Resveratrol vs Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Mechanism

Resveratrol activates SIRT1 (the longevity sirtuin) via allosteric binding, promoting deacetylation of PGC-1alpha (mitochondrial biogenesis), FOXO3 (stress resistance), and p53 (DNA repair). It inhibits NF-kB and COX-2, reducing chronic inflammation. Resveratrol also activates AMPK independently of SIRT1 and inhibits phosphodiesterases (PDEs), raising cAMP levels. It improves endothelial function via eNOS upregulation and NO production.

Standard Dosing

250-500mg trans-resveratrol daily

Timing

Morning with a fat-containing meal. Often taken alongside NMN for synergistic sirtuin activation.

Cycle Duration

ongoing

Side Effects

• GI upset/diarrhea at high doses
• Headache
• Joint pain (rare)
• Insomnia (if taken late)

Contraindications

• Estrogen-sensitive cancers (theoretical ER agonism)
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnancy/lactation

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Mechanism

Saw palmetto berry extract contains fatty acids (lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid) and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) that inhibit both isoforms of 5-alpha-reductase (types I and II), reducing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It also exhibits anti-androgenic activity by competing with DHT at androgen receptor binding sites. Additional mechanisms include: inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase (anti-inflammatory in prostate tissue), induction of apoptosis in prostate epithelial cells, and relaxation of bladder smooth muscle via alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonism.

Standard Dosing

320mg daily (standardized to 85-95% fatty acids and sterols)

Timing

With food (fat-soluble lipophilic extract). Morning or evening.

Cycle Duration

Minimum 3 months to assess response; ongoing for maintenance

Side Effects

• Mild GI discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rare: erectile dysfunction (DHT reduction)
• Rare: liver injury (case reports)

Contraindications

• Pregnancy (anti-androgenic — teratogenic potential for male fetus)
• Hormone-sensitive conditions (complex hormone modulation)
• Children

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