Saw Palmetto for BPH & LUTs: A Clinical & Consumer Guide
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affects nearly 50% of men over age 50 and up to 90% over 80. The symptoms include frequent urination, reduced urinary flow, nocturia, and urgency and can significantly impact quality of life. While pharmaceuticals like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors remain standard treatments, many men seek natural alternatives that offer symptom relief without the risk of side effects. Among the most studied and popular natural remedies is saw palmetto (Serenoa repens).
What Is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the southeastern U.S., and its berries contain lipophilic extracts rich in fatty acids and phytosterols. These bioactive compounds are believed to exert anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory, and smooth muscle relaxant effects on the lower urinary tract, which may explain the observed benefits in men with BPH.
The Science Behind Saw Palmetto and BPH
Numerous studies over the past two decades have evaluated saw palmetto's efficacy in improving symptoms of BPH and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Some trials have shown meaningful improvements in symptom scores and urinary flow metrics, while others have reported limited or no effect—often due to differences in dosage, extraction methods, and product quality.
This inconsistency highlights the importance of standardization. In clinical research, a specific dose of 320 mg/day of lipidosterolic extract has shown the most promise.† The extract should be standardized to contain 80–95% fatty acids and sterols, which are the components thought to provide therapeutic benefit.
Not All Saw Palmetto Products Are Created Equal
A key insight from the 2023 comparative report by Chughtai et al. underscores the variability in quality and formulation across commercially available saw palmetto supplements. The study examined multiple eCommerce brands and found that only a few products met the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards for quality, potency, and purity.
According to Chughtai et al. (2023), Flomentum® stood out in this analysis. It was the only supplement that offered a USP-verified, 320 mg dose of lipidosterolic extract from saw palmetto berries. It contains no unnecessary fillers, no GMOs, and is manufactured in an FDA-registered facility—factors that are essential for clinical-grade supplementation.
US Plus® vs. Permixon® – A Comparison
US Plus® and Permixon® are both clinically studied, lipidosterolic extracts of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) used to manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including frequent urination, nocturia, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Both extracts share a similar mechanism of action—targeting 5-alpha reductase to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels and support prostate health. They also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to symptom relief. ‡§
The key difference lies in the extraction process and manufacturing standards. Permixon is a hexane-extracted saw palmetto oil widely used in Europe and backed by robust clinical data. US Plus®, the extract used in Flomentum®, is the only US saw palmetto extract that meets the same European Pharmacopeia standards for purity and potency as Permixon. It is also the only saw palmetto supplement in the United States verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). This ensures that every capsule contains the same clinically studied form of saw palmetto oil shown to support urinary function and prostate health—without unnecessary fillers or variability in potency. In short, US Plus® offers the same standardized clinical efficacy as Permixon, with the added assurance of US-based quality controls. ‡§
Why USP Verification Matters
The USP verification mark is awarded only to supplements that meet strict standards for:
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Purity: Free from contaminants and harmful levels of heavy metals.
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Potency: Contains the amount of active ingredient listed on the label.
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Performance: Delivers the expected benefits in the body.
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Consistency: Manufactured in a facility that follows current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
Given the proliferation of underdosed or adulterated products on the market, this third-party verification provides consumers with a trusted benchmark for quality and safety.
How Saw Palmetto Works for Urinary Health
Saw palmetto is believed to help manage BPH and LUTS by:
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Inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which fuels prostate growth.
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Reducing inflammation in prostate tissue.
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Relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, easing urinary flow.
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Improving overall urinary comfort, particularly nighttime urination (nocturia).
In clinical studies, patients using high-quality saw palmetto extracts have reported reduced nighttime bathroom trips, less urgency, improved urine flow, and better sleep.
Flomentum®: Backed by Science, Built for Results
Unlike many generic supplements, Flomentum is positioned as a clinically supported alternative that meets the rigorous standards expected in pharmaceutical research. Each once-daily softgel delivers a standardized 320 mg dose of lipidosterolic extract, formulated to replicate the conditions used in peer-reviewed trials.
Additionally, Flomentum is:
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Doctor-recommended: Urologists and men’s health professionals often recommend it for men with mild to moderate BPH.
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Clinically relevant: Designed to match the same dose and composition shown effective in published studies.
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Minimalist: Free of artificial colors, binders, and unnecessary excipients. It contains only what is needed to support urinary health.
Choosing the Right Supplement
When evaluating a saw palmetto product for BPH or LUTS, consumers should consider:
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Dosage: Look for 320 mg per day of lipidosterolic extract.†
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Formulation: Choose oil-based softgels over dry powder capsules.
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Third-party testing: Verify whether the product is USP or NSF certified.
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Brand transparency: Confirm that the brand shares sourcing and manufacturing details.
Flomentum checks all these boxes, making it one of the few clinically aligned options on the market.
Final Thoughts
While BPH and urinary symptoms are common with aging, they don’t have to be disruptive. Saw palmetto-based supplements, especially those that meet high-quality standards like Flomentum, offer men a natural, well-tolerated option to support prostate and urinary health. However, as with any supplement, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if symptoms are progressing or medications are already being used.
For men seeking a natural path to urinary wellness, backed by science and verified by the USP, Flomentum offers a smart, once-daily solution.
Citations:
Chughtai, B., et al. (2023). Comparative Analysis of Saw Palmetto-Based Prostate Supplements in eCommerce Channels. Internal dataset reviewing brand composition and USP compliance.
†Clinical strength is defined as 320 mg of standardized saw palmetto oil extract, the dose shown to be effective in clinical studies.
‡Flomentum has proven comparability to the leading clinically studied saw palmetto extract product in Europe, which has sexual side effects similar to placebo.
§These claims are based on Flomentum’s demonstrated comparability to a leading European saw palmetto herbal product as defined by the European Medicines Agency, which is recognized as safe and effective in over 20 published studies.
||Naslund MJ, et al. Int J Clin Pract. 2007 Sep;61(9):1437-45.
