Last updated: November 2026
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Quick verdict: If you choose saw palmetto, pick a standardized extract at 320 mg a day — the dose used in almost all studies. Our pick is NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg. But be honest with yourself: the most complete review of the research found little to no benefit for urinary symptoms. New urinary symptoms should always be checked by a doctor first.
What is saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a palm that grows in the southeastern United States. Extracts of its berries are one of the most popular supplements for men over 40 who want to support prostate and urinary health.
What the research says
A 2023 Cochrane review — 27 studies with more than 4,600 men — found that saw palmetto alone gave little to no improvement in urinary symptoms or quality of life compared with placebo, both at 3–6 months and after more than a year. The good news: it did not cause more side effects than placebo. Almost all studies used 320 mg per day.
Our pick: NOW Saw Palmetto Extract 320 mg
- Saw palmetto: 320 mg standardized extract per softgel, with pumpkin seed oil
- Servings: 90 softgels (about 3 months at 1 a day)
- Typical price: about $23 per bottle
- Why we chose it: it states a standardized extract at the studied dose, from a large, well-known brand, at a low cost per day
Alternative
Life Extension also sells standardized 320 mg saw palmetto products, including formulas that combine it with other ingredients such as beta-sitosterol. Be careful with cheap “berry powder” products that list a big number of milligrams but do not say how much standardized extract they contain.
Important: see your doctor first
Frequent urination, a weak stream or waking up at night to urinate can have many causes — some of them serious. Please get checked by a doctor before trying any supplement. Saw palmetto may also interact with blood thinners and hormone-related medicines.
How we wrote this guide: we compared the product labels, prices and the published research on the main ingredients. We did not run our own lab tests. Labels and prices change, so always check the current label before you buy.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk to your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.