Do you suffer from thinning hair or notice more hair loss than usual? You are certainly not the only one. Many people are looking for effective solutions to support their hair growth and prevent hair loss. In your search, you may have come across the term saw palmetto. It is an ingredient found in various hair growth products. But what exactly is it, and can it really help? We will delve deeper into the world of saw palmetto and explore the potential benefits for your hair and scalp.
Do you suffer from thinning hair or notice more hair loss than usual? You are certainly not the only one. Many people are looking for effective solutions to support their hair growth and prevent hair loss. In your search, you may have come across the term saw palmetto. It is an ingredient found in various hair growth products. But what exactly is it, and can it really help? We will delve deeper into the world of saw palmetto and explore the potential benefits for your hair and scalp.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm tree that grows in the southeastern United States. The berries of this tree have been used traditionally for centuries for various health purposes. The active ingredients in saw palmetto fruit extract, especially the fatty acids and sterols such as beta-sitosterol, are believed to play a role in the treatment of certain conditions, including hair loss. The extract is also used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, an underactive bladder, prostate cancer and inflammation.
Other uses of saw palmetto
Saw palmetto can be utilized for issues related to prostate health, particularly treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition, characterized by an enlarged prostate gland, can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and weak urine flow. Saw palmetto extract is believed to help alleviate these symptoms by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which plays a role in prostate enlargement.
Additionally, saw palmetto has been explored for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to reducing inflammation in the body. This can be beneficial for a range of conditions, including those affecting the urinary tract. Some studies also suggest that saw palmetto might have a positive effect on boosting libido due to its influence on testosterone levels, though more research is needed to confirm these effects. Moreover, saw palmetto is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to support overall urinary health and improve symptoms associated with an underactive bladder.
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But we're more interested in the hair loss reducing properties of the saw palmetto tree. The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as hereditary hair loss or male/female pattern baldness. An important factor in AGA is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can bind to the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing healthy hair. Saw palmetto extract is thought to inhibit the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. By possibly reducing the production of DHT, saw palmetto could help reduce the impact of this hormone on hair follicles and thus prevent hair loss. This is an important aspect for those looking for a natural DHT blocker against hair loss.
The scientific literature on the effectiveness of saw palmetto for hair loss is still developing, and the results are not always clear-cut. So it is interesting to delve deeper into it.
A 2023 study investigated the effects of a standardised saw palmetto oil (called VISPO) on subjects with mild to moderate hair loss. The study concluded that both oral and topical administration of VISPO led to a significant reduction in hair loss and an increase in hair density after 16 weeks. It was also interesting to note that oral intake of VISPO led to a clear reduction in the DHT level of the participants.
However, other reviews emphasise that the evidence for the effectiveness of saw palmetto in hair loss is still limited and that more high-quality research is needed. A comparative study showed that finasteride, a well-known medication for hair loss, was more effective than saw palmetto in improving hair density. This is not surprising. Finasteride is a medication that can block up to 70% of DHT in the body. Saw palmetto is a natural alternative that is less well absorbed by the body and therefore less effective.
The quality of many studies can be criticised due to small sample sizes and a lack of long-term results. This is a common criticism of these studies, which can be explained by the high costs of conducting larger studies and the novelty of saw palmetto as a potential hair growth agent.
Benefits of saw palmetto for hair
Despite the need for more research, some studies suggest that saw palmetto may offer the following potential benefits for people with hair loss:
Reduction of hair loss: Both oral and topical administration may help reduce the amount of hair lost. Improvement of hair density: Some studies show an increase in the number of hairs per square centimetre.
Lowering DHT: Oral intake can influence the DHT level in the body.
Natural alternative: For people who prefer natural approaches, saw palmetto can be an attractive option.
However, it is crucial to have realistic expectations. Results can vary from person to person and saw palmetto may not be equally effective for everyone.
How to use saw palmetto for hair loss
If you are considering including saw palmetto in your hair growth treatment, there are several options:
One of the most well-known and effective shampoos to stimulate hair growth and combat hair loss.
The shampoo also promotes a healthy scalp and thicker, healthier hair.
It is suitable for both men and women predisposed to hereditary/non-hereditary hair loss.
Choose quality products: Look for standardised extracts with a clearly stated composition.
Combine with other proven methods: Consider combining saw palmetto with other treatments that have proven effective against hair loss, such as shampoos with ketoconazole (such as Regenepure DR). A combination of different approaches can often yield the best results.
Be patient: hair growth is a slow process. Give the product time to work before drawing conclusions.
Keep track of your progress: take photos of your scalp to be able to assess changes over time.
Consult a professional: If you suffer from severe hair loss or scalp problems, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or hair specialist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Possible side effects and safety
In general, saw palmetto is considered safe for most people at the recommended doses. Mild side effects that are sometimes reported are gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, constipation or diarrhoea. There have been rare reports of other side effects, such as hypersensitivity, which manifests itself in irritation.
Is saw palmetto worth it?
The science behind saw palmetto as a treatment for hair loss is promising, but not yet fully convincing. Some studies, such as the one into standardised saw palmetto oil VISPO, suggest positive effects on reducing hair loss and improving hair growth. However, other studies point to the limitations of the current evidence and the need for more robust studies.
If you are looking for a natural supplement to support your hair growth and possibly reduce hair loss, saw palmetto may be an option to consider. It is important to have realistic expectations, choose quality products and be consistent in your use. It may also be beneficial to combine saw palmetto with other proven methods of hair care and growth.
Sources
Ufomadu, P. (2023). Complementary and alternative supplements: a review of dermatologic effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 37(1), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2023.2263829
Sudeep, H. V., Rashmi, S., Jestin, T. V., Richards, A., Gouthamchandra, K., & Shyamprasad, K. (2023). Oral and topical administration of a standardised saw palmetto oil reduces hair loss and improves hair growth in androgenetic alopecia subjects – a 16-week randomised, placebo-controlled study. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 16, 3251–3266. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s435795
