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Dietary supplement

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

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

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) symptoms, overactive bladder, eye and skin health (vitamin a source).Based on those ingredients, 175 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Saw Palmetto berry extract, Pumpkin seed Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This softgel contains two active ingredients: pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto berry extract at 320 mg total. The pumpkin seed oil is included for its potential benefit to urinary and prostate health, while saw palmetto is the primary active traditionally used for prostate and urinary tract concerns.

The capsule itself is a vegetarian softgel (an inactive ingredient that holds the oils).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy urinary flow and prostate function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), Overactive bladder, Prostatitis, prostate health, urinary symptoms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Pumpkin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Also on file: Pumpkin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Overactive bladder.

The evidence for this product is mixed. Saw palmetto shows possibly ineffective evidence specifically for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — the most common reason people use it — though it shows possibly effective results for one related condition (TURP).

Pumpkin seed oil rates as possibly effective for BPH, so there's some support for that ingredient. For other uses like hair loss, UTIs, and cystitis, the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate either ingredient.

Talk with your doctor about what the research actually supports for your particular concern.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Pumpkin 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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Pumpkin seed oil is generally well tolerated in adults, though the most common side effects in trials are mild abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Saw palmetto is also well tolerated with mild, reversible side effects — most commonly abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

A rare case of anaphylaxis with pumpkin and occasional heart rhythm issues with saw palmetto have been reported. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: saw palmetto is rated Likely Unsafe in pregnancy because of possible hormone effects and lack of safety data — the safety data advises against use.

Saw palmetto is also unsafe while breastfeeding. For pumpkin seed oil, there isn't enough data on concentrated supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding to know either way.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Pumpkin 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Pumpkin, Saw Palmetto.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; lithium.
  • For scale: 175 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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take birth control pills or estrogen therapy (saw palmetto may reduce their effectiveness), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin (Moderate risk of increased bleeding from saw palmetto), or lithium for a mood disorder (pumpkin seed oil may raise its levels). No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may help with certain urinary or prostate concerns, though the evidence for its most common use (BPH) is limited. The biggest caution is if you take birth control pills, hormone therapy, blood thinners, or lithium — those warrant a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist first.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with them before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 2021.

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 Extract 320 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739047564
Net contents 90 Veggie Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2021
DSLD ID 245847
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Kosher, Adult Male (18-50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW, 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 Veggie Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Softgel(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
733739047564
IngredientAmount% DV
Pumpkin seed Oil80 mg--
Saw Palmetto berry extract320 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Softgel Capsule

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 Usage: Take 1 softgel daily with a meal.

Formula

Saw Palmetto is a botanical known to help support healthy urinary flow and prostate function. NOW has included pumpkin seed oil as a base for this product as a nutritional oil contributing essential fatty acids and phytosterols that are important for men's health.

Saw Palmetto is a botanical known to help support healthy urinary flow and prostate function. NOW has included pumpkin seed oil as a base for this product as a nutritional oil contributing essential fatty acids and phytosterols that are important for men's health.

Men's health Supports healthy prostate function

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg With Pumpkin seed oil

Triangle K (Kosher)

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

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

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation or natural separation of oils may occur in this product.

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/vegan

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

Botanicals/herbs Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

See for yourself

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Pumpkin seed Oil

Interacts with
1 drug
80 mg per serving

Pumpkin is a nutritious squash, and its seeds and seed oil are the parts most often used as supplements, mainly for urinary and prostate symptoms. The...

Pumpkin seed Oil monograph & interactions

Saw Palmetto berry extract

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

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: Vegetarian Softgel Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg?

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
175Drugs
175 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they 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

Pumpkin seed Oil1 drug type · 1 drug

Lithium

Pumpkin might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Pumpkin is thought to have diuretic properties. Theoretically, this might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg has a known interaction with 175 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Will this interfere with my birth control?
Possibly. Saw palmetto in this product might reduce how well estrogen-based birth control works by interfering with your body's processing of estrogens. If you take hormonal contraceptives, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.
What are the most common side effects?
Both ingredients are generally well tolerated. The most frequent side effects reported are mild — abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. These are usually reversible and infrequent.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or nursing?
Saw palmetto is rated unsafe in pregnancy due to possible hormone effects and lack of safety data — the recommendation is to avoid it. It's also not advised while breastfeeding. For pumpkin seed oil, there's not enough safety data on concentrated supplements during either, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Is this actually effective for prostate or urinary symptoms?
The pumpkin seed oil component rates as possibly effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is encouraging. However, saw palmetto (the main ingredient) shows possibly ineffective evidence for BPH specifically, though it shows possibly effective results for one related condition. The evidence is limited, so manage expectations and discuss realistic goals with your doctor.
Will this interact with my blood thinner?
Yes — saw palmetto in this product may increase your bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting if you take any blood thinners.
Does this contain any fillers or additives?
The product contains two active ingredients and one inactive ingredient — the vegetarian softgel capsule itself, which is the capsule shell. There are no other fillers listed.

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

Not sure if Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg 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 Extract 320 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg'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 27 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.

Pumpkin 5 references
  1. Marks L, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol 2000;163:1451-6. DOI
  2. Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:549721. PubMed
  3. Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U. Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study. Urol Int 2015;94(3):286-95 PubMed
  4. Assouly P. Hair loss associated with cucurbit poisoning. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 May 1;154(5):617-618. PubMed
  5. Gawryjolek J, Ludwig H, Zbikowska-Götz M, Bartuzi Z, Krogulska A. Anaphylaxis after consumption of pumpkin seeds in a 2-y-old child tolerant to its pulp: A case study. Nutrition 2021;89:111272. PubMed

See these in context on the Pumpkin monograph →

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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