Does Saw Palmetto Work For Hair Loss? We Investigate?

Saw palmetto, an extract from the Serenoa repens tree, has been studied for its potential to treat hair loss due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with androgenetic alopecia. The research on saw palmetto's efficacy in treating hair loss is limited but promising.

Some key findings include:

• A 2012 study found that 38% of participants who took saw palmetto for two years experienced an improvement in hair loss, compared to 68% of those who took finasteride, a medication known to treat hair loss.
• Early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that saw palmetto can improve total hair count by 27% and hair density in 83% of men and women with pattern hair loss.
• A review of the published evidence indicated that supplements containing saw palmetto may be a treatment option for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium, and self-perceived hair thinning, but large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

Despite these findings, official bodies do not recommend saw palmetto for hair loss due to the limited evidence, and more clinical research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness. Saw palmetto is generally considered safe with minimal side effects when taken within recommended doses.

In summary, while there is potential for saw palmetto to help with hair loss, the existing research is limited, and further studies on its effectiveness and safety are needed.