Saw Palmetto is an extract from the Serenoa repens palm tree, a North American native species that has been used for centuries to address male urinary tract diseases and male fertility issues. The active compound in Saw Palmetto is called Permixon (a type of fatty acid).
The Short Answer.
- Research is limited about Saw Palmetto. It looks promising for prostate health, but we're uncertain about whether or not it's a worthwhile supplement for sexual health.
- We prefer ingredients like Pygeum and L-Arginine, which have higher-quality research about their clinical results compared to Saw Palmetto. You can find these in Load Boost, a supplement designed to create bigger loads and improve semen taste.
- Saw Palmetto may impact blood pressure (read more).
3 ways that Saw Palmetto may work in your body
Research suggests that Saw Palmetto may offer several health benefits. These range from improving urinary health to combating hair loss. Let's dive into each area and explore what current research says, and what we have yet to know about Saw Palmetto.
1. Selective Smooth Muscle Relaxation in Urinary Tract
Saw Palmetto acts by selective smooth muscle relaxation in the urethra or the tube of the male urinary tract. This allows for faster flow of both urine and semen.
This is the same mechanism used by tamsulosin (known as Flo-max), which is the a prescription treatment for male BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) symptoms in the United States.
2. Inhibits Prostate Inflammation
Saw Palmetto decreases abnormal growth of the prostate by inhibiting the signal that causes growth and inflammation. This is accomplished by inhibiting the conversion of DiHydroxyTestoterone (DHT) from testosterone. DHT is the signaling hormone responsible for BPH development and progression in men. DHT also stimulates inflammation of the prostate.
Overall, inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT allows for sustained or even increased flow rates of both urine and semen through the prostate, a gland that these fluids must pass through before exiting the body.
3. DHT Blocker & Use for Male Pattern Baldness
Saw palmetto is also commonly used to help with male pattern baldness, which is also caused by elevated DHT levels.
Does saw palmetto increase seminal fluid?
Research is inconclusive. Some studies look promising, but there has not yet been significant research about Saw Palmetto's use for semen volume and other aspects of sexual health.
There are other ingredients that have been studied more and shown to be effective to increase semen volume. A couple are Pygeum and L-Arginine, both of which can be found in the supplement Load Boost.
Saw Palmetto for Precum
Research is inconclusive about whether or not Saw Palmetto increases precum volume. Additional study is needed before we would consider using Saw Palmetto as a supplement for this purpose.
Saw Palmetto for Semen
Research is inconclusive about whether or not Saw Palmetto increases cum volume. Additional study is needed before we would consider using Saw Palmetto as a supplement for this purpose.
Are there any other effects of taking Saw Palmetto?
There have been extensive studies of Saw Palmetto over the last century and none have found serious adverse effects or interactions with other medications.
In one study, a cohort of Swedish Urologists (the medical term for penis doctors) determined that Saw Palmetto and similar compounds may be a good treatment of symptoms from an enlarged prostate.
While generally a safe supplement to use, Saw Palmetto can rarely affect blood-clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Consult your doctor if you have a blood-clotting disorder, or a liver or pancreatic disease.