Saw palmetto is an extract from the berries of a type of palm tree that grows in the warm climate of the southeast coast of the U.S. . Historically, saw palmetto was used for a variety of conditions, including disorders of the male and female reproductive organs and coughs due to various diseases. Currently, saw palmetto is promoted as a dietary supplement for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), as well as for chronic pelvic pain, migraine, hair loss, and other conditions. However, no saw palmetto product has been conclusively shown to be effective for BPH. Some of the uses and purported health benefits of saw palmetto are supported by science, while others are not. Here are some of the uses and effectiveness of saw palmetto that have been studied:

• Enlarged Prostate: Saw palmetto is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It contains plant-based chemicals that may be effective for BPH.

• Hair Loss: Saw palmetto may help prevent androgenic alopecia, a type of hair loss also known as male and female pattern baldness in men and women, respectively. It’s thought to work by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen-type hormone believed to cause this form of hair loss.

• Testosterone Levels: Saw palmetto is often used by people looking to naturally boost testosterone levels. Testosterone levels affect several aspects of health, including body composition, sex drive, mood, and brain function. Levels decline with age, and some research suggests that low levels contribute to health conditions such as heart disease.

Saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated by most users, but it may cause mild side effects, including digestive symptoms or headache. Saw palmetto may be unsafe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and little is known about the safety or side effects of saw palmetto when used for other conditions, especially in women or children. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto or any other dietary supplement.