How much saw palmetto is too much?

Ah, saw palmetto. The herb that’s loved by many for its potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving urinary function.

But like with most things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. So just how much saw palmetto is too much? Let’s dive in and find out.

What is Saw Palmetto?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of dosages, let’s first talk about what exactly saw palmetto is. Also known as Serenoa repens, this plant grows primarily in the southeastern United States and produces berries that have traditionally been used by Native Americans to treat a plethora of problems ranging from coughs to sexual dysfunction.

However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that formal scientific studies began on the effects of saw palmetto extract. Today, it’s often used as an alternative remedy for enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH) symptoms such as increased nighttime urination frequency or weak urine flow.

How Much Should You Take?

Now that we know what saw palmetto is generally used for let’s delve into what amount should be taken or avoided altogether

Recommended Dosage

The standard adult dose range falls between 160-320 mg per day, which are typically divided into two servings over meals throughout the day 1.

Higher Than Recommended Dosage

Although some people may choose to take higher doses (upwards of 960mg) under medical supervision without adverse effect 2, , a study based on side-effects reported after consuming high levels found serious side effects arising; similar severe consequences were also noted when taking more than recommended daily amounts regularly3 . It certainly implies there comes a time when one must draw the line somewhere!

It should be noted that those with medical conditions such as blood disorders cancer, hormone-sensitive illnesses and those on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) consider abstaining from taking the herb altogether.

While it’s tempting to take more than the recommended dosage in hopes of seeing results faster or a better effect. Just like how over drinking water can lead to dehydration, over-consumption of saw palmetto can lead to nasty side-effects that really might not be worth your while.

What Happens if You Take Too Much?

So we’ve established that excess consumption may have negative impact but what exactly will happen when you go above 960mg intake daily?

Voiding complications

Taking elevated doses like anything between 1-3 g daily was proven by case studies to cause symptoms involving voiding difficulty and higher frequency of urination calls especially during nocturnal times [^4]. Need I remind us this is actually one condition Saw Palmetto should help alleviate!

Gastrointestinal discomfort

You might also end up with some gastrointestinal trouble — think nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain. Totally worth it just for fewer trips to the bathroom at night…not![^5]

In even more extreme cases , individuals excessive use could lead life-threatening issues . This involves liver toxicity leading onset acute icteric hepatitis ,[^(6)] which in layman terms means sudden yellowing off whites part of eyes and skin due effects on liver .

Suffice it say- It’s always wise sticking under standard measurement.

Factors that Determine Dosage

If you’re still trying discern right quantity needed too – namely: age general health status- which are factors in determining an appropriate starting dose [^7]

The good news is bodies metabolize these supplements differently so adjust effectively where necessary”
On average though most healthy adults who begin at lowest-proposed beginning size get best results before increasing gradually after observing any physiological changes present.

Consider checking with a medical professional first before succumbing to any supplement change.

Other Herbal Supplements

Finally, it’s important to avoid mixing supplements which could conflict negatively. This includes Saw Palmetto with other supplements like DHEA or prescribed drugs such as Warfarin, a common blood thinner that when mixed with saw palmetto has been linked to an increased risk for bleeding and bruising[^8].

Conclusion

In conclusion moderation is key; just because something may possess promising health benefits doesn’t mean the more of it you consume, the better. Standard adult dose range falls around 160-320 mg daily but even higher doses may be taken under physician supervision without adverse effect.

Always consult your doctors’ advisement regarding complementing scripts medications and adjusting these changes too – ideally done via careful monitoring after use of an initial smaller dosage recommended ,again going easy on yourself slowly increasing incrementally necessary along way.

Now go forth undeterred–fully informed about correct intake based off needs !

Happy self medicating!

[jump out once ]
There are diverse range of supplements available today; some that pose unimaginable results while others, well…bewilder the mind at their contents precisely what they are supposed to achieve ..’I mean did you ever think ingredients such as rat poison could produce any benefit in one’s life ritualistic practices? (though we digress!) Some herbs containing high amount of ‘coumadin’ coagu-ehuk blood thinning agents , so it’s advisable avoid taking them alongside other medications/drugs contrary effects.


  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto-benefits 

  2. https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20040621/high-doses-saw-palmetto-safe#1 

  3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jedm.12697 

  4. Di Silverio F et al. Evidence that Serenoa repens extract displays antiestrogenic activity in prostatic tissue dried . Specific action on alpha(1)-adrenoceptor contractions.[^5] :Presents gastrointestinal discomfort possible liver toxicity cases. 

  5. (2019). Recognition and Management of Drug-Induced Hepatitis.. International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
    Tosetto et al 

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