Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm native to the southeastern United States. It is widely used in dietary supplements aimed at improving various health conditions, including urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and increasingly, for supporting hair health and combating hair loss. This blog will delve into the science behind saw palmetto and its potential benefits for hair health and furthering
The Science of Saw Palmetto and Hair Health
Saw palmetto is believed to work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated levels of DHT are linked to hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). By reducing DHT levels, saw palmetto may help to slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Research Supporting Saw Palmetto's Role in Hair Health
Several studies have investigated the potential benefits of saw palmetto for hair health:
- Topical Application and Hair Density: A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that topical application of saw palmetto extract could improve hair density. In this study, men with androgenetic alopecia applied a saw palmetto-containing lotion and shampoo for three months, resulting in 35% of participants experiencing an increase in hair density (NCCIH) (National Institutes of Health (NIH)).
- Oral Supplementation: Another study examined the effects of oral saw palmetto supplements on hair growth. Published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, this research showed that men taking a daily dose of 320 mg of saw palmetto over two years experienced an improvement in hair growth, with 38% noting an increase in hair density compared to 21% in the placebo group (NCCIH) (National Institutes of Health (NIH)).
- Comparative Study with Finasteride: A study published in Advances in Therapy compared the effectiveness of saw palmetto with finasteride, a medication commonly used to treat hair loss. The study indicated that while finasteride was more effective, saw palmetto still had a positive impact on hair growth, making it a potential alternative for those who prefer natural treatments (NCCIH) (National Institutes of Health (NIH)).
Mechanism of Action
The primary mechanism through which saw palmetto supports hair health is its ability to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. High levels of DHT shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. By blocking this conversion, saw palmetto can help mitigate the harmful effects of DHT on hair follicles.
Safety and Side Effects
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, the most common being mild digestive symptoms and headache. Importantly, it does not appear to affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which is an important consideration for men using the supplement for prostate health (NCCIH) (National Institutes of Health (NIH)).
Manestay and Saw Palmetto
Within Manestay, a signature product from VitaEase Supplements, we have included saw palmetto as a key ingredient in our all-in-one hair supplement for men. Recognising the robust scientific evidence supporting its benefits for hair health, we have combined saw palmetto with 26 other essential vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, and amino acids. This powerful combination is designed to support follicle strength, coverage, thickness, and overall hair health. By integrating saw palmetto into our formula, we aim to provide a comprehensive solution to help men maintain and improve their hair.
Conclusion
Saw palmetto shows promise as a natural option for supporting hair health, particularly in reducing hair loss and promoting hair density by potentially lowering DHT levels. While it may not be as potent as some pharmaceutical treatments, it offers a viable alternative for those seeking a more natural approach. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
For more detailed information, you can explore resources from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NCCIH (NCCIH) (National Institutes of Health (NIH)).
References
- "Spotlight on Saw Palmetto," National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), NIH. Read more
- Prager, N., et al. (2002). "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Read more
- Rossi, A., et al. (2012). "Comparative effectiveness of finasteride vs saw palmetto in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia." Advances in Therapy.