Saw Palmetto
Serenoa repens (W.Bartram) Small
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a low, shrubby fan palm with fan-shaped, spiny-stemmed fronds and dark blue-black berries, native to the coastal southeastern United States.
Last reviewed August 8, 2026
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Is Saw Palmetto safe to use?
Saw palmetto has real hormone-related activity and can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control and estrogen therapy — women using hormonal contraception should be aware of this and use a backup method if combining the two. It is considered likely unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since it acts on hormone pathways, and should not be given to children. It has a mild blood-thinning effect and may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (case reports exist with warfarin specifically); stop use at least 2 weeks before any surgery. It may reduce iron absorption, so separate dosing from iron supplements by a few hours. If you have BPH symptoms, get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider before self-treating, since other prostate conditions can share similar symptoms — and check with your doctor before combining with prescription BPH medications like finasteride.
This is educational information, not medical advice. See our full Disclaimer before use.
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