Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) | Serrapeptase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 320mg daily (standardized to 85-95% fatty acids and sterols) | 120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily |
| Timing | With food (fat-soluble lipophilic extract). Morning or evening. | On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after. |
| Cycle Duration | Minimum 3 months to assess response; ongoing for maintenance | Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
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.
320mg daily (standardized to 85-95% fatty acids and sterols)
With food (fat-soluble lipophilic extract). Morning or evening.
Minimum 3 months to assess response; ongoing for maintenance
Serrapeptase (serratiopeptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme originally isolated from the gut of the silkworm (Serratia marcescens). It hydrolyzes non-living tissue including fibrin, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque while sparing living tissue. It reduces bradykinin and other pain-mediating amines, provides anti-inflammatory effects by reducing neutrophil infiltration, and thins mucus by cleaving glycoprotein structures. It may also enhance antibiotic penetration into biofilms.
120,000-240,000 SPU (serratiopeptidase units) daily
On empty stomach (critical — food proteins will be digested instead of systemic absorption). 30+ minutes before meals or 2 hours after.
Cycle 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
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