NutriStack
DHEA and Saw Palmetto, a conflict.
Saw palmetto modestly inhibits 5-alpha reductase and aromatase; DHEA raises downstream androgens. Combined effects on prostate and hormonal milieu can be unpredictable.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- DHEA and Saw Palmetto
- Pair type
- Conflict
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 1 source
- Stack Score effect
- −10 to your Stack Score (per scored conflict row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Conflict · Emerging evidence
Conflict
What is happening. Saw palmetto modestly inhibits 5-alpha reductase and aromatase; DHEA raises downstream androgens. Combined effects on prostate and hormonal milieu can be unpredictable.
Mechanism. Saw palmetto reduces conversion of testosterone to DHT; DHEA raises substrate availability. Net effect on DHT depends on dosing.
Recommendation. If combining, monitor PSA in men and androgenic side effects in women. Discuss with clinician for prostate health context.
Sources (1)
- Marks LS et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2000
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both DHEA and Saw Palmetto are in the same stack, this pair applies −10 to your Stack Score (per scored conflict row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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