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Dietary supplement

Saw Palmetto 160 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

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

Saw Palmetto 160 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) symptoms, urinary problems, hair loss.Based on those ingredients, 174 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Saw Palmetto Berry Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saw Palmetto 160 mg by Nature's Way

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

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Saw Palmetto Berry Extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (160 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product has 5 active ingredients. The main ones are saw palmetto berry extract and beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that's often paired with saw palmetto.

The formula also contains polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and fatty acids — these are lipid components that help deliver the active ingredients. The softgel capsule itself is made from gelatin, glycerin, purified water, and olive oil.

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: Supports prostate health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), Non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), Prostatitis, Urinary symptoms, Prostate enlargement.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Likely Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Beta-sitosterol is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), and possibly effective for familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic cholesterol condition) and coronary heart disease. That said, the facts we have don't include a separate effectiveness rating for saw palmetto berry extract itself in this product, so we can't tell you what the combination is expected to do based on the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Saw Palmetto Beta-sitosterol

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.

Beta-sitosterol is generally well tolerated when taken short-term, but check with a healthcare provider first. The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and nausea.

There's also a report that beta-sitosterol can worsen acne when taken alone or combined with saw palmetto, and a rare case report of acute pancreatitis in one person that resolved when they stopped. There isn't enough safety data on beta-sitosterol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so the safety data advises against supplemental use in both cases.

We don't have pregnancy or breastfeeding information on file for the other ingredients in this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Saw Palmetto Beta-sitosterol

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check in this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're looking for a supplement for prostate or cholesterol support, the beta-sitosterol in this product has solid evidence behind it. Stop and talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of pancreatitis.

Although no interactions are documented, run your exact medications through the search tool on this page just to be sure.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 21, 2025.

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 160 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674628003
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 21, 2025
DSLD ID 328054
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult Male (18-50 Years), Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Men ONLY, 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 160 mg by Nature's Way, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
033674628003
IngredientAmount% DV
Cholesterol0 mg--
Total Fat0 Gram(s)--
Saturated Fat0 Gram(s)--
Trans Fat0 Gram(s)--
Polyunsaturated Fat0 Gram(s)--
Monounsaturated Fat0 Gram(s)--
Beta-Sitosterol160 mcg--
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract160 mg--
Fatty Acids136 mg--
Total Sterols320 mcg--

Other ingredients: Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Purified

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.
Formulation

Supports prostate health Made with the quality you trust Botanicals are sourced where they grow best

Bottled and tested in the USA

Premium extract Plant powered

Gluten free. No salt, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, or artificial colors.

Formula

Sourced from saw palmetto berries grown in the Florida Everglades

Saw Palmetto 160 mg per serving

General Statements

Explore more products at naturesway.com

Bottle made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Warning: Do not take if you are pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18. If you are taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Warning: Do not take if you are pregnant, nursing, or under the age of 18.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2024

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Men swallow 1 softgel twice daily, preferably with food.

See for yourself

Saw Palmetto 160 mg by Nature's Way label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saw Palmetto 160 mg by Nature's Way

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract

Interacts with
174 drugs
160 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 Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Saw Palmetto 160 mg by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saw Palmetto 160 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.

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174Drugs
174 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saw Palmetto 160 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Saw Palmetto Berry Extract3 drug types · 174 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Saw Palmetto 160 mg, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
www.naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saw Palmetto 160 mg by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Saw Palmetto 160 mg by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saw Palmetto 160 mg 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 160 mg 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.
What's beta-sitosterol, and why is it in this saw palmetto product?
Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol — a natural compound found in plants. It's often paired with saw palmetto because both are used for prostate and cholesterol support. Beta-sitosterol on its own is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against using beta-sitosterol during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you in either situation.
What side effects might I experience?
Most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and nausea. There's also a report that beta-sitosterol can worsen acne, and one rare case of acute pancreatitis that stopped when the person quit taking it. If you have any sudden severe abdominal pain, stop and call your healthcare provider.
Is this product safe to take with my medications?
No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. That said, we weren't able to check a few of the fat ingredients — so run your exact medications through the search tool on this page, or ask your pharmacist to be sure.
Does saw palmetto actually work for prostate health?
We have solid evidence that beta-sitosterol (one of the main ingredients) is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The facts we hold don't include a separate effectiveness rating for the saw palmetto extract itself, so I can't speak to that part of the formula based on our data.

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

Not sure if Saw Palmetto 160 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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

Saw Palmetto 160 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Saw Palmetto 160 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 29 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.

Beta-sitosterol 7 references
  1. Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group. Lancet 1995;345:1529-32.
  2. Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Urol 1997;80:427-32.
  3. Wilt TJ, MacDonald R, Ishani A. beta-sitosterol for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. BJU Int 1999;83:976-83. PubMed
  4. Oster P, Schlierf G, Heuck CC, et al. [Sitosterol in familial hyperlipoproteinemia type II. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1976;101:1308-11.
  5. Becker M, Staab D, Von Bergman K. Long-term treatment of severe familial hypercholesterolemia in children: effect of sitosterol and bezafibrate. Pediatrics 1992;89:138-42. DOI
  6. 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
  7. Lorenze A, Hsueh W, Nasr J. Beta-sitosterol-induced acute pancreatitis: A case report and review of the literature. Cureus. 2020;12(3):e7407. PubMed

See these in context on the Beta-sitosterol 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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