Can Saw Palmetto Stop Hair Loss?



If you’re struggling with hair loss chances are you’ve heard about Saw Palmetto. In fact, Saw Palmetto is the most popular hair loss supplement on the market. Hair loss supplement companies have claimed that Saw Palmetto is the herbal Propecia, but is it true? Continue reading.

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw Palmetto is a small palm that is endemic to the subtropical South-eastern United States, commonly found along the south Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains. Saw Palmetto is extracted through the berries of this small palm tree. Saw Palmetto is commonly used as an herbal supplement to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

How Does Saw Palmetto Supposedly Work?

Saw Palmetto has been found to be a potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Hair follicles contain a high level of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through the bloodstream. DHT is the main cause of androgenic alopecia or genetic hair loss in men and women. Therefore, by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, the body will produce less DHT which in theory will decrease hair loss.

Is There Scientific Evidence?

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of scientific evidence to prove that Saw Palmetto is an effective treatment option for men and women suffering from hair loss. However, in a small study of 10 males suffering from androgenic alopecia 60% (6/10) reported significant improvement at the end of the trial. Another study consisting of 34 men and 28 women saw a 35% increase in hair density at the end of the three-month trial. However, it should be noted that Saw Palmetto was not the only "active" ingredient in the trial. 

Bottom Line

While the few published studies sound exciting and promising, it is important to remember that the sample size of the studies was small. In addition, in one of the studies, more than one ingredient was used to treat hair loss. Therefore, it is impossible to conclude that Saw Palmetto was responsible for the results. Based on the studies available, however, it appears that Saw Palmetto may be a safe alternative to Propecia (finasteride) for those who cannot tolerate the medication. 

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