Hair loss can be distressing and may have a negative impact on an individual's confidence. Alopecia areata affects both men and women and occurs when the immune system destroys the hair follicles, causing hair on the head and the rest of body to fall out. Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited condition. Often known as male pattern baldness, it generally occurs as a man ages and is characterized by loss of hair from along the hair line and the top of the head. It can also affect women. The herb saw palmetto is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for androgenetic alopecia, although evidence to prove that it is effective is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Properties
Sometimes known as cabbage palm, saw palmetto is a small palm tree that grows on the southeastern coast of the United States. Saw palmetto contains a number of biologically active compounds including fatty acids and phytosterols. It is primarily used as a complementary medicine for conditions that affect the prostate gland, especially benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, an article published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery" notes that saw palmetto has also gained popularity as a hair loss treatment.
Administration
Saw palmetto may be taken as an herbal tincture or in capsules or tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 200 mg of this herb combined with 50 mg of beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol, twice daily to alleviate androgenetic alopecia. However, this is only intended as a guideline. The amount you need to take may depend on several other factors, including your age and other conditions you may have. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about a dose that is safe and appropriate for you.
Scientific Evidence
Evidence to support the use of saw palmetto as a hair loss treatment is lacking. Writing in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery," dermatologist S. Murugusundram states that although saw palmetto is sometimes regarded as a magic treatment for alopecia, there is little evidence to support its efficacy. However, the results of a clinical study published in the April 2000 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" show that a combination of saw palmetto extract and beta-sitosterol improved androgenetic alopecia in 60 percent of patients.
Safety Considerations
RxList notes that saw palmetto is likely safe for most people, adding that side effects are usually mild and may include vomiting, constipation and nausea. However, the herb may affect your blood's ability to clot; therefore, discontinue use if you are scheduled for surgery within two weeks, as it may increase the risk of bleeding during your procedure. Avoid using this herb alongside anticoagulants like aspirin and ibuprofen.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alopecia
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
- "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery"; Serenoa Repens: Does It have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia?; S. Murugusundram; January 2009
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; 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; N. Prager et al.; April 2002
- RxList: Saw Palmetto
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