The short answer is that based on the evidence, saw palmetto appears to have no effect in boosting your testosterone levels. And, if you’re worried about having low testosterone, consult your doctor to determine whether you need to take a hormone level test. They will help you determine the right course of treatment, if necessary.
A brief history of saw palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a shrub-like small palm tree found in the United States and heavily used in Native American cultures inhabiting the southeast. Its leaves were used in various applications such as cordage, housing, bedding, and other essential sundries
Moreover, the fruits of the saw palmetto were an important food source apart from being used to treat illnesses affecting the reproductive system, colds, asthma, and digestive issues for both Native American tribes and settlers alike.
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What are the purported effects of saw palmetto?
Results from several studies show that it may play a role in inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase (5a-R). 5a-R is an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent version of T. DHT plays an integral role in male sexual development, particularly in genital development and hair growth.
However, DHT is also linked to an increased risk of male pattern hair loss and prostate enlargement (also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy). Lowering DHT concentrations is how hair loss medicines like finasteride work. The same is true for prescription prostate enlargement medicines.
What is the relationship between saw palmetto and low T?
Testosterone is a key sex hormone that plays an integral role in muscle mass and bone development, sex drive, sperm production, and male sexual characteristics such as the development of the genitals and a deepening of the voice.
Testosterone levels decline naturally as men age. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to one in three men in their 60s are affected by low testosterone, with that number climbing higher as men age. As much as one in two men in their 80s, for instance, suffer from low testosterone levels. Given the statistics, it’s logical for men to try to find ways to maintain their T levels in the healthy range of the spectrum.
A few “testosterone booster” supplements available right now purportedly claim to contain extracts of saw palmetto that can help boost amounts of the hormone naturally. This claim arises from its supposed effect on 5a-R, which converts testosterone to DHT. The logic behind it is that since it blocks 5a-R, it may be able to increase T levels. But is this really the case?
In a study testing a supplement containing saw palmetto extract and astaxanthin, an antioxidant, testosterone levels increased, and DHT decreased through 14 days of taking the supplement.
It’s uncertain whether the supplement was really the cause of the increase in testosterone since the study wasn’t controlled with a placebo.
In another study, the same supplement reduced DHT compared with taking a placebo, but no significant changes in testosterone levels were recorded.
Yet another Italian study in 1988 showed no discernible changes in testosterone levels after a month of taking saw palmetto.
What do the studies indicate? It appears that saw palmetto is ineffective or has no effect in boosting T levels. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have or are concerned with low testosterone to determine whether you need treatment.
What is the relationship between saw palmetto and prostate enlargement (BPH)?
Saw palmetto is a popular treatment for the symptoms of prostate enlargement, also known as BPH. Men with BPH run into lower urinary tract problems such as weak urine pressure, incontinence, straining to urinate, pain while urinating, and frequent urination at night.
The risk of developing benign prostate hyperplasia rises as men age – half of the men in their 50s experience BPH symptoms. On the other hand, nearly nine in ten men in their 80s experience the same symptoms.
However, despite its reputation and popularity, saw palmetto hasn’t performed as well in clinical trials. Large, well-funded studies demonstrated its lack of effect compared to a placebo. An overview of over 30 randomized trials in patients with BPH showed that saw palmetto extract didn’t outperform the placebo in treating urinary tract symptoms or reducing prostate size.
The bottom line is that saw palmetto is simply ineffective for treating prostate enlargement. If you’re dealing with lower urinary tract symptoms or worried about prostate enlargement, consult your doctor to determine what your testing and treatment options are.
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What are the other purported benefits of saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto supposedly works for a number of health conditions such as:
- Prostate cancer. Saw palmetto hasn’t demonstrated any effects in treating prostate cancer despite its widespread use among prostate cancer patients.
- Prostatitis (prostate inflammation). Saw palmetto has not shown any tangible effects in treating prostatitis, a painful inflammation that causes a burning sensation and pain while urinating.
- Male pattern hair loss. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition affecting millions of men around the world that gets more common with age. In several small studies, saw palmetto has been shown to help increase hair density and growth despite its lack of use in treating hair loss. But the overall scientific consensus is that the evidence is weak to support the use of saw palmetto for hair loss.
What are the side effects of taking saw palmetto?
In general, saw palmetto is well-tolerated and safe, apart from mild side effects that include nausea, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, or dizziness. No known interactions have been found in other medications. However, the effects of saw palmetto use on women or children are unclear.
Breastfeeding or pregnant women are advised to avoid taking saw palmetto due to its hormone-regulating effects. Individuals slated to undergo surgery are also advised to stop taking the supplement at least two weeks before going under the knife since saw palmetto may increase bleeding risk in theory.
The FDA hasn’t approved the use of saw palmetto for any therapeutic purposes. Consult your healthcare provider and let them know if you plan to take saw palmetto.
