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A systematic review done in 2009 measured the adverse side effects of saw palmetto when used for the treatment of lower urinary tract infections and BPH. After reviewing a number of randomized trials, evidence suggests that adverse events associated with the use of saw palmetto are mild and similar to those with the placebo.
The most frequently reported saw palmetto side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased libido and rhinitis.
Saw palmetto may not be safe to use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. It acts like a hormone, and this could be dangerous to the pregnancy, so be sure to consult your doctor before use.
Some birth control pills contain estrogen, and saw palmetto might decrease the effects of estrogen in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Saw palmetto may also decrease estrogen levels in the body, so taking saw palmetto along with estrogen pills might decrease the effectiveness of the estrogen pills and affect your hormonal balance.
Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting, so taking saw palmetto along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin) and others.
If you’ve never taken saw palmetto before, it’s wise to discuss your intentions with your health care professional in order to pinpoint an appropriate dosage and to rule out possible interactions. *
