Does Saw Palmetto interact with any drugs?
There are over 20 listed interactions with saw palmetto, but most of these are minor interactions. Possible interactions include with estrogen or oral contraceptives, with iron supplements or other treatments used for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), such as finasteride (Proscar), and with warfarin.
- If saw palmetto is combined with estrogens or oral contraceptives, theoretically the effectiveness of the hormonal therapies could be reduced. Saw palmetto was observed in one study to exhibit antiestrogenic effects; however, the interaction has not been reported.
- The tannic acid present in some herbs like saw palmetto may slow down the absorption of iron from your body. The administration of these herbs and iron-containing supplements (including in multivitamins) should be separated by several hours.
- Saw palmetto should be avoided with other agents used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), such as finasteride (Proscar), unless directed by your doctor.
- Two case reports suggest saw palmetto may interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding if you also take a blood thinner. The mechanism may be due to CYP2C9 enzyme inhibition, but this is not well defined. Some authors have suggested this interaction is doubtful due to low evidence.
Always ask your doctor for advice first before using this product. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), vitamins and herbal or other dietary supplements.
Why do people use saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a palm-like plant that grows dark-colored berries. Saw palmetto supplements are made from the berries of the plant. The berries were a staple food and medicine for the Native Americans of the southeastern United States. Saw palmetto has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In the U.S., saw palmetto grows in the southeast warm climates from South Carolina to throughout Florida.
Use of saw palmetto is popular for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a noncancerous prostate gland enlargement seen in males.
- Evidence suggests that saw palmetto may be effective for mild-to-moderate BPH, to help reduce symptoms like frequent urination, having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate during the night. Not all studies have seen a proven effect.
- Saw palmetto should be avoided with other medicines used to treat prostatic hypertrophy, such as finasteride (Proscar), unless okayed by your doctor.
- You should be properly diagnosed by a healthcare provider if you have BPH symptoms.
Other names for saw palmetto include: American Dwarf Palm Tree, Cabbage Palm, Sabal Palm, and Serenoa.
This is not all the information you need to know about saw palmetto for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. All possible drug interactions with this herbal supplement are not listed here.
Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Learn More: Drug interactions with saw palmetto (in more detail)
Related questions
- Cialis vs Viagra - What's the difference between them?
- Does Cialis lower blood pressure?
- Cialis: 7 Important Things to Know
References
- Saw palmetto. Monograph. Drugs.com. Accessed May 24, 2023 at https://www.drugs.com/mtm/saw-palmetto.html
- Saw palmetto. Mt SInai Health Library. Accessed May 24, 2023 at https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/saw-palmetto
- Ge B, Zhang Z, Zuo Z. Updates on the clinical evidenced herb-warfarin interactions. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:957362. doi: 10.1155/2014/957362.
Read next
What is berberine used for?
Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat infections, diarrhea, diabetes, HIV, heart failure, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It has been researched for treatment of certain cancers, with breast and colon cancers showing the most promise. It may have anti-inflammatory activity and promote cell death (apoptotic activity) in some cancers. Berberine is found in the roots, bark and stems of barberry, goldenseal and other plants. Continue reading
Does Green Tea interact with any drugs?
Drug interactions with green tea can include certain blood pressure medicines, statin cholesterol-lowering treatments, and warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to help prevent blood clots and medicines used to treat hot flashes and night sweats in women due to menopause. Continue reading
Does Ginger interact with any drugs?
Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication or herbal supplement. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Valproate Sodium
Valproate Sodium is used for epilepsy, seizure prevention, seizures
Related medical questions
- Do I have a Urinary Tract Infection?
- Does Ginkgo Biloba interact with any drugs?
- Does Ginseng interact with any drugs?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- Does Valerian Root interact with any drugs?
- Does Garlic interact with any drugs?
- Does Echinacea interact with any drugs?
- Does Kava interact with any drugs?
- Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
- What is Ayahuasca?
- What are the benefits of ginseng?
- Does Kava interact with any drugs?
- What is Creatine used for?
- Does Clove Oil help with toothache?
- 12 Winter Wellness Tips to Stay Healthy
- Does "Natural" always mean "Safe"?
Drug information
- Saw Palmetto Information for Consumers
- Saw Palmetto prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Saw Palmetto (detailed)
- Saw Palmetto user reviews (31)
Related support groups
- Saw Palmetto (2 questions, 19 members)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (57 questions, 252 members)
- Herbal Supplementation (34 questions, 118 members)