Maca saw palmetto is a dietary supplement containing the extracts of maca and saw palmetto. Both herbs are used to treat a number of conditions, but hair loss isn't one of them. Although the beneficial compounds found in saw palmetto have some effect on the hormones responsible for hair loss, the activity doesn't appear to stimulate the regrowth of lost hair. Even when saw palmetto is combined with maca, it isn't likely to improve hair loss. Talk to a doctor before taking this or any other dietary supplement to treat male or female pattern baldness.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is often caused by dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a by-product of testosterone. When testosterone comes in contact with 5-alpha-reductase type 2, an enzyme in the oil glands, it converts into DHT. DHT binds to hair follicles with DHT receptors and subsequently causes the affected follicles to shrink in size. This miniaturization affects the growth of the hair until it ceases entirely.
Evidence
Studies involving saw palmetto have shown that this herb reduces the uptake of both testosterone and DHT by at least 40 percent, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It also prohibits DHT from binding to its receptor, but these activities have only proven beneficial in benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, a condition where the prostate enlarges. It doesn't appear to have any effect on the receptors in the hair follicles.
Treatment
Instead of relying on a combination of maca and saw palmetto to improve hair loss, talk to your doctor. Medical professionals can recommend or prescribe the appropriate treatment for either male or female pattern baldness. Finasteride is a prescription medication that inhibits the production of 5-alpha-reductase type 2, which can help slow the progression of hair loss and stimulate the regrowth of lost hair in men. Both men and women can use minoxidil, a topical medication that's known to slow hair loss and even encourage new growth.
Warning
Both maca and saw palmetto are considered safe. Like many supplements, however, side effects can still occur. Complications from taking maca aren't well documented, but saw palmetto is known to cause headaches and stomach issues, though these are relatively rare, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Saw palmetto can also interfere with the absorption of iron. Not enough is known about either extract, so women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid use.
References
- American Hair Loss Association: Men's Hair Loss Treatment
- American Hair Loss Association: Women's Hair Loss Treatment
- MayoClinic.com; Hair Loss; July 2011
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Maca; May 2011
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Saw Palmetto; July 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Saw Palmetto; February 2009
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