Home Ingredients VISPO™ (VI-SPO® Saw Palmetto CO₂ Oil)
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VISPO™ (VI-SPO® Saw Palmetto CO₂ Oil)

Serenoa repens
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

VISPO™ (also written VI-SPO®) is a branded supercritical CO₂-extracted saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry oil from Vidya Herbs, standardized to a high free-fatty-acid content (≥85%) with a phytosterol-enriched grade (2–3% β-sitosterol). It is unusual among branded saw palmetto extracts in carrying two of its own randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials: a 16-week androgenetic-alopecia study (oral and topical) reporting reduced hair fall and lower DHT, and a benign-prostatic-hyperplasia comparative study. Honest framing: both trials are manufacturer-sponsored and saw palmetto's broader prostate evidence is genuinely mixed (several positive trials but large rigorous trials such as STEP and CAMUS were null). For the generic plant, see the separate Saw Palmetto entry.

Studied Dose Sudeep 2023 hair trial: 400 mg/day oral softgel (and a 20% topical, 5 mL/day) for 16 weeks. Sudeep 2020 prostate trial: 500 mg/day oral. General saw palmetto for prostate/LUTS is typically 320 mg/day liposterolic extract. Take with food.
Active Compound Free fatty acids (≥85% — lauric, oleic, myristic, palmitic) plus phytosterols (a phytosterol-enriched grade standardized to 2–3% β-sitosterol), from supercritical CO₂-extracted saw palmetto berry oil. VISPO™/VI-SPO® is manufactured by Vidya Herbs.

Benefits

Reduced hair fall in androgenetic alopecia (branded RCT)

In a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=80), oral VISPO 400 mg/day significantly reduced hair fall and improved hair growth and density versus placebo in men and women with androgenetic alopecia. A single manufacturer-sponsored trial, so results are promising rather than conclusive.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Supports normal DHT balance (5-alpha-reductase pathway)

Oral VISPO lowered serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) versus baseline and placebo. The proposed mechanism is partial inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT — the same pathway targeted by finasteride, but botanical and milder. DHT is central to both androgenetic hair thinning and prostate enlargement.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Prostate and lower urinary tract support

Saw palmetto's traditional use is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower-urinary-tract symptoms. A branded VISPO BPH trial reported improvements in urological and androgen-deficiency measures. Honest framing: across the wider saw palmetto literature the evidence is mixed — some trials positive, several large high-quality trials null.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Both oral and topical routes studied

Unusually, the branded hair trial tested VISPO both as an oral softgel and as a 20% topical, with both showing benefit — useful for products that pair an ingestible with a scalp application.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Generally well tolerated

Saw palmetto has a long use history and a favorable tolerability profile; a meta-analysis indicates it does not impair male sexual function, in contrast to pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Supported by Trial 3

Mechanism of action

1

5-alpha-reductase inhibition

Saw palmetto fatty acids and sterols partially and non-competitively inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (types I and II), reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT. Lower local DHT eases androgen pressure on scalp hair follicles and prostate tissue.

2

Anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory action at the follicle and prostate

Beyond 5-alpha-reductase, saw palmetto lipids may reduce DHT binding at androgen receptors and dampen local inflammatory signaling, both relevant to follicle miniaturization and prostatic hyperplasia.

3

Fatty-acid and phytosterol nourishment

The free fatty acids and β-sitosterol provide the lipophilic substrate behind saw palmetto's biological activity; CO₂ extraction yields a high-purity oil and the phytosterol-enriched grade concentrates the β-sitosterol fraction.

Clinical trials

1
16-Week Androgenetic Alopecia RCT (oral + topical)

Sudeep HV et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-arm.

80 adults (18–50 y) with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia

Subjects received oral 400 mg VISPO, topical 20% VISPO, or matching placebos once daily for 16 weeks. The VISPO arms showed significantly reduced hair fall and improved hair growth/density versus placebo, with oral VISPO significantly lowering serum DHT and 5-alpha-reductase activity. Manufacturer-sponsored (Vidya Herbs).

2
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Comparative RCT

Sudeep HV et al., BMC Urology, 2020. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparative study.

Men ~40–65 y with BPH / androgen-deficiency symptoms

Oral phytosterol-enriched saw palmetto oil (VISPO, 500 mg/day) improved urological and hormonal outcomes versus conventional saw palmetto oil and placebo. Manufacturer-sponsored; supports the prostate/LUTS use but needs independent replication.

3
Saw palmetto class evidence (context)

Independent systematic reviews of Serenoa repens (Schwartzmann 2026; Paulis 2021).

Pooled BPH and male sexual-function populations

Across the broader non-branded literature, saw palmetto's BPH benefit is mixed (positive trials offset by null large trials such as STEP and CAMUS), while meta-analysis indicates it does not impair sexual function — relevant safety context versus pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated; saw palmetto has a long history of use.
Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach discomfort) is the most common complaint and is reduced by taking with food.
Headache or dizziness reported rarely.
Unlike pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, meta-analysis suggests saw palmetto does not meaningfully impair sexual function, but individual sensitivity varies.
Pregnancy/lactation: avoid — hormonal (anti-androgen) activity makes it inappropriate, and it is generally a men's-health and hair product.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (warfarin, DOACs, aspirin): saw palmetto may have mild antiplatelet activity; theoretical additive bleeding risk — monitor.
Finasteride/dutasteride: both act on the 5-alpha-reductase/DHT pathway, so effects may overlap; combining is generally redundant and should be physician-directed.
Hormonal therapies (testosterone, anti-androgens, hormonal contraceptives): theoretical interaction via androgen pathways.
PSA testing: saw palmetto is not consistently shown to lower PSA, but men using it for prostate health should tell their clinician so PSA results are interpreted in context.

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Frequently asked questions about VISPO™ (VI-SPO® Saw Palmetto CO₂ Oil)

What is VISPO and how is it different from regular saw palmetto?

VISPO (VI-SPO) is a branded saw palmetto berry oil from Vidya Herbs, made by supercritical CO₂ extraction and offered in a phytosterol-enriched grade (2–3% β-sitosterol, ≥85% fatty acids). Unlike most generic saw palmetto, it has two of its own randomized placebo-controlled trials — one for hair and one for prostate.

Can VISPO help with hair loss?

In a 16-week placebo-controlled trial, oral VISPO reduced hair fall and improved hair density in androgenetic alopecia while lowering DHT, the androgen behind pattern hair thinning. It is one manufacturer-sponsored trial, so the result is promising but not definitive, and effects are milder than prescription options like finasteride.

Is VISPO safe for sexual function?

Saw palmetto meta-analysis suggests it does not meaningfully impair male sexual function, which is a notable contrast to pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It is well tolerated overall, with mild stomach upset being the most common side effect.

What is VISPO?

VISPO™ (also written VI-SPO®) is a branded supercritical CO₂-extracted saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry oil from Vidya Herbs, standardized to a high free-fatty-acid content (≥85%) with a phytosterol-enriched grade (2–3% β-sitosterol).

What is VISPO used for?

VISPO is researched primarily for Hair, Skin & Nails, Men's Health, and Prostate Health. In a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=80), oral VISPO 400 mg/day significantly reduced hair fall and improved hair growth and density versus placebo in men and women with androgenetic alopecia.

What is the recommended dosage of VISPO?

The clinically studied dose is Sudeep 2023 hair trial: 400 mg/day oral softgel (and a 20% topical, 5 mL/day) for 16 weeks. Sudeep 2020 prostate trial: 500 mg/day oral. General saw palmetto for prostate/LUTS is typically 320 mg/day liposterolic extract. Take with food. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is VISPO safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, VISPO is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well tolerated; saw palmetto has a long history of use. Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach discomfort) is the most common complaint and is reduced by taking with food. It may also interact with some medications. VISPO is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does VISPO interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (warfarin, DOACs, aspirin): saw palmetto may have mild antiplatelet activity; theoretical additive bleeding risk — monitor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for VISPO?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for VISPO as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 5 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(5 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Sudeep HV, Rashmi S, Jestin TV, Richards A, Gouthamchandra K, Shyamprasad K Oral and Topical Administration of a Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves the Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects - A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2023;16:3251-3266. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S435795.PubMedUsed to support: The pivotal branded VISPO trial: a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-arm study (n=80) in androgenetic alopecia. Oral 400 mg/day VISPO reduced hair fall and improved hair growth and density versus placebo, and lowered serum DHT. Manufacturer-sponsored (Vidya Herbs); a single trial, so promising rather than definitive.
  2. Sudeep HV, Thomas JV, Shyamprasad K A double blind, placebo-controlled randomized comparative study on the efficacy of phytosterol-enriched and conventional saw palmetto oil in mitigating benign prostate hyperplasia and androgen deficiency. BMC Urology. 2020;20(1):86. doi: 10.1186/s12894-020-00648-9.PubMedUsed to support: A branded VISPO randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparative trial in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgen-deficiency symptoms. Oral phytosterol-enriched saw palmetto oil improved urological and hormonal outcomes versus conventional oil and placebo. Manufacturer-sponsored; supports the prostate/lower-urinary-tract use.
  3. Zhou L, Zhu W, Chen Y Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2025;12:1719711. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1719711.PubMedUsed to support: A 2025 systematic review and network meta-analysis of oral dietary supplements for androgenetic alopecia, providing independent context for where saw palmetto, anthocyanins, and pea-sprout-type actives sit relative to other hair supplements.
  4. Schwartzmann I, Redondo A, Farre A, Izquierdo P, Moncada E, Montlleo M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens in benign prostatic disorders: a systematic review of recent clinical evidence. Drugs in Context. 2026;15. doi: 10.7573/dic.2025-10-2.PubMedUsed to support: A 2026 systematic review of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) in benign prostatic disorders — the broader, non-branded evidence base behind saw palmetto's prostate use. Evidence is mixed: several positive trials but large rigorous trials (e.g., STEP/CAMUS) were null.
  5. Paulis G, Paulis A, Perletti G Serenoa repens and its effects on male sexual function. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia. 2021;93(4):475-480. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2021.4.475.PubMedUsed to support: A systematic review and meta-analysis indicating saw palmetto does not impair male sexual function — relevant safety context versus pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which can cause sexual side effects.