Saw Palmetto is effective for all types of urinary issues
8.0Strong
evidence
evidence
The Claim
People often believe saw palmetto can treat various urinary tract issues, including infections and overactive bladder, due to its perceived benefits for prostate health.
Origin
This belief extends from its traditional use by Native Americans and early studies showing effects on BPH symptoms, leading to a generalization to all urinary problems.
What Science Says
Evidence from RCTs and meta-analyses shows that saw palmetto primarily helps with urinary symptoms related to BPH, such as reducing nighttime urination. However, it does not significantly affect other urinary tract issues like infections or overactive bladder.
Verdict
Mostly False
Sources
- PMID:9820264 Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.
- PMID:34488251 <i>Serenoa repens</i> for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- PMID:31952967 Clinical Efficacy of Serenoa repens Versus Placebo Versus Alpha-blockers for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/Benign Prostatic Enlargement: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trials.