Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss

Saw palmetto is a small palm plant found in North America. This natural herb is also known as Serenoa repens. Saw palmetto herbal extract is obtained from the red colored, berry like fruit of this plant. It is a rich source of various types of fatty acids which include oleic acid lauric acid, palmitic acid and so on. Basically saw palmetto benefits are owing to all these components present in it. Native Americans used saw palmetto for the treatment of urinary disorders and enlarged prostate gland treatment in men since ancient times. It is only in very recent times that the effects of saw palmetto on hair loss have been discovered in various research studies.

Impact of Saw Palmetto on Hair Loss

Saw palmetto is highly effective for a particular baldness pattern known as androgenic alopecia. This can affect both men as well as women. Here, hair loss occurs in the middle of the scalp and near the temples. This kind of balding happens when the level of dihydrotestosterone (or DHT) hormone in the scalp becomes high. Problem arises because this hormone attaches itself with the hair follicles and prevents proper nutrient supply to hair roots. As a result, the size of the hair follicles decreases resulting in growth of thinner hair. If this condition is not controlled on time, then new hair growth from the affected follicles will stop completely.

This kind of hair loss can be prevented only by lowering the DHT level in scalp. This hormone is created in the body by a natural process, where testosterone hormone is converted into dihydrotestosterone with the help of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme released by the oil glands present in the hair follicles. When saw palmetto is taken, its fatty acid components block secretion of the type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme and inhibits conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. It also creates blockade at the receptor sire of the cell membranes so that DHT is not absorbed into the scalp cells. Thus saw palmetto can reverse the hair loss problem.

Dosage

Saw palmetto is available in the form of tablets, capsules and liquid extracts. You can also get whole berries of saw palmetto and powdered form of the dried berries too. It is a key ingredient of a number of over the counter medicines that are used to promote hair growth. Dosage varies in between 160 milligrams and 320 milligrams. It largely depends on the body weight and health condition of the concerned person. The correct dosage is decided by a doctor. Before, using saw palmetto for the treatment of hair loss, read the label of the medicine to find the content of each tablets. Accordingly, you have to take capsules once or twice a day. Never increase the dosage without consulting your doctor. Along with the oral medicines, you can use saw palmetto oil extract topically at the site of hair loss. When applied on the bald spot, it is readily absorbed into the scalp skin, which in turn revive the hair follicles. Thus, it strengthens hair roots and prevents hair fall.

As such there are no major side effects of saw palmetto. However, some people may experience mild side effects like stomach problems or headache. Can women take saw palmetto for hair loss? Basically, use of saw palmetto for hair loss in women is safe but it is not suitable for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Those who have some hormonal problems should also avoid this herb.