Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Saw Palmetto Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Men's

Saw Palmetto Formula label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Saw Palmetto Formula against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Saw Palmetto Formula is a dietary supplement by GNC Men's with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, prostate health, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 241 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Saw Palmetto berry powder, Lycopene, Zinc. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 10, 2026

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

GNC Men's Saw Palmetto Formula contains five active ingredients. Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant from tomatoes and other plants.

Zinc is a mineral essential for immune function and wound healing. Pumpkin seed meal powder provides compounds traditionally used for urinary and prostate health.

Saw palmetto berry powder is an herbal extract used in men's health products. Pygeum bark powder, derived from an African tree, rounds out the formula.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and povidone — which serve as binders and fillers.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: prostate health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Erectile dysfunction (ED), urinary health, prostate enlargement.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Pygeum is rated "Likely Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Pumpkin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  • Also on file: Saw Palmetto is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), saw palmetto is rated possibly ineffective, while pumpkin seed and pygeum are rated possibly effective and likely effective respectively — so the evidence is mixed depending on which ingredient does the work. Lycopene is rated possibly effective for prostate cancer prevention.

For most other conditions this product might be marketed for, the evidence is either insufficient or points toward ineffectiveness, including diabetes, androgenic alopecia (hair loss), and several urinary tract conditions.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lycopene Zinc Pumpkin Saw Palmetto Pygeum

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Lycopene from food is considered safe, and supplement doses are generally well tolerated; however, gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported. Zinc is well tolerated at recommended doses but can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, metallic taste, nausea, and vomiting, especially at higher doses.

Pumpkin seed products are generally well tolerated, though abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated with mild, reversible side effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and nausea; rare cardiovascular events have been reported.

Pygeum is generally well tolerated short-term, though nausea and abdominal pain have occurred in clinical research at rates similar to placebo. Do not take this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — saw palmetto is rated likely unsafe, and safety data for lycopene and pumpkin seed supplements in these periods is insufficient.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lycopene Zinc Pumpkin Saw Palmetto Pygeum

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?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Lycopene, Pumpkin, Saw Palmetto, Zinc.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; lithium.
  • For scale: 241 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 doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin) — lycopene and saw palmetto may increase bleeding risk. If you use quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin), cephalexin (Keflex), tetracycline antibiotics (like doxycycline), or penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen), zinc can substantially reduce their levels and effectiveness.

If you take HIV medications — ritonavir (Norvir), integrase inhibitors, or bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (Biktarvy) — zinc may lower their levels. Saw palmetto may interfere with estrogens and birth control drugs.

Pumpkin seed may raise lithium levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This formula targets men's prostate and urinary health with a blend of herbal and nutrient ingredients, though the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. If you take blood thinners, certain antibiotics, estrogens or birth control, lithium, or HIV medications, you need to check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — several ingredients can interfere with how these drugs work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this product. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 26, 2011.

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 Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Men's
Net contents 120 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 995
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Male (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 Formula by GNC Men's, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Lycopene1 mg--
Zinc7.5 mg50%
Pumpkin seed meal powder80 mg--
Saw Palmetto berry powder500 mg--
Pygeum bark powder50 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Povidone

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

To ensure a more complete nutritional program, be sure to include one of GNC’s premium Mega Men(R) multivitamin formulas to your daily nutrition regimen.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Prostate health formula

SAW PALMETTO FORMULA Men’s Saw Palmetto Formula supplies important ingredients to help support a healthy prostate.* • Combines the benefits of pumpkin seed with saw palmetto, pygeum bark and lycopene which help to support a healthy prostate and normal urinary flow.* • Includes 7.5 mg of zinc, an important mineral required for normal reproductive function.*

Formulation

No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

“Many men come to me with prostate health concerns. In addition to a prostate examination, I recommend saw palmetto formula for both prostate support and normal, healthy urinary flow.”

ACTUAL SIZE

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight.

Dr. Frank J. Costa, M.D., an internationally acclaimed urological surgeon and men’s health expert, is part of the GNC Medical Advisory Board.

GNC GUARANTEE Use any GNC supplement for as little as 10 days. If you are not 100% completely satisfied, return the unused portion of the product with proof of purchase to your GNC store for a complete refund of your purchase price. No questions asked!

GNC QUALITY COMMITMENT GNC is the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements, committed to producing the highest quality products available. This commitment begins with quality designed supplement formulations. Every raw material that goes into a GNC supplement is guaranteed as to quality and potency. Each product is dated and then shipped immediately to our stores, so you can be sure you are purchasing the freshest supplements available. At GNC, we extend out quality commitment to you by offering our money-back guarantee.

Made in the USA

Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

One of "America’s Top Physicians," Dr. Costa lectures nationally and internationally on men’s health topics. Dr. Costa is regularly featured in television, radio and newspaper interviews and has published articles in both professional journals and popular magazines.

Potency of Zinc verified by GNC procedure #4000.

Promotes normal reproductive function*

Supports normal prostate function and healthy urinary flow*

General

CODE 361311 BJG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement, take two tablets daily.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's label

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

Saw Palmetto Formula label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 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.

Lycopene

Interacts with
122 drugs
1 mg per serving

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible hear...

Lycopene monograph & interactions

Zinc

Interacts with
67 drugs
7.5 mg per serving Form: Zinc Oxide

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but suppleme...

Zinc monograph & interactions

Pumpkin seed meal powder

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 meal powder monograph & interactions

Saw Palmetto berry 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 berry powder monograph & interactions

Pygeum bark powder

No known
interactions
50 mg per serving

Pygeum is an extract from the bark of the African cherry tree that is most often used to ease urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate. Some st...

Pygeum bark powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Povidone. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saw Palmetto Formula?

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
241Drugs
237 Moderate 4 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Saw Palmetto berry powder 174
Lycopene 122
Zinc 67
Pumpkin seed meal powder 1

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Saw Palmetto Formula interact with 241 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 5 ingredients in Saw Palmetto Formula interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Saw Palmetto berry powder Lycopene Zinc Pumpkin seed meal powder

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saw Palmetto Formula 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 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
Saw Palmetto berry powder full monograph & interactions

Lycopene1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lycopene has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lycopene full monograph & interactions

Zinc10 drug types · 67 drugs

Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Theoretically, zinc might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cephalexin (Keflex)

Zinc might decrease cephalexin levels by chelating with cephalexin in the gut and preventing its absorption.
A pharmacokinetic study shows that zinc sulfate 250 mg taken concomitantly with cephalexin 500 mg decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 31% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 27%. Also, taking zinc sulfate 3 hours before cephalexin decreases peak levels of cephalexin by 11% and reduces the exposure to cephalexin by 18%. By decreasing cephalexin levels, zinc might increase the risk of treatment failure. This effect does not occur when zinc is taken 3 hours after the cephalexin dose. To avoid an interaction, advise patients take zinc sulfate 3 hours after taking cephalexin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, zinc might interfere with the therapeutic effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that zinc stimulates tumor cell production of the protein metallothionein, which binds and inactivates cisplatin. It is not known whether zinc supplements or high dietary zinc intake can cause clinically significant interference with cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin might also increase zinc excretion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Integrase Inhibitors

Theoretically, taking zinc along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Zinc is a divalent cation. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that other divalent cations such as calcium and iron can decrease blood levels of the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

Zinc might reduce the levels and clinical effects of penicillamine.
By forming an insoluble complex with penicillamine, zinc interferes with penicillamine absorption and activity. Zinc supplements reduce the efficacy of low-dose penicillamine (0.5-1 gram/day), but do not seem to affect higher doses (1-2.75 gram/day), provided dosing times are separated. Advise patients to take zinc and penicillamine at least 2 hours apart.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Zinc can decrease the levels and clinical effects of quinolones antibiotics.
Quinolones form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing absorption of both the quinolone and zinc if taken at the same time. Advise patients to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ritonavir (Norvir)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of ritonavir.
Clinical research shows that zinc might reduce serum ritonavir levels by chelating with ritonavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. In patients with HIV, ritonavir is taken with atazanavir to prevent the metabolism and increase the effects of atazanavir. A pharmacokinetic study shows that, in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg as a single dose or as multiple daily doses for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of ritonavir by about 16%. However, atazanavir levels still remains high enough to prevent HIV virus replication. Therefore, the decrease in ritonavir levels is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Zinc might reduce levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracyclines form complexes with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce absorption of both the tetracycline and zinc when taken at the same time. Taking zinc sulfate 200 mg with tetracycline reduces absorption of the antibiotic by 30% to 40%. Demeclocycline and minocycline cause a similar interaction. However, doxycycline does not seem to interact significantly with zinc. Advise patients to take tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after, zinc supplements to avoid any interactions.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Amiloride (Midamor)

Amiloride can modestly reduce zinc excretion and increase zinc levels.
Clinical research shows that amiloride can reduce urinary zinc excretion, especially at doses of 10 mg per day or more. This zinc-sparing effect can help to counteract zinc losses caused by thiazide diuretics, but it is unlikely to cause zinc toxicity at usual amiloride doses. The other potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium), do not seem to have a zinc-sparing effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Zinc modestly reduces levels of atazanavir, although this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
Clinical research shows that zinc might decrease serum atazanavir levels by chelating with atazanavir in the gut and preventing its absorption. Although a single dose of zinc sulfate (Solvazinc tablets) 125 mg orally does not affect atazanavir concentrations in patients being treated with atazanavir/ritonavir, co-administration of zinc sulfate 125 mg daily for 2 weeks reduces plasma levels of atazanavir by about 22% in these patients. However, despite this decrease, atazanavir levels still remain at high enough concentrations for the prevention of HIV virus replication.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Zinc full monograph & interactions

Pumpkin seed meal powder1 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
Pumpkin seed meal powder full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Saw Palmetto Formula, from the product label.

GNC Men's

See all GNC Men's products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's: Common Questions

Does Saw Palmetto Formula by GNC Men's interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saw Palmetto Formula has a known interaction with 241 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Saw Palmetto Formula contains 5 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.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Not without checking first with your doctor or pharmacist. Saw palmetto in this formula may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs, so your birth control might not work as intended.
What are the main side effects I might experience?
Gastrointestinal side effects are most common — diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and constipation. Saw palmetto may also cause dizziness, headache, or decreased libido. Most side effects are mild and reversible.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Saw palmetto is rated likely unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Safety data for the other ingredients in this formula during these periods is insufficient, so avoid this product and talk with your doctor about safer options.
Does this really help with prostate problems?
The evidence is mixed. Saw palmetto in this formula is rated possibly ineffective for benign prostatic hyperplasia, but pumpkin seed and pygeum are rated possibly effective and likely effective respectively. Results vary by person.
Can I take this with antibiotics?
It depends on which antibiotic. Zinc in this formula can reduce the levels and effectiveness of several common antibiotics, including quinolones, cephalexin, and tetracyclines. Talk with your pharmacist about timing or whether you should wait.
What is lycopene and why is it in here?
Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes and other red plants. It's in this formula because it's rated possibly effective for prostate cancer prevention, which fits the men's health focus of the product.

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

Not sure if Saw Palmetto Formula 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 Formula label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saw Palmetto Formula’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Lycopene

Interacts with 122 drugs

Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible heart and prostate benefits, but evidence fr...

Read the full Lycopene monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Zinc

Interacts with 67 drugs

Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for immune function, wound healing, taste, and smell. Most people get enough from food, but supplements can help correct or prevent a defici...

Read the full Zinc monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pumpkin

Interacts with 1 drug

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 evidence for these uses is limited and...

Read the full Pumpkin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Saw Palmetto

Interacts with 174 drugs

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 better than a placebo for most men, though i...

Read the full Saw Palmetto monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pygeum

Pygeum is an extract from the bark of the African cherry tree that is most often used to ease urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate. Some studies suggest modest benefit for these s...

Read the full Pygeum monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Saw Palmetto Formula'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 128 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.

Lycopene 10 references
  1. Sharma, J. B., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Malhotra, M., Arora, R., Prasad, S., and Batra, S. Effect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas. Int J Gynaecol.Obstet. 2003;81(3):257-262. PubMed
  2. Hsiao, G., Wang, Y., Tzu, N. H., Fong, T. H., Shen, M. Y., Lin, K. H., Chou, D. S., and Sheu, J. R. Inhibitory effects of lycopene on in vitro platelet activation and in vivo prevention of thrombus formation. J Lab Clin Med 2005;146(4):216-226. PubMed
  3. Clark, P. E., Hall, M. C., Borden, L. S., Jr., Miller, A. A., Hu, J. J., Lee, W. R., Stindt, D., D'Agostino, R., Jr., Lovato, J., Harmon, M., and Torti, F. M. Phase I-II prospective dose-escalating trial of lycopene in patients with biochemical relapse o
  4. O'Kennedy, N., Crosbie, L., Whelan, S., Luther, V., Horgan, G., Broom, J. I., Webb, D. J., and Duttaroy, A. K. Effects of tomato extract on platelet function: a double-blinded crossover study in healthy humans. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2006;84(3):561-569. PubMed
  5. Jatoi, A., Burch, P., Hillman, D., Vanyo, J. M., Dakhil, S., Nikcevich, D., Rowland, K., Morton, R., Flynn, P. J., Young, C., and Tan, W. A tomato-based, lycopene-containing intervention for androgen-independent prostate cancer: results of a Phase II stu
  6. Schwenke, C., Ubrig, B., Thurmann, P., Eggersmann, C., and Roth, S. Lycopene for advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer: a prospective, open phase II pilot study. J.Urol. 2009;181(3):1098-1103. PubMed
  7. Banerjee, S., Jeyaseelan, S., and Guleria, R. Trial of lycopene to prevent pre-eclampsia in healthy primigravidas: results show some adverse effects. J.Obstet.Gynaecol.Res. 2009;35(3):477-482. PubMed
  8. Haseen, F., Cantwell, M. M., O'Sullivan, J. M., and Murray, L. J. Is there a benefit from lycopene supplementation in men with prostate cancer? A systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic.Dis. 2009;12(4):325-332. PubMed
  9. Ilic, D., Forbes, K. M., and Hassed, C. Lycopene for the prevention of prostate cancer. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2011;(11):CD008007. PubMed
  10. Sawardekar SB, Patel TC, Uchil D. Comparative evaluation of antiplatelet effect of lycopene with aspirin and the effect of their combination on platelet aggregation: an in vitro study. Indian J Pharmacol 2016;48:26-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Lycopene monograph →

Zinc 88 references
  1. Barceloux DG. Zinc. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1999;37:279-92.
  2. Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW. Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1984;25:20-4. DOI
  3. Smith DS, Helzner EC, Nuttall CE Jr, et al. Failure of zinc gluconate in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:646-8. PubMed
  4. Blondeau JM. Expanded activity and utility of the new fluoroquinolones: a review. Clin Ther 1999;21:3-40. PubMed
  5. Reyes AJ, Olhaberry JV, Leary WP, et al. Urinary zinc excretion, diuretics, zinc deficiency and some side-effects of diuretics. S Afr Med J 1983;64:936-41.
  6. Kugelmas M. Preliminary observation: oral zinc sulfate replacement is effective in treating muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:13-5. PubMed
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Pumpkin 5 references
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Saw Palmetto 22 references
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Pygeum 3 references
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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.

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