Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Saw Palmetto [berry]? Is Saw Palmetto [berry] safe for nursing mother and child? Does Saw Palmetto [berry] extracts into breast milk? Does Saw Palmetto [berry] has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Saw Palmetto [berry] influence milk supply or can Saw Palmetto [berry] decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Saw Palmetto [berry] lactation summary

Saw Palmetto [berry] usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Saw Palmetto [berry] is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Saw Palmetto [berry] may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Saw Palmetto [berry] may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Saw Palmetto [berry] low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Saw Palmetto [berry] We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Saw Palmetto [berry] usage in lactation

The fruits from this palm tree with a high content of fatty acids (oleic, lauric, myristic, linoleic and linolenic acids) are used. They also contain flavonoids and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) that exert both an antiandrogenic and estrogenic action It is used for treatment of prostate hyperplasia. Also used, however on a poor scientific basis, for treatment of androgenic alopecia and hirsutism (Murugusundram 2009, Rossi 2012, Wessagowit 2016).. It has been related to some problems such as hormonal disruption when it was used in girls (Morabito 2015), but mostly without serious side effects (Agbabiaka 2009). At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found. No likely risk when topically used, whenever it is not applied on the chest.A moderate consumption would not represent a risk while breastfeeding. It may be prudent to avoid using it during the neonatal period (within first month after birth) and in cases of prematurity. Cautions when taking herbal teas:1. Make sure it is obtained from a reliable source: reportedly, poisonings have occurred due to confusion after using another plant with toxic effects, some others contain heavy metals that may cause poisoning and others may cause food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.2. Do not take it excessively. "Natural" products are not always good in any amount: plants contain active substances from which are made many compounds of our traditional pharmacopoeia that can cause poisoning if consumed in exaggerated quantities or for long periods.

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Systemic Use

Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
Black-Cohosh(Unsafe)
Horsetail(Unsafe)
Colocynth Pulp(Dangerous)
Ergot Fungus(Dangerous)
Ephedra(Unsafe)
Steviol(Safe)
Eucalyptus(Unsafe)
Eyebright(Safe)
Flowers(Low Risk)
Fucus(Unsafe)
Goat´s Rue(Unsafe)
Bearberry(Unsafe)
Guarana(Low Risk)
Herniary(Low Risk)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Reishi(Low Risk)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.