Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) | TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | 320mg daily (standardized to 85-95% fatty acids and sterols) | 250-500mg daily |
| Timing | With food (fat-soluble lipophilic extract). Morning or evening. | With meals for liver support. Some protocols recommend before meals to prime bile flow. |
| Cycle Duration | Minimum 3 months to assess response; ongoing for maintenance | Cycle 4-8 weeks for liver support; ongoing at low dose for chronic liver conditions under supervision |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | Moderate-Strong |
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
TUDCA is a water-soluble bile acid conjugate (taurine + ursodeoxycholic acid) with potent hepatoprotective and cytoprotective properties. It inhibits the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by preventing BAX translocation to mitochondria and cytochrome c release. TUDCA reduces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by acting as a chemical chaperone, assisting protein folding and reducing the unfolded protein response (UPR). It protects hepatocytes by stabilizing cell membranes, displacing toxic hydrophobic bile acids (chenodeoxycholic, lithocholic) from biliary epithelium, and promoting choleresis (bile flow). Additionally, it has neuroprotective effects via reduction of ER stress in neurons and modulation of the TGR5 bile acid receptor.
250-500mg daily
With meals for liver support. Some protocols recommend before meals to prime bile flow.
Cycle 4-8 weeks for liver support; ongoing at low dose for chronic liver conditions under supervision
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →