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Dietary supplement

Saw Palmetto Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Concerning Life

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

Saw Palmetto is a dietary supplement by Concerning Life 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, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life

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 product contains one active ingredient: saw palmetto powder. Saw palmetto is a plant extract traditionally used for urinary and prostate concerns.

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, rice flour, and magnesium stearate, which are inactive ingredients that help hold and deliver the active ingredient.

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: Supports prostate and urinary health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), Prostatitis, urinary flow, prostate function.
  • 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 is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)—a specific surgical scenario—but possibly ineffective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common reason people take it.

For androgenic alopecia (hair loss), chronic bronchitis, and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms, we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works. If you're considering saw palmetto for a specific concern, your doctor or pharmacist can help you weigh whether the evidence supports a trial.

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 in adults, though mild side effects do occur in some people: abdominal pain, constipation, decreased libido, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, rhinitis, and vomiting are the most common. Rarely, skin reactions (fixed drug eruptions with blisters), worsening acne, or heart-related effects like irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, or heart attack have been reported.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to possible effects on hormones and lack of safety information. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

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 you take saw palmetto, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel)—the product may increase bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take estrogens or contraceptive drugs, since saw palmetto may 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 may be worth considering if you're exploring options for BPH or urinary symptoms, though the evidence is limited. If you take blood thinners, contraceptives, or estrogens, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first—this product may interfere with how those work.

Pregnant and breastfeeding folks should skip it. Chat with your doctor or pharmacist about whether saw palmetto makes sense for you and your medications.

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 Jun 16, 2022.

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 Saw Palmetto, straight from the product label.

Brand Concerning Life
Barcode (UPC) X001JR4S8T
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 270902
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
X001JR4S8T
IngredientAmount% DV
Saw Palmetto, Powder500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1 capsule daily preferably with a meal or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Formulation

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Maximum strength Supports prostate and urinary health

Non-GMO

Precautions

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical conditions should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical conditions should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

This product is manufactured and packaged in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

GMP Sourced from a GMP certified facility FDA Manufactured in an FDA inspected facility

General Statements

To order: www.concerninglifeproducts.com

"Because life matters" John 10:10

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Saw Palmetto, Powder

Interacts with
174 drugs
500 mg per serving

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, Powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saw Palmetto?

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 Saw Palmetto 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, Powder3 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 Saw Palmetto, from the product label.

Concerning Life

See all Concerning Life products
Name
Concerning Life Publishing, LLC
Street Address
16282 Gierman Dr.
City
Spring Lake
State
MI
ZipCode
49456
Web Address
www.concerninglifeproducts.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life: Common Questions

Does Saw Palmetto by Concerning Life interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saw Palmetto 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?
Saw Palmetto 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 saw palmetto if I'm on birth control?
Not without checking first. Saw palmetto may have antiestrogenic effects and could theoretically interfere with how contraceptive drugs work, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them—they can help you decide if it's safe for you.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate it well, but some experience mild, reversible side effects: abdominal pain, constipation, decreased libido, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and rhinitis are the most common. Vomiting can also occur. If you notice any of these, stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Is saw palmetto safe during pregnancy?
No—the safety data rates it likely unsafe during pregnancy because of possible effects on hormones and lack of safety information. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, avoid this product and talk with your doctor.
Does it really work for prostate problems?
The evidence is limited. Saw palmetto is rated possibly ineffective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common prostate concern, though it's possibly effective for a specific surgical procedure called TURP. For most urinary or prostate symptoms, the science doesn't strongly support it yet.
Can I take it if I'm on blood thinners?
You'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Saw palmetto may prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin. Don't start it without clearing it with them.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
No—there isn't enough safety information, so it's advised to avoid saw palmetto while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives if you need one.

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

Not sure if Saw Palmetto is safe with your meds?

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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.

Saw Palmetto label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Saw Palmetto'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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