied in animals. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Floral Water](https://herbadex.com/en/form/floral-water/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Clay, Soap & Other) [Clay, Soap & Other →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Horse Chestnut](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horse-chestnut/) A Strong clinical evidence Aesculus hippocastanum Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Spirulina Powder](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/spirulina-powder/) B Limited clinical evidence Arthrospira platensis A protein-rich blue-green alga. Meta-analyses of small studies found modest falls in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; choose tested products. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Arnica](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/arnica/) T Traditional use Arnica montana Gels and creams with arnica flower are used only on the skin for bruises, sprains and localised muscle pain; never on broken skin or by mouth. [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Witch Hazel](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/witch-hazel/) T Traditional use Hamamelis virginiana Witch hazel leaf is used on the skin for minor inflammation and dryness, for haemorrhoid itching and burning, and as a mouth gargle. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.