Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), also known as the American dwarf palm tree, is widely distributed throughout the southeastern United States [*]. Its use as an herbal remedy for prostate disorders dates back to the 1800s [*]. Today, saw palmetto berry extract remains a popular herbal remedy for benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate [*].
Most men over the age of 40 develop enlarged prostates. Risk of developing this condition increases by 50% at the age of 60, and 90% by the age of 85 [*].
Research suggests that saw palmetto extract has anti-androgenic, anti-estrogenic, anti-edema, and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also help inhibit 5α-reductase effects, and prolactin-induced prostate growth. Through these mechanisms, saw palmetto is believed to protect against urinary symptoms due to enlarged prostate. But additional studies are still needed to determine its efficacy and long term effects [**].
Due to saw palmetto’s purported health benefits, it is a popular ingredient in prostate related dietary supplements. Some products also claim to help with chronic pelvic pain, migraine, and hair loss [*].
The popularity of saw palmetto has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of saw palmetto supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!
We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.
Things To Be Cautious About
Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.
Does your saw palmetto contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.
No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.
Top 5 Saw Palmetto Supplements
The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Saw Palmetto Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.
1. PureNature Prostafen
- Shipping & Return Policy 100%
- Customer Service 99%
- Essential Ingredients 100%
- Effectiveness 99%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
2. Swanson Prostate Essentials
- Shipping & Return Policy 97%
- Customer Service 97%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 97%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
3. NewChapter Prostate 5LX
- Shipping & Return Policy 97%
- Customer Service 96%
- Essential Ingredients 94%
- Effectiveness 96%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
4. Solaray Saw Palmetto Berries
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 95%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 94%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
5. Nature’s Way Saw Palmetto
- Shipping & Return Policy 94%
- Customer Service 96%
- Essential Ingredients 95%
- Effectiveness 94%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
Ranking Factors
Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.
Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.
Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.
Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.
We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.
1. PureNature Prostafen
- Shipping & Return Policy 100%
- Customer Service 99%
- Essential Ingredients 100%
- Effectiveness 99%
*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.
Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.
Sources and Citations
1. Saw Palmetto https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto
2. Saw Palmetto Berry as… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476047/
3. Spotlight on Saw Palmetto https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/spotlight-on-saw-palmetto
4. Pharmacological effects of saw palmetto extract… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4002402/