Saw Palmetto

If you're an elderly man suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) also known as enlargement of the prostate, then you've probably read or heard about the "miracle" herb, saw palmetto, and its relative efficacy in treating or at least providing symptomatic relief from BPH. However, did you know that the same activity saw palmetto is known for is also effective in the treatment of male-pattern baldness?

Men need to understand what drives male-pattern baldness, in the first place, in order to appreciate how saw palmetto hair loss treatments can be of help in the prevention of androgenetic apolecia or hereditary hair loss.

BPH mostly occurs in elderly men, in which there is an over activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that converts the male sex hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). An overproduction of DHT causes the prostate glands to enlarge. Saw palmetto benefits BPH sufferers by inhibiting the production of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, consequently lowering DHT levels and effectively reducing the size of an enlarged prostate.

How DHT plays a role where saw palmetto and hair loss are concerned is the same thing. DHT is present in the cells of the scalp. It was additionally found in recent studies that abnormal levels of DHT cause the miniaturization of the hair follicles, producing thinner hair at every regrowth and to eventual stoppage.

Saw palmetto benefits are believed to have the same means of action as the drug Propecia (finasteride) given in low doses to prevent hair loss. Finasteride has acquired the FDA approval for being safe and effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia by inhibiting the production of 5-alpha reductase, thereby halting the conversion of testosterone into DHT.

The saw palmetto oil is typically massaged on the hair and scalp, and then the hair is covered with a towel or shower cap for best results. Saw palmetto oil may be used in conjunction with an herbal hair rinse as well as Burdock root oil. This is a topical approach, rather than oral intake of saw palmetto extracts, although proponents of saw palmetto believe best results can be achieved with combined usage.

It is note-worthy enough that saw palmetto hair loss prevention is still not backed by scientific research. In fact, it remains unregulated by the FDA. Some proponents of the herb often stress its similarity to the drug Propecia, but take note that the drug has been approved for hair loss treatment since 1997 after two years of extensive scientific study and data gathering.

Saw palmetto side effects can include hormonal complications, which is the reason pregnant women should never take it. Saw palmetto is sold in the U.S. drug stores as a supplement, beyond the regulation of the FDA. There was one case documented stating how a patient suffered severe hemorrhage during an operation following a lengthened intake of saw palmetto supplement.

The potency of herbs must never be taken lightly. In fact, they can be as potent as the registered drugs with prolonged use. Saw palmetto is not intended for use in women, pregnant or not, because women hair loss can be associated with a number of factors, including underlying medical conditions. Any possibility of medical causes must be addressed first or, at least cleared, before treatment for women hair loss can begin.

Androgenetic apolecia is a hereditary type of baldness that has found no cure – only treatment. Saw palmetto's similar means of action in inhibiting DHT according to pro-finasteride does not necessarily mean it can prevent hair loss in the same way. This is still subject to a growing debate and further scientific studies. The recommended saw palmetto dosage is 320mg per day, but can be divided into two doses.