Herbs & Supplements

Saw Palmetto Other Names: Cabbage Palm, Fan Palm, Sabal, Sabal serrulata, Scrub Palm, Serenoa, Serenoa repens What side effects should I watch for? Major Side Effects One case of recurring pancreatitis with hepatitis is attributed to saw palmetto use by an individual who recovered after saw palmetto was stopped. Pancreatitis is painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Another case of non-viral hepatitis has been reported in a man using a combination product that contained saw palmetto. The exact cause of the hepatitis was not identified conclusively, however. At least one case of impotence also seems to be associated with taking saw palmetto, but the incidence of impotence among participants in clinical studies was similar for both saw palmetto and placebo (inactive sugar pills). Less Severe Side Effects Individuals taking saw palmetto in clinical studies have reported only mild and temporary side effects including: Constipation Diarrhea Dizziness Headache Nausea Upset stomach << Back What interactions should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.