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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.

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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.

This formula contains 5 active ingredients. Lycopene is a plant pigment studied for prostate and bladder health.

Zinc supports immune function and wound healing. Pumpkin seed meal powder is included for urinary and prostate support.

Saw palmetto berry powder is traditionally used for prostate symptoms. Pygeum bark powder rounds out the blend for additional prostate support.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and povidone — which are standard 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 and urinary health support for men.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Erectile dysfunction (ED), urinary tract function, lower urinary tract symptoms.
  • 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).

The evidence picture is mixed. Lycopene is possibly effective for prostate cancer but possibly ineffective for bladder cancer and diabetes.

Zinc is effective for zinc deficiency and likely effective for Wilson disease, and is possibly effective for acne and age-related macular degeneration. Pumpkin seed meal is possibly effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Saw palmetto is possibly effective for a specific prostate procedure (TURP) but possibly ineffective for common benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pygeum bark is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

For most other conditions listed — including androgenic alopecia, chronic bronchitis, and sexual desire — the evidence is insufficient to rate these ingredients.

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.

Generally, these ingredients are well tolerated at recommended doses. Lycopene and zinc supplements can cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort in some users.

Pumpkin seed products are typically safe but can occasionally cause nausea or vomiting, especially if the product contains high levels of cucurbitacin (a bitter compound found in some wild pumpkins). Saw palmetto is generally mild, though rare reports include dizziness, headache, and — in isolated cases — heart rhythm changes.

High-dose zinc beyond 40 mg daily raises concern for copper deficiency over time. For pregnancy: Lycopene and zinc supplements carry insufficient data; the safety facts advise caution and to talk with your doctor.

Saw palmetto and pumpkin seed concentrated supplements lack sufficient pregnancy safety data — saw palmetto is rated likely unsafe. For breastfeeding: similar caution applies to lycopene, pumpkin, and saw palmetto, while zinc is considered likely safe.

Pygeum has no established safe use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 (Moderate risk of bleeding), common antibiotics including quinolones, tetracyclines, or cephalexin (Moderate risk of reduced antibiotic levels), hormonal contraceptives or estrogen therapy (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness), lithium (Moderate risk of increased levels), penicillamine, ritonavir, integrase inhibitors, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, or cisplatin. Timing and dose adjustments may be needed.

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 is a multi-ingredient men's prostate formula with a solid base — pygeum and pumpkin are well studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and zinc plays a broad role in men's health. However, the zinc content and saw palmetto's antiestrogenic effects mean you'll need to flag this with your doctor or pharmacist if you take antibiotics, blood thinners, hormonal contraceptives, or HIV medications.

Anyone taking lithium should avoid the pumpkin component. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of bleeding or hormone-sensitive conditions, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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
Barcode (UPC) 048107042653
Net contents 240 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 996
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
120
UPC/BARCODE
048107042653
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 add GNC's permier multivitamin Mega Men(R) to your daily regimen.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

+This statement has 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

Dietary Supplement

Formula

7.5 mg of Zinc

Formulated with Lycopene and 500 mg of Saw Palmetto per serving

MEN’S SAW PALMETTO FORMULA As a man, your body demands high quality nutritional support. That’s why health conscious men trust in GNC’s uniquely formulated products for men, like Men’s Saw Palmetto Formula. Men’s Saw Palmetto Formula supplies important ingredients to help support a healthy prostate.+ This popular formula combines the benefits of Saw Palmetto and Lycopene, which help to support prostate health, with Pygeum Bark and Pumpkin Seed.+ In addition, each serving features 7.5 mg of zinc, which is 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.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

CODE 361321 CCG

General Statements

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight.

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!

Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

PM361321

Potency of Zinc verified by GNC procedure #4000.

SATISFACTION GNC GUARANTEED

SIZE

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 container120 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.
Does saw palmetto actually work for prostate issues?
The evidence is mixed. Saw palmetto is possibly effective for a specific prostate procedure called TURP but possibly ineffective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) — the most common prostate concern men have. Pygeum and pumpkin seed in this formula, though, are both possibly to likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia, so the full formula may offer benefit beyond saw palmetto alone. Talk with your doctor about what you're trying to address.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate this product well. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues — nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or discomfort — from the lycopene or pumpkin content. Saw palmetto can cause dizziness or headache in some users. If you take high-dose zinc long-term, watch for signs of copper deficiency like unusual fatigue or weakness, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is this safe to take with my antibiotic?
It depends on which antibiotic. The zinc in this formula can significantly reduce absorption of common antibiotics like doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and cephalexin (Keflex). If you take one of these, you'll need to space the doses — typically 2 to 6 hours apart — to avoid interaction. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific antibiotic before taking this product together.
What is lycopene, and does it help with prostate health?
Lycopene is a red pigment found in tomatoes and other foods. It's possibly effective for prostate cancer but possibly ineffective for bladder cancer and diabetes. It can cause stomach upset — nausea, diarrhea, or constipation — in some users, and it theoretically increases bleeding risk if you take blood thinners.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Saw palmetto in this formula might have antiestrogenic effects — meaning it could theoretically reduce how well your hormonal contraceptive works. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them; you may need to use a backup method or choose a different supplement.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Saw palmetto is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy, and lycopene and pumpkin seed supplements lack sufficient safety data in pregnancy — the facts advise caution and a conversation with your doctor. For breastfeeding, the same caution applies to these three ingredients. Pygeum also lacks established safety data for either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant or nursing.

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.
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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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