Does Saw Palmetto Fight Hair Thinning?
You have probably heard of "Saw Palmetto", the wonder natural compound that fights hair thinning.
It's used around the world to enhance hair growth, improve urinary and prostrate function.
But does it actually work to fight hair thinning? Since there are different types of hair thinning, what types of hair thinning does it combat?
Let's explore saw palmetto, scientific data, dosage and it's safety.
What Is Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a botanical extract derived from the serenoa repens fruit. This plant grows in hot humid climates such as in Florida. Saw palmetto has been shown in scientific studies to have anti-androgenic properties, inhibiting the activity of male sex hormones.
Both males and females have testosterone in their body. Testosterone is converted to it's metabolite Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and it is believed that DHT plays an important role in hair thinning and hair loss on the scalp. This leads to male and female pattern hair thinning.
There are a few pharmaceutical drugs on the market that block the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which leads to reduction in hair loss and even some regrowth. However, as with any pharmaceutical drugs, these can have some serious side effects.
Saw palmetto naturally reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT without the side effects. This is the reason it is a very popular hair loss supplement.
Does Saw Palmetto Really Combat Hair Thinning: The Science
Luckily, multiple scientific studies have been done to analyze the effects of saw palmetto for hair thinning and prostrate health, since the hormone DHT can also enlarge men's prostate.
In one study, 50 men supplemented with saw palmetto extract for two years. 38% of men had hair regrowth on their crown (top of head) and 90% of men mentioned they stopped losing hair. While these results aren't fantastic, they still show that saw palmetto can be somewhat effective.
Researchers at the University of California investigated the efficacy and safety of saw palmetto supplements on hair regrowth. They conducted a literature review into past studies using saw palmetto to reduce hair loss.
They found five randomized clinical trials that demonstrated positive effects of supplementing with saw palmetto.
There is some evidence that saw palmetto may regulate specific female hormones. It may balance the effects of testosterone and DHT in women, thus providing estrogen-life effects.
In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), saw palmetto may also help to reduce higher levels of androgens and prolactin.
How Safe Is Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is considered safe for most people with a very low side effect profile. Side effects include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, and vertigo. However, these side effects appear to be reversible when you stop supplementation.
Before taking any form of supplement, please check with your doctor that is safe to do so based on your medical history.
How To Supplement With Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT which can slow down pattern hair loss. According to scientific studies, 320 mg of saw palmetto seems to be effective at fighting hair thinning.
However, as we discussed with biotin, it's best to take saw palmetto with a blend of other powerful plant compounds known to fight hair thinning and grow thicker, stronger hair.
If you are interested in a powerful, clean, science-backed supplement to improve hair health, consider our Enhance Hair Supplement.
It contains some of nature's top botanicals to improve hair quality and help you grow fuller hair. Some of our top ingredients include green tea extract, curcumin, ashwagandha, goji berry, B-vitamins and vitamin D.
