Myth-buster
Adding saw palmetto to a standard BPH drug outperformed the drug alone in a 12-month trial — but the extra benefit only kicked in after three months, and the study didn't test saw palmetto by itself.
This study suggests saw palmetto may have a role as an add-on therapy for men already taking alfuzosin for enlarged prostate symptoms, but it doesn't change the overall weak evidence for saw palmetto as a standalone treatment — and the trial's design (unclear blinding and funding) means the result should be weighed cautiously.
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who took a standardized saw palmetto extract (320 mg/day) alongside the prescription drug alfuzosin reported greater relief from urinary symptoms — such as urgency, frequent urination, and weak stream — than those on alfuzosin alone, with the difference becoming noticeable after three months. However, because the study only tested the combination, it doesn't tell us whether saw palmetto works on its own, and the broader body of evidence for saw palmetto for prostate symptoms remains mixed and low in strength.
Where this fits in the evidence
Pillser has synthesized 4 studies on Saw Palmetto for Improved Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms — overall evidence strength: Low.
Across 4 studies, 3 reported beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), with moderate effect sizes in the highest-quality randomized controlled trial (320 mg/day over 365 days). One review found neutral/small effects. Effects were observed primarily in treatment-naïve men with moderate-to-severe LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The study
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- 2025-10-16
- The Prostate
- PubMed: 41098072
- DOI: 10.1002/pros.70071
- Full study breakdown →
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.