Saw palmetto is commonly promoted for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. However, NCCIH summarizes a 2023 review of 27 studies as finding little or no benefit when saw palmetto is used alone for BPH symptoms.
What that means for supplement shoppers
The presence of saw palmetto on a label should not be treated as proof that a product will improve urinary symptoms. Combination formulas are a separate question and cannot be assumed effective based on one ingredient.
Evidence source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), Saw Palmetto: Usefulness and Safety.