Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, prompting many to seek natural remedies for thinning hair and androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). Two popular herbal supplements, Saw Palmetto and Stinging Nettle Leaf, are known for their potential to inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone closely linked to hair loss. Manestay, our hair multivitamin supplement, harnesses the power of these ingredients to promote hair health naturally. This article explores how these plant extracts work as DHT blockers, supported by scientific evidence, and how Manestay can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine.
Understanding DHT and Hair Loss
DHT is a derivative of testosterone and plays a significant role in hair loss, particularly in those genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. It binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing new hair. Blocking DHT is a common strategy in both pharmaceutical and natural approaches to managing hair loss.
Saw Palmetto: A Potent Natural DHT Blocker
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm native to the southeastern United States. It has long been used in traditional medicine, particularly for urinary and reproductive health. Recent studies have found that saw palmetto may help block DHT, thereby reducing hair loss.
Mechanism of Action: Saw palmetto inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. By blocking this enzyme, saw palmetto reduces the overall levels of DHT in the body, potentially slowing hair follicle miniaturization.
Supporting Studies:
- A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicineevaluated 100 male participants with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. After 24 weeks, 38% of those treated with saw palmetto showed an improvement in hair growth compared to only 11% in the placebo group, indicating saw palmetto’s effectiveness in reducing hair loss by inhibiting DHT production.
- Another study from The International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacologyexamined the efficacy of a topical saw palmetto solution. Participants saw a significant increase in hair density after three months of treatment, further demonstrating saw palmetto’s potential as a DHT blocker.
Stinging Nettle Leaf: A Complementary DHT Blocker
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial plant rich in bioactive compounds, including lignans, vitamins, and minerals. It has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including inflammation and prostate issues. More recently, stinging nettle has gained attention for its potential role in blocking DHT and promoting hair health.
Mechanism of Action: Stinging nettle leaf extract contains compounds that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, similar to saw palmetto. Additionally, it may modulate the activity of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which helps reduce free testosterone levels, indirectly affecting DHT production.
Supporting Studies:
- A study published in Phytomedicinefound that stinging nettle extracts significantly inhibited 5-alpha-reductase activity in vitro. This suggests that the compounds in nettle leaf can effectively reduce DHT production, providing a biochemical basis for its use as a hair loss treatment.
- In another study from the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, researchers examined the combined effects of saw palmetto and stinging nettle on prostate health—a condition often linked with high DHT levels. The combination was found to significantly reduce symptoms associated with high DHT, supporting the synergistic potential of these two herbs in managing conditions related to excess DHT.
How Manestay Supports Hair Health
Manestay, our advanced hair multivitamin, includes Saw Palmetto and Stinging Nettle Leaf extracts, making it a powerful ally in your fight against hair loss. By combining these potent DHT-blocking herbs with a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, Manestay not only supports overall hair health but also directly targets the underlying causes of thinning hair.
Practical Use and Considerations
Incorporating Manestay into your daily routine provides a convenient and natural approach to managing DHT-related hair loss. However, individual responses can vary, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Conclusion
Saw Palmetto and Stinging Nettle Leaf are promising natural options for managing hair loss through DHT reduction, and Manestay effectively combines these extracts into one easy-to-take supplement. Supported by scientific research, these ingredients offer a natural complement to conventional therapies like finasteride and minoxidil. While further research is needed, current studies highlight their potential as effective, natural DHT blockers, making Manestay a great addition to your hair care regimen.
References
- Prager, N., Bickett, K., French, N., & Marcovici, G. (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, 8(2), 143-152. doi:10.1089/107555302317371451. Read case study here
- Rossi, A., Cantisani, C., Melis, L., Iorio, A., Scali, E., & Calvieri, S. (2012). A preliminary study on topical application of serenoa repens, melatonin, and tocotrienol for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 25(4), 1167-1173. doi:10.1177/039463201202500434. Read case study here
- Hajhashemi, V., & Abbasi, N. (2008). Hypoglycemic activity of Urtica dioica in male rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance. Phytomedicine, 15(7-8), 519-526. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2007.10.005.
- Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., & Chrubasik, S. (2007). A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles, Part II: urticae radix. Phytomedicine, 14(7-8), 568-579. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2007.04.008. Read case study here
- Nasri, H., & Shirzad, H. (2012). Toxicity and safety of medicinal plants. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 2(3), 10-15. doi:10.1089/her.2012.0211. (PDF) Toxicity and safety of medicinal plants (researchgate.net)