Does Saw Palmetto Increase Testosterone? (From A Dietitian)

Saw palmetto can increase testosterone in people looking to boost testosterone levels naturally, and several studies support this assertion.

Before we dive into research and the link between saw palmetto and testosterone levels, let’s look at what saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is.

Since low testosterone can affect both men’s and women’s libido, the target market for saw palmetto is not limited to men.

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a type of palm tree that produces fruit used for medicinal purposes.

Saw palmetto is native to the southeastern United States and can grow up to ten feet tall.

It is available as whole berries, powder, and liquid. Saw palmetto extract capsules are the most common dietary supplement form.

Additionally, topical saw palmetto has gained traction as a treatment for hair loss.

You should make sure to purchase from reputable sources and get a standardized product that contains 85% to 95% fatty acids and sterols.

Low testosterone can decrease sex drive, and many believe that because saw palmetto reduces the breakdown of testosterone into DHT, it allows the libido to increase. Many clinical trials examine how this supplement can boost libido in both men and women.

Let’s take a look at one well-cited study.

Researchers followed 120 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate over two years to study the effect of saw palmetto on sexual function and prostate symptoms [6].

They monitored:

• Urine flow
• Blood prostate-specific antigen
• Prostate symptoms
• Erectile function
• Quality of life

The study showed significantly improved sexual function and BPH symptoms after the first year.

Male androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common form of hair loss for men, and it affects 30-50% of men by age 50 [11].

Too much DHT can be the culprit in hair loss as it can shrink the hair follicles and cause hair to grow thinner or more brittle [12].

This action is why saw palmetto’s hormone-regulatory effect of blocking DHT, as discussed earlier, can play a beneficial role in hair loss.

One study of 50 male volunteers, ages 20 and 50, shows that a topical application of saw palmetto extract effectively promotes hair growth [13].

Another study in mice showed that saw palmetto promotes the regeneration of hair, as well as the repair of hair loss by activating TGF-β and mitochondrial signaling pathways [14].

3. Inflammation

There are minimal human studies, but animal studies show promise when evaluating the efficacy of saw palmetto in decreasing inflammation.

A study in rats with enlarged prostates showed that saw palmetto oil reduced swelling and several other indicators of inflammation [15].

While the focus here has been on the male reproductive system, low testosterone levels, prostate, and male pattern hair loss, saw palmetto may also have its place as a supplement for women, as it may have an opposite effect on testosterone for them.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have high levels of testosterone, which can cause side effects, including irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, excessive body or facial hair, and acne [16].

Studies continue to focus on saw palmetto and other plant-based anti-androgens to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing PCOS symptoms [17].

However, more research needs to be done to fully understand the mechanisms involved.

If you consider supplementing with saw palmetto, you should know of a few drug interactions [19].

Saw palmetto can interact with:

• Finasteride (Proscar) or other medications treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinners), like Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), and Aspirin.
• Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives and increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy.