Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Treatment, What are the Side Effects?
Here we look at the effects of whether a saw palmetto hair loss treatment is effective for hair regrowth and what are the side effects of saw palmetto. Clinical experience and many positive reports from users indicate that the effects of saw palmetto extract can inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the testosterone derivative that shrinks and ultimately kills hair follicles in those with the gene for male pattern hair loss.
In fact, there are claims that saw palmetto extract inhibits the effects of DHT at least as effectively as conventional treatments for hair loss like Propecia.
Although (until recently) there have been no completely independent scientific studies which demonstrate such effects of saw palmetto for hair loss, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence and positive experiences of thousands of those using saw palmetto hair growth treatments.
Effects of Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Treatment
However now, after such speculation about the benefit of saw palmetto hair loss remedy, there’s finally a conclusive study assessing the effects of saw palmetto on androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Results indicate that a saw palmetto extract is well worth using and is free of the side effects of medication like Propecia. That’s right, there are no documented saw palmetto side effects.
The key contributing factor of male pattern hair loss is the conversion of testosterone to the potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone DHT by the catalyst enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. This conversion is also central to the onset and progression of certain prostate disorders. Male pattern hair loss has been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat such prostate disorders. All clinical studies to date demonstrate that saw palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and has shown conclusively to be effective in the treatment of prostate enlargement conditions.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested botanically derived 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors from saw palmetto extract, in order to examine the potential benefit of saw palmetto for hair growth. The results showed a highly positive response in saw palmetto hair loss treatment. 60% of study subjects dosed with the saw palmetto extract were rated as improved at the end of the study.
As well as lowering levels of DHT by blocking 5-alpha-reductase, it is also thought that saw palmetto blocks the receptor sites on cell membranes that are required for the absorption of DHT. The effects of saw palmetto encourages hair growth by reducing the uptake of DHT by the hair follicles.
Saw Palmetto Side Effects
Stating that there are no recorded saw palmetto side effects may be misleading because of the lack of thorough and conclusive research into long term side effects of saw palmetto. Despite the fact that it’s commonly believed that the herb is relatively harmless, you should nevertheless check with your doctor before self medicating with strong saw palmetto extract.
Choosing Your Saw Palmetto Product
Make sure you buy saw palmetto extract. Saw palmetto berries, or berry powder is not recommended. Saw palmetto hair loss treatments may be useful in conjunction with finasteride Propecia to deal with any remaining excess DHT and also with minoxidil Rogaine to reduce scalp irritation as well as DHT levels.
Saw Palmetto (Serenosa Repens) Traditional Use
Saw Palmetto is traditional topical herbal medicine used to help improve skin and scalp conditions, maintain healthy skin and hair, reverse hair loss. Used by Native Americans for hair, scalp and skin care, it’s said to revitalize mature skin, bring an olive shine to the skin, help revive hair follicles, improve hair strength, body and shine, and make the scalp less sensitive to stress and irritation.
