1. An Herb With a History
Saw palmetto, also known as serenoa repens, is a small, shrublike palm plant that has large leaves. It has large dark red berries and grows in the southeastern part of the United States. The berries from the saw palmetto plant have been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans. Scientists don't know exactly how saw palmetto works, but they do know that it is an anti-androgen, and excess androgen causes hair loss.
2. Once Recommended for Old Men
Saw palmetto berries contain phytonutrients that interrupt the hormonal process that frequently causes the prostate to become enlarged in older men. For this reason, saw palmetto extract is sold to prevent or relieve prostate problems. From 1926 to 1950, saw palmetto berries were listed in the National Formulary as a recommended treatment for "the enlarged prostate of old men." Today, it is widely recommended by physicians in Europe, but it is less popular in the United States. Because saw palmetto is so effective, there have been many clinical trials comparing it to the prescription drug finasteride. It has compared very favorably with the drug; in a review article that looked at 18 of these studies, the authors concluded that saw palmetto was as effective as finasteride in treating urinary symptoms, and that it caused less erectile dysfunction.
3. From Prostate Problems to Hair Loss
How did researchers make the jump from prostate problems to hair loss? First, it was discovered that finasteride, which is old under the brand name Propecia, slowed or halted hair loss. Since saw palmetto has a similar mechanism of action, scientists hypothesized that it might do the same. They found that people who suffer from androgenetic alopecia, which is hair loss caused by overproduction of a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone, have had success with saw palmetto.
4. No Guesswork With This Herb
Unlike most herbal supplements, there have been several clinical trials involving saw palmetto. No significant side effects have been noted in patients taking the herbal extract. When it is taken on an empty stomach, it occasionally causes a headache or stomach upset. It does have hormonal activity, so it should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
5. Be Patient
The recommended dosage for saw palmetto extract is 160 mg twice a day. It usually takes about six weeks for you to see results from this product.
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