Many popular and expensive hair loss treatment options today such as Provillus, and Procerin, contain the “active” ingredient saw palmetto. But the age old question of whether or not it can effectively treat baldness in men and women with alopecia is still heavily debated. By taking a look at the scientific evidence available we are able to draw some conclusions as to its potential benefit for those with thinning hair.

What is Saw Palmetto?
Dietary supplement. Hexane Free. Supports prostate health. Native to the Southern Atlantic coast of the United States, the saw palmetto berry was used by Native Americans for a variety of different health concerns, and was found especially useful for older men. Numerous studies have shown that the berry contains fatty acids, which may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone within the prostate. Source Naturals Saw Palmetto Extract is highly concentrated for maximum potency and convenience. Each softgel contains the exact amount (320 mg) and concentration of saw palmetto fatty acids (85-95%) administered in clinical trails. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)(more…)
Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Study:
Studies have shown that saw palmetto is an effective anti-androgen. It acts in a similar way that propecia does. Firstly it lowers levels of DHT in the body by Blocking 5 alpha-reductase. Secondly Saw Palmetto block receptor sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT. Although no studies have been carried out on saw palmetto and its relation to hair growth. Studies have been performed on the use of Saw palmetto in the treatment of benign prostatic disease which similar to Androgenetic Alopecia also depends on the production of dihydrotestosterone(DHT). All of the studies that have been performed to date show that Saw palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and has shown conclusively to be effective in the treatment of benign prostate disease.
Some studies also have shown that saw palmetto may have the same effect as the drug finasteride in treating hair loss and prostate enlargement diseases. It has been suggested that both hair loss and prostate disease are related to the hormone DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is formed when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase interacts with the male hormone testosterone.
Since both hair loss and prostatic disease are related to DHT, many suggest that Saw Palmetto will also be effective in treating people with hair loss by reducing the amount of DHT in our body and around the hair follicles. Although there is no formal study or testing to confirm the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto in treating hair loss, many companies are already preparing topical hair lotions that are formulated with Saw Palmetto.
Side Effects and Warnings:
Like most other herbal supplements, saw palmetto has potential side effects. The most common side effects associated with saw palmetto use are mild stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bad breath. Some men taking saw palmetto have reported erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement, and changes in sexual desire.
The Dosage:
But if there are no current standards on dosages of herbal medications in the United States, how do these popular hair loss treatments produce an appropriate dosage? Clinical studies on Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia (BPH) have used a dosage of 320mg of the berry extract daily (either one 320mg pill or 2 X 160 mg pill). A daily dosage of 480 mg of saw palmetto berry extract was not found to be any more effective in a six-month study. If the entire berry was used, up to 1000mg or 2000mg would be required to reach the same goal.
Conclusions:
At the present time, there is no known cure for male pattern baldness. Both conventional and natural treatments can help control the hair loss as long as one maintains the treatment, though it will often recur once the treatment is discontinued. Given the safety of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol, they seem a reasonable first line of treatment for mild to moderate male pattern baldness before considering conventional medications.
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