What it does: The berry is best known for supporting normal prostate size and healthy urinary flow, likely by moderating the activity of hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
How it is used: Saw palmetto is typically used in men's health supplements aimed at promoting prostate comfort and less frequent nighttime urination.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Grown in the southeastern United States, the berries are harvested and processed into extracts, oils, or dried powders for use in capsules, tablets, and softgels.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Supplement makers use saw palmetto berry for its well-documented ability to help with age-related urinary and prostate concerns in men.
What to know before use: People taking hormone-modulating medications or those with hormone-sensitive conditions should talk to a healthcare professional before starting saw palmetto.
Interesting Fact
Saw Palmetto Berries Are Harvested from a Unique Southeastern Palm
The saw palmetto berry comes from Serenoa repens, a small palm native to the sandy coastal regions of the southeastern United States. These berries have a long tradition of use by indigenous peoples of Florida, who valued them as a natural food source. Today, the berry’s distinctive compounds are extracted and widely included in supplement formulas to provide plant sterols and fatty acids.
