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Dietary supplement

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bluebonnet

Softgel Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract is a dietary supplement by Bluebonnet with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) symptoms, urinary problems, hair loss.Based on those ingredients, 174 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Saw Palmetto Berry Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This softgel contains one active ingredient: saw palmetto berry extract. The extract also includes a few inactive ingredients — gelatin, glycerin, and water — that serve as the capsule and its fill.

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support prostate health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), Prostatitis, Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
  • The closest evidence on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Prostatitis, Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

The evidence for saw palmetto varies by use. For transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), it's possibly effective.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the data shows it's possibly ineffective. For chronic bronchitis, androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss), and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms, there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to know whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Saw Palmetto

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated, and side effects tend to be mild, infrequent, and reversible. The most common ones reported are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, decreased libido, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, rhinitis, and vomiting.

Rarely, cases of fixed drug eruptions (localized blisters and erosions on the skin), acne worsening, and cardiac effects have been reported — though most of these are uncommon. You should avoid this product during pregnancy because of possible hormonal effects and lack of safety data, and also avoid it while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Saw Palmetto

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Saw Palmetto.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 174 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) — saw palmetto may increase bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take estrogens or contraceptive drugs, as saw palmetto might reduce their effectiveness.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Saw palmetto might help with recovery after prostate surgery, but evidence for BPH is weak. The biggest caution is if you take blood thinners or birth control — this product could interfere with both.

If you're pregnant or nursing, skip it. Talk to your pharmacist if you're on any medications or have heart or blood pressure concerns.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Bluebonnet
Barcode (UPC) 743715013926
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 279515
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) No Allergies, Adult Male (18-50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
743715013926
IngredientAmount% DV
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract320 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Bluebonnet's Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract Softgels are formulated with a standardized extract of fatty acids and active sterols to help support prostate health.

Formulation

Sustainably wildcrafted

Free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Also free of corn, gluten, barley, rice, sodium and sugar.

Made in USA with domestic and imported ingredients.

Made with non GMO ingredients

Prostate support

Gluten free Soy free

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one softgel daily or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract

Interacts with
174 drugs
320 mg per serving Form: Fatty Acids, Sterols

Saw palmetto is a plant extract most often used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate (BPH). The best research suggests it works no bett...

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
174Drugs
174 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract3 drug types · 174 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with contraceptive drugs taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Saw palmetto might reduce the effectiveness of estrogens.
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects. Theoretically, it might interfere with estrogens taken concomitantly.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, from the product label.

Bluebonnet

Name
Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation
Street Address
12915 Dairy Ashford
City
Sugar Land
State
Texas
ZipCode
77478
Web Address
www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet: Common Questions

Does Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract by Bluebonnet interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract has a known interaction with 174 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Saw palmetto might have antiestrogenic effects and could theoretically reduce how well contraceptive drugs work. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them — they can help you weigh the risks for your specific situation.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The data advises against use during pregnancy because of possible hormonal effects and lack of safety data. You should also avoid it while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor if you're considering it.
What are the most common side effects?
Saw palmetto is well tolerated overall, but mild side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, decreased libido, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and rhinitis. Most are infrequent and reversible.
Does saw palmetto work for hair loss?
The evidence for androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) is insufficient — we don't have enough reliable data yet to say whether it works or not.
Can I take this if I'm on blood thinners?
Saw palmetto may prolong bleeding time and increase your risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Check with your pharmacist before using it — they'll help you decide if it's safe for you.
What's inside this capsule besides the extract?
The softgel also contains gelatin, glycerin, and water — these are inactive ingredients that make up the capsule itself.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Extra-Strength Saw Palmetto Berry Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 22 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Saw Palmetto 22 references
  1. Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Stark G, et al. Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. JAMA 1998;280:1604-9. PubMed
  2. Carraro JC, Raynaud JP, Koch G, et al. Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1,098 patients. Prostate 1996;29:231-40. DOI
  3. Di Silverio F, D'Eramo G, Lubrano C, et al. Evidence that Serenoa repens extract displays an antiestrogenic activity in prostatic tissue of benign prostatic hypertrophy patients. Eur Urol 1992;21:309-14. PubMed
  4. Stepanov VN, Siniakova LA, Sarrazin B, Raynaud JP. Efficacy and tolerability of the lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon) in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a double-blind comparison of two dosage regimens. Adv Ther 1999;16:231-41.
  5. Cheema P, El-Mefty O, Jazieh AR. Intraoperative haemorrhage associated with the use of extract of Saw Palmetto herb: a case report and review of literature. J Intern Med 2001;250:167-9. PubMed
  6. Jibrin I, Erinle A, Saidi A, Aliyu ZY. Saw palmetto-induced pancreatitis. South Med J 2006;99:611-2. PubMed
  7. Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med 2002
  8. Avins AL, Bent S, Staccone S, et al. A detailed safety assessment of a saw palmetto extract. Complement Ther Med 2008;16:147-54. PubMed
  9. Morgia, G., Mucciardi, G., Gali, A., Madonia, M., Marchese, F., Di, Benedetto A., Romano, G., Bonvissuto, G., Castelli, T., Macchione, L., and Magno, C. Treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome category IIIA with Serenoa repens plus
  10. Aliaev, IuG, Vinarov, A. Z., Lokshin, K. L., and Spivak, L. G. [Efficiency and safety of prostamol-Uno in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis]. Urologiia. 2006;(1):47-50.
  11. Agbabiaka, T. B., Pittler, M. H., Wider, B., and Ernst, E. Serenoa repens (saw palmetto): a systematic review of adverse events. Drug Saf 2009;32(8):637-647. PubMed
  12. Wargo, K. A., Allman, E., and Ibrahim, F. A possible case of saw palmetto-induced pancreatitis. South.Med.J. 2010;103(7):683-685. PubMed
  13. Lapi, F., Gallo, E., Giocaliere, E., Vietri, M., Baronti, R., Pieraccini, G., Tafi, A., Menniti-Ippolito, F., Mugelli, A., Firenzuoli, F., and Vannacci, A. Acute liver damage due to Serenoa repens: a case report. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69(5):558-560.
  14. Mantovani, F. Serenoa repens in benign prostatic hypertrophy: analysis of 2 Italian studies. Minerva Urol.Nefrol. 2010;62(4):335-340.
  15. Hanaka, M., Yoshii, C., Yatera, K., Ito, C., Chojin, Y., Nagata, S., Yamasaki, K., Nishida, C., Kawanami, T., Kawanami, Y., Ishimoto, H., and Mukae, H. [A case of rhabdomyolysis caused by saw palmetto of healthy foods]. J.UOEH. 6-1-2012;34(2):193-199. PubMed
  16. Miroddi, M., Carni, A., Mannucci, C., Moleti, M., Navarra, M., and Calapai, G. Hot flashes in a young girl: a wake-up call concerning Serenoa repens use in children. Pediatrics 2012;130(5):e1374-e1376.
  17. Braeckman J. The extract of Serenoa repens in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a multicenter open study. Current Therapeutic Research 1994;55(7):776-785. DOI
  18. Jipescu D, Patel A, Bohra H, Pientka A. Rare case of saw palmetto induced heart block. JACC 2017;69(11) supplement:2310.
  19. Morabito P, Miroddi M, Giovinazzo S, Spina E, Calapai G. Serenoa repens as an endocrine disruptor in a 10-year-Old young girl: a new case report. Pharmacology. 2015;96(1-2):41-3. doi: 10.1159/000431327.
  20. Gammoudi R, Ameur K, Ouni B, et al. Fixed drug eruption to Serenoa repens: first case report and consideration of the use of herbal medicine. Dermatol Ther 2020 Aug 29:e14247.
  21. Paulis G, Paulis A, Perletti G. Serenoa repens and its effects on male sexual function. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2021;93(4):475-480. PubMed
  22. Venkateswaran S, Declet-Bauzo R, Shodeinde M, Gilford P. Postoperative Retroperitoneal Hematoma: A Case of Saw Palmetto and the Importance of Primary Care Intervention. HCA Healthc J Med 2020;1(5):279-282. PubMed

See these in context on the Saw Palmetto monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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