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

Serenoa repens
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

VISPO (also sold as VI-SPO) is a branded saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry extract from Vidya Herbs, made by supercritical CO2 extraction and standardized to at least 85% total fatty acids and 2 to 3% beta-sitosterol. It has two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, both run by researchers employed by the maker. In a 16-week hair trial, one daily capsule providing 100 mg of VISPO reduced hair shedding, raised hair density and lowered blood DHT compared with placebo. In a 12-week trial in men with prostate enlargement symptoms, 400 mg a day lowered prostate symptom scores and improved urine flow compared with placebo. For saw palmetto extracts in general, the largest independent trials were negative: two large trials of other extracts found no improvement in urinary symptoms over placebo. For the plant itself, see the separate Saw Palmetto entry.

Studied Dose Hair: one 400 mg capsule a day containing 100 mg VISPO, for 16 weeks. Prostate: two 500 mg capsules a day, each containing 200 mg VISPO (400 mg/day), for 12 weeks.
Active Compound Saw palmetto berry oil (supercritical CO2 extract) standardized to at least 85% total fatty acids and 2 to 3% beta-sitosterol.

Benefits

Reduced hair shedding and better hair density

In a 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with mild to moderate pattern hair loss, one daily capsule with 100 mg of VISPO cut hair shedding by about 29 percent from baseline while shedding rose with placebo, and hair density was higher than placebo at week 16. It is one trial run by the maker's researchers.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Supports healthy DHT levels

In the hair trial, people taking VISPO by mouth had lower blood dihydrotestosterone (DHT) than the placebo group after 16 weeks. In the prostate trial, blood 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that makes DHT, fell compared with placebo. Both results come from the maker's own trials and have not been repeated independently.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Prostate and lower urinary tract support

In a 12-week double-blind trial of 99 men aged 40 to 65 with prostate enlargement symptoms, 400 mg a day of VISPO lowered prostate symptom scores from 20.0 to 16.8 and improved urine flow compared with placebo. Symptom scores did not differ significantly from a conventional saw palmetto oil. Two large independent trials of other saw palmetto extracts found no improvement over placebo.

Supported by Trial 2

Generally well tolerated

No serious adverse events were recorded in either VISPO trial. A meta-analysis of saw palmetto trials found no significant difference from placebo in sexual function scores.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

5-alpha-reductase inhibition

Saw palmetto extracts inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, in laboratory tests. In VISPO's own trials, blood DHT (hair trial) and blood 5-alpha-reductase (prostate trial) fell compared with placebo.

2

Sterol-enriched fatty acid oil

VISPO is standardized for total fatty acids and beta-sitosterol. In the maker's prostate trial it was compared with a conventional saw palmetto oil containing about 0.2% beta-sitosterol. VISPO reduced residual urine volume more, but symptom scores did not differ significantly between the two oils. The authors credit its higher sterol content for the difference.

Clinical trials

1
16-Week Androgenetic Alopecia Trial (oral VISPO)
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm trial: an oral capsule with 100 mg VISPO or a 20% VISPO scalp lotion, each with its own placebo, once daily for 16 weeks (Sudeep et al. 2023, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol)

80 adults aged 18 to 50 with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (73 completed; per-protocol analysis)

In the oral arm, hair shedding on the comb test fell about 29% from baseline and was lower than placebo at weeks 8 and 16; hair density was higher than placebo at week 16, and blood DHT was lower than placebo. The anagen to telogen ratio did not change significantly. A topical arm also reduced shedding. Most authors are Vidya Herbs employees.

2
12-Week Prostate Symptom Trial (VISPO vs conventional saw palmetto oil)
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of beta-sitosterol-enriched saw palmetto oil (VISPO, 400 mg/day), conventional saw palmetto oil, or placebo for 12 weeks (Sudeep et al. 2020, BMC Urol)

99 men aged 40 to 65 with benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms (91 completed; intention-to-treat analysis)

With VISPO, prostate symptom score fell from 20.0 to 16.8, a significant change versus placebo, with better urine flow, lower residual urine volume, PSA and blood 5-alpha-reductase, and higher free testosterone. The conventional oil group's within-group symptom change was not significant, and end-of-study symptom scores did not differ significantly between the two oils. The lead authors are Vidya Herbs employees.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

No serious adverse events were recorded in either VISPO trial.
Mild stomach upset is the complaint most often linked to saw palmetto.
A meta-analysis found saw palmetto did not significantly change sexual function scores compared with placebo; individual sensitivity can vary.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid, because of its effects on androgen pathways.

Important Drug interactions

Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, DOACs, aspirin): saw palmetto has been suggested to affect platelets; ask your clinician before combining.
Finasteride or dutasteride: these act on the same 5-alpha-reductase pathway, so combining should be directed by a physician.
Hormonal therapies (testosterone, anti-androgens, hormonal contraceptives): possible interaction through androgen pathways.
PSA testing: the maker's prostate trial reported lower PSA with VISPO, so tell your clinician you take it so PSA results are read 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 (also sold as VI-SPO) is a saw palmetto berry extract from Vidya Herbs, made by supercritical CO2 extraction and standardized to at least 85% fatty acids and 2 to 3% beta-sitosterol. It has two of its own placebo-controlled trials, one for hair and one for prostate symptoms, both run by the maker's researchers.

Can VISPO help with hair loss?

In a 16-week placebo-controlled trial, one daily capsule with 100 mg of VISPO reduced hair shedding, raised hair density and lowered blood DHT in adults with pattern hair loss. It is a single maker-run trial, so results need independent confirmation.

Is VISPO safe for sexual function?

A meta-analysis of saw palmetto trials found no significant change in sexual function scores compared with placebo, and neither VISPO trial recorded serious adverse events. Mild stomach upset is the most common complaint with saw palmetto.

What is VISPO?

VISPO (also sold as VI-SPO) is a branded saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry extract from Vidya Herbs, made by supercritical CO2 extraction and standardized to at least 85% total fatty acids and 2 to 3% beta-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 in adults with mild to moderate pattern hair loss, one daily capsule with 100 mg of VISPO cut hair shedding by about 29 percent from baseline while shedding rose with placebo,…

What is the recommended dosage of VISPO?

The clinically studied dose is Hair: one 400 mg capsule a day containing 100 mg VISPO, for 16 weeks. Prostate: two 500 mg capsules a day, each containing 200 mg VISPO (400 mg/day), for 12 weeks. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Does VISPO interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, DOACs, aspirin): saw palmetto has been suggested to affect platelets; ask your clinician before combining. Finasteride or dutasteride: these act on the same 5-alpha-reductase pathway, so combining should be directed by a physician. 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 Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 study summaries and 7 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(7 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. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:3251-3266. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S435795.PubMedUsed to support: Maker-run 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled four-arm trial (80 randomized, 73 analysed) in androgenetic alopecia. A daily capsule with 100 mg VISPO reduced hair shedding versus placebo, increased hair density versus placebo at week 16 and lowered serum DHT versus placebo; the anagen to telogen ratio did not change. Vidya Herbs employees are among the authors.
  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 Urol. 2020;20(1):86. doi: 10.1186/s12894-020-00648-9.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial (99 men aged 40 to 65): VISPO 400 mg/day lowered prostate symptom score (20.0 to 16.8) and improved urine flow, residual volume, PSA and serum 5-alpha-reductase versus placebo. The authors call it superior to a conventional saw palmetto oil, but end-of-study symptom scores did not differ significantly between the two oils. Lead authors are affiliated with Vidya Herbs.
  3. Zhou L, Zhu W, Chen Y. Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1719711. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1719711.PubMedUsed to support: Network meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials (1,658 patients) of oral supplements for androgenetic alopecia. Saw palmetto extract was among the supplements with higher blinded-investigator hair regrowth scores than placebo or conventional treatment; the authors call for larger high-quality trials.
  4. Schwartzmann I, Redondo A, Farré A, Izquierdo P, Moncada E, Montlleó M, Quiroz Y, Breda A, Palou J, de León JP. Efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens in benign prostatic disorders: a systematic review of recent clinical evidence. Drugs Context. 2026;15. doi: 10.7573/dic.2025-10-2.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review of 16 studies (more than 3,000 participants) published January 2020 to May 2025: Serenoa repens was associated with symptom score improvements in several trials, more consistently with hexanic and beta-sitosterol-enriched extracts, with heterogeneous formulations and a stated need for larger standardized trials. Its date range excludes the older STEP and CAMUS trials.
  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. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2021;93(4):475-480. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2021.4.475.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 papers: change in sexual function scores did not differ significantly between saw palmetto and placebo. Supports the tolerability statements.
  6. Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, Neuhaus J, Hudes ES, Goldberg H, Avins AL. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(6):557-66. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa053085.PubMedUsed to support: STEP trial: 225 men with moderate to severe prostate symptoms took saw palmetto extract 160 mg twice daily or placebo for one year; there was no significant difference in symptom scores, urine flow, prostate size or PSA. Independent context for the saw palmetto class (not VISPO).
  7. Barry MJ, Meleth S, Lee JY, Kreder KJ, Avins AL, Nickel JC, Roehrborn CG, Crawford ED, Foster HE Jr, Kaplan SA, McCullough A, Andriole GL, Naslund MJ, Williams OD, Kusek JW, Meyers CM, Betz JM, Cantor A, McVary KT, Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Urological Symptoms (CAMUS) Study Group. Effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2011;306(12):1344-51. doi: 10.1001/jama.2011.1364.PubMedUsed to support: CAMUS trial: 369 men took up to three times the standard dose of a saw palmetto extract or placebo for 72 weeks; the extract did not reduce urinary symptoms more than placebo on the primary or any secondary outcome. Independent context for the saw palmetto class (not VISPO).