Saw palmetto with zinc and vitamin B-6 are taken mainly for two conditions: androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly referred to as BPH. Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the leading condition responsible for hair loss. The cause is believed to be a genetic one, and involves imbalances in testosterone levels. BPH refers to growth of the prostate in older men. When this gland enlarges, it can cause problems such as painful and frequent urination and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement.
Androgenic Alopecia
Saw palmetto, zinc and vitamin B-6 all appear to have a normalizing effect on androgenic hormone levels, and therefore have a potential for preventing or stopping androgenic alopecia. Although supplementing with zinc and B-6 can stop any hair loss that is caused by their deficiency, whether the use of either is effective in treating androgenic alopecia in otherwise healthy subjects is yet unclear. According to the January 2009 issue of the “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery,” the efficacy of saw palmetto for this condition is also questionable.
BPH
There are a number of studies investigating the use of saw palmetto for BPH, and although there are still some conflicting findings, it appears that it is a promising therapeutic solution, as discussed in the 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine.” There is less evidence regarding the efficacy of zinc and vitamin B-6 in the treatment of BPH, but most patients will take these together. The rationale is that zinc and B-6 are essential for normal hormone levels, and since according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, hormonal factors appear to be implicated in BPH, supplementing with these nutrients can be of help.
Other Uses
Preliminary evidence indicates that saw palmetto may be useful in the treatment for prostate cancer, as reported in the September 2007 issue of the “International Journal of Oncology.” However, further research is needed. Zinc is useful for persons suffering from zinc-deficiency symptoms, namely growth retardation, diarrhea and an increased susceptibility to infections. Similarly, vitamin B-6 is useful for persons deficient in it. Symptoms of vitamin B-6 deficiency include confusion and mouth sores.
Safety
Zinc and vitamin B-6 are safe when taken at recommended dosages -- check the manufacturer’s label. This will be based on the recommended daily allowance. According to the June 2008 issue of “Complementary Therapies in Medicine,” saw palmetto was found to be safe at 160 mg twice daily.
References
- “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”; Serenoa Repens: Does It Have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia?; S. Murugusundram; January 2009
- “The American Journal of Chinese Medicine”; Saw Palmetto and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; E.M. Gong, et al.; 2004
- “International Journal of Oncology”; Saw Palmetto Induces Growth Arrest and Apoptosis of Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells via Inactivation of STAT 3 and Androgen Receptor Signalling; Y. Yang, et al.; September 2007
- “Complementary Therapies in Medicine”; A Detailed Safety Assessment of a Saw Palmetto Extract; A.L. Avins, et al.; June 2008
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
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