Palmetto Berries
Key Benefits (most evidence in men with BPH/LUTS)
May ease urinary symptoms (e.g., nighttime urination, weak stream) in mild–moderate BPH for some men. Results are mixed: some trials show modest benefit; others show no difference vs. placebo. Best studied with standardized lipid/CO₂ extracts.
5-alpha-reductase modulation: The fatty acids (lauric, oleic) may reduce conversion of testosterone → DHT, which is one possible mechanism behind urinary benefits.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Berry lipids and phytosterols (β-sitosterol) show anti-inflammatory activity that may support prostate comfort.
Hair: Evidence for androgenic hair loss is inconclusive; a few small studies suggest minor improvements, but it’s not comparable to approved treatments.
How people typically take it Standardized extract: 160 mg twice daily (or 320 mg once daily) providing 85–95% fatty acids (hexane or supercritical CO₂ extract). Whole berry powders/teas are less studied and usually deliver much lower active lipid content.
