SAW PALMETTO FOR MALE BALDNESS: DOES IT STOP HAIR LOSS IN MEN?

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a plant extract commonly used in alternative medicine to treat male baldness, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). This condition is often linked to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. 

Saw palmetto is believed to have DHT-inhibiting properties, similar to finasteride, a well-known pharmaceutical treatment for hair loss. Here’s an overview of the effects of saw palmetto on male baldness:

1. Inhibition of DHT

• Mechanism: Saw palmetto may block the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. High levels of DHT are known to shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and eventual hair loss.
• Effectiveness: Some studies suggest that saw palmetto can reduce DHT levels, which might slow hair loss and, in some cases, promote hair regrowth.

2. Clinical Studies and Research

• Small-scale studies: A few clinical trials have examined saw palmetto’s impact on hair growth:
  • A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that 38% of men who used a saw palmetto topical treatment experienced an improvement in hair growth compared to 68% who used finasteride.
  • A 2009 study observed that 60% of participants using saw palmetto saw some hair improvement, with a particular emphasis on reducing hair loss.
• Limitations: Many of these studies are small and short-term, and the results are mixed. More large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

3. Topical vs. Oral Use

• Oral supplements: Saw palmetto is commonly taken in capsule form as a dietary supplement. It can also be taken within a multi-ingredient supplement. 
• Topical application: Some hair loss products contain saw palmetto in shampoos or scalp treatments, which are thought to help by directly affecting the hair follicles.
• Combination with other ingredients: Saw palmetto is often combined with other hair growth-promoting compounds, like biotin or minoxidil, in commercial products. Saw palmetto is also used in leading specialist hair growth supplements such as HR23+.

4. Comparison to Pharmaceutical Treatments

• Finasteride and Minoxidil: These FDA-approved treatments are generally considered more effective than saw palmetto for male baldness, with finasteride specifically targeting DHT. However, saw palmetto is popular because it is natural and may have fewer side effects. Finasteride is known to give major negative side-effects, some of which are long-term, and even irreversible. 
• Side effects: Unlike finasteride, which can cause side effects like decreased libido, saw palmetto is thought to have a lower risk of sexual side effects, though some men report mild gastrointestinal discomfort or headaches.

5. Safety and Tolerability

• Natural alternative: Saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most people. However, some potential side effects include stomach upset, headaches, and mild dizziness.
• Interactions: It may interact with medications like blood thinners, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before use.

Summary:

Saw palmetto may have a mild positive effect on reducing male pattern baldness by inhibiting DHT production. It can also help boost the formation of healthy hair growth when combined with growth agents like folate and biotin (vitamin B7). 

Saw palmetto is often favoured as a natural remedy due to its lower risk of side effects. However, more research is needed to fully confirm its benefits for hair regrowth.

Europe's leading non-medical hair loss treatment, HR23+ Hair Restoration Supplement, combines saw palmetto with 22 additives in order to help reduce hair loss and promote hair growth in men experiencing androgenic alopecia.  HR23+ has shown to work in 9 out of 10 users.