SAW PALMETTO AND HAIR LOSS

There are many treatments for hair loss. In recent years, hair pieces and hair
extensions have gained popularity. Topical medications and oral drugs are other
popular methods people use to treat thinning hair. Surgical procedures such hair
plugs also work well. But medications can have side effects and surgery can be
expensive. Saw palmetto is an alternative remedy used to treat hair loss. Its a plant
with small berries that has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for
hundreds of years. Theres evidence that this herbal remedy may treat an enlarged
prostate.

It also has been used to treat:

Hair loss

Bladder infections

Prostate cancer

Decreased sex drive

Research on whether saw palmetto works to treat hair loss is limited but promising.
An extract of saw palmetto berries may block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that
converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is the molecule responsible for hair loss and also
is involved in the enlargement of the prostate.

One study showed promise in saw palmettos ability to treat an enlarged prostate.
Researchers hope it can slow or stop hair loss too. In fact, the components of saw
palmetto that block the enzyme work in a similar way as synthetic ingredients in
prescription medication for hair loss.

But research is limited on saw palmettos efficacy in treating hair loss. Still, one
study showed positive results for men treated with topical saw palmetto and 10
percent trichogen veg complex. Nearly half of the 25 participants increased their
hair count by 11.9 percent after four months of treatment.

THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF SAW PALMETTO

Saw palmetto comes in several different forms, including:

Whole dried berries

Tablets

Liquid extracts

Powdered capsules

SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS

Saw palmetto generally is considered to be safe, but its not recommended for
children, or pregnant and breastfeeding women. Rare side effects include mild
headaches and stomach pains. Stomach irritation can be avoided by taking the
extract with food.

Saw palmetto may thin your blood and can cause excessive bleeding during surgery.
Always tell your doctor all of the supplements youre taking before beginning any
new type of treatment and before surgery. Interactions may occur between saw
palmetto and some other medications. Because its been shown to thin blood, saw
palmetto should never be taken simultaneously with other blood thinners. In
particular, it shouldnt be taken with aspirin and prescriptions such as warfarin. Saw
palmetto works in a similar manner as the medication finasteride, which is used to
treat hair loss and an enlarged prostate. You should not take them together, unless
directed by your doctor. Saw palmetto may reduce the effectiveness of oral
contraceptives because it interacts with hormones.

Saw palmetto has the power to treat colds, coughs and sore throat, and it works as
a natural remedy for asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome and
migraine headaches. Its also used to increase urine flow, promoteThe most
important factor about saw palmetto is that its been shown to slow the production
of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, so taking it is a strong step to improve prostate
health. This enzyme converts the male hormone testosterone into
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a sex steroid and androgen hormone. While DHT is
important because it plays a role in male development, it also contributes to many
common health issues in men, such as loss of libido, an enlarged prostate and hair
loss. By taking saw palmetto supplements or using the extract of this beneficial
plant, you inhibit the production of this hormone and avoid these issues that are
seen in middle-aged and older males. relaxation and enhance sexual drive.

The prostates job is to make some of the fluid that protects and nourishes sperm
cells in semen, making the semen more liquid. Just behind the prostate are glands
called seminal vesicles that make most of the fluid for semen. The urethra, the tube
that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, goes through the
center of the prostate. The prostate is a gland found only in males, and its located
below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum.

The size of the prostate changes with age. Its about the size of a walnut in younger
men, but it can grow to be much larger in older men and this can become
problematic.

The prostate starts to develop before birth, and fuled by male hormones called
androgens, it grows rapidly during puberty. The main androgen, testosterone, is
made in the testicles. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into
DHT. DHT is the main hormone that signals the prostate to grow.The prostate
usually stays at about the same size or grows slowly in adults, as long as male
hormones are present. Its when the prostate becomes enlarged that men begin
experiencing symptoms from BPH and lower urinary tract issues. Saw palmetto
benefits have been known for centuries, and the plant has been used in traditional,
eclectic and alternative medicine. Its active ingredients include fatty acids, plant
sterols and flavonoids. The berries also contain high molecular weight
polysaccharides (sugars), which may reduce inflammation thats at the root of most
diseases and strengthen the immune system thus adding immune system
booster to the list of saw palmetto benefits.

1. TREATS BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY (BPH)

The most common form of an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia or

BPH. The prostate gland can become inflamed or enlarged as men get older. The
prostate then compresses the urethra, leading to difficulty with urination those
results in bladder infections or bladder stones. BPH can be caused by a variety of
circumstances, including hormonal changes (such as excess estrogen), deteriorating
blood vessels and a zinc deficiency.

2. REDUCES RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER

A systematic literature review of 11 studies identified saw palmetto supplements as

one of the five commonly used forms of alternative medicine by men with prostate
cancer.Saw palmetto supplements work as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors meaning
they slow down the conversion of testosterone to DHT by blocking the enzyme and
preventing its formation. According to research, DHT is responsible for prostate
enlargement, which may be a cause of prostate cancer.The science is still unclear
on this matter, but studies on two 5-alpha reductase inhibitor prescriptions,
Finasteride (Proscar) and Dutasteride (Avodart) found that men taking either drug
were less likely to develop prostate cancer after several years than men getting an
inactive placebo. The problem lies in the side effects of these medications they
can cause sexual side effects, such as lowered sexual desire and impotence.Saw
palmetto, on the other hand, can also inhibit DHT and help with urinary problems
from BPH, such as trouble urinating and leaking urine, plus it regulates your
testosterone levels, helps with libido and works as a natural remedy for
impotence.Studies have also found that saw palmetto inhibits the growth of
prostatic cancer cells and may destroy dangerous cells. A study conducted at the
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Beijing found that saw
palmetto induced growth arrest of prostate cancer LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 cells and
down-regulated DHT, the hormone that leads to prostate enlargement.

Another interesting note about saw palmetto is the research that has been done to
measure its effect on post-surgery recovery time. Prostate surgery (known as
transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP) can require a lengthy recovery
period, but research shows that taking 320 milligrams of saw palmetto daily for two
months before prostate surgery can reduce the time spent in surgery. It also helps
with blood loss, the development of problems during surgery and the total time
spent in the hospital.

3. HELPS WITH HAIR LOSS

Saw palmetto extracts and supplements work as hair loss remedies because they
keep testosterone levels balanced. As men age, the testosterone hormone is
diminished and the hormone called 5-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases. The
cause of hair loss is due to the hair follicles sensitivity to DHT, which is a male
androgen hormone that causes follicles to shrink, resulting in a shorter life span and
decrease of hair production.

Normally after hairs fall out, another hair starts to grow from this same follicle but
if DHT is high, hair growth decreases. Saw palmetto has the power to stop the
conversion of testosterone into DHT, making it beneficial for hair growth.

Although the options about saw palmetto as an effective hair growth agent are
mixed, there are studies that indicate its use as beneficial. One study conducted at
the Clinical Research and Development Network in Colorado tested 34 men and 28
women, aged 18-48 years, who topically applied saw palmetto extract in lotion and
shampoo base for three months; the results found that 35 percent of the
participants had an increase in hair density.

4. RETAINS TESTOSTERONE LEVELS

Because saw palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the body
retains normal levels of testosterone. This helps with weight loss, strength
management, pain response, hair loss and sex drive. Today, low testosterone in
males is rapidly growing, and this results in chronic fatigue, a stunt in libido and a
decreased sense of well-being.

A case study reported in the American Journal of Medicine analyzed a 52-year-old

man who was experiencing erectile dysfunction, low libido and fatigue. He took no
medications and was otherwise healthy. The study suggests that his metabolic
status improved dramatically by increasing his testosterone counts. After three
months, he already felt more energized and his sexual function improved.

5. SUPPORTS UROLOGICAL SYSTEM

Saw palmetto supports the urological system in men who have benign prostatic
hyperplasia. This occurs because of an interaction with the receptors in the lower
urinary tract that can lead to urinary dysfunction and overactive bladder. Saw
palmetto is also recommended to treat weakening urinary organs in elderly people
or women after menopause because it strengthens the urinary organs and has been
recommended as a natural remedy for kidney stones.

The Journal of American Medical Association released a 1998 review stating that
saw palmetto is effective in improving urological symptoms and urine flow. For the
review, 18 randomized trials with almost 3,000 male participants were analyzed; 28
percent of the men taking saw palmetto showed fewer urinary tract symptoms, 24
percent showed improvement in peak urine flow and overall urine flow improved for
43 percent of the participants. The results were comparable to the group taking
Proscar a prescribed medication and they were much more promising than the
men taking a placebo.

Another study done at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine involved
85 men who randomly received either saw palmetto for a placebo for six months.
The results indicated that saw palmetto use leads to a significant improvement in
urinary symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms compared with
placebo. This study shows that saw palmetto can be an effective home remedy for
UTI.

RECOMMENDED DOSES FOR SAW PALMETTO

When using saw palmetto to treat BPH, the recommended dose is starting with 320
milligrams three times daily for four months, then dropping down to 320 milligrams
once a day. For treating early stages of BPH, take 160 milligrams twice a day. For
the treatment of bald spots, take 200 milligrams twice daily, combined with 50
milligrams of beta-sitosterol twice daily. You can drink saw palmetto tea, but keep in
mind that the fatty acids, its most active ingredient, are not soluble in water and
wont be as effective as capsules.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS & INTERACTIONS OF SAW PALMETTO

A systematic review done in 2009 measured the adverse effects of saw palmetto
when used for the treatment of lower urinary tract infections and BPH. After
reviewing a number of randomized trials, evidence suggests that adverse events
associated with the use of saw palmetto are mild and similar to those with the
placebo. The most frequently reported adverse events are abdominal pain, diarrhea,
nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased libido and rhinitis. Saw palmetto may not be
safe to use during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. It acts like a hormone, and
this could be dangerous to the pregnancy, so be sure to consult your doctor before
use. Some birth control pills contain estrogen, and saw palmetto might decrease the
effects of estrogen in the body. Taking saw palmetto along with birth control pills
might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Saw palmetto may also
decrease estrogen levels in the body, so taking saw palmetto along with estrogen
pills might decrease the effectiveness of the estrogen pills and affect your hormonal
balance.

Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting, so taking saw palmetto along with
medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and
bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel
(Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others),
naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox),
heparin, warfarin (Coumadin) and others.

SAW PALMETTO FOR HAIR LOSS - WHY IS IT RECOMMENDED?

The recommendation of saw palmetto for hair loss came about when it was
discovered that it may stop the testosterone in the body combining with an enzyme
called type ll alpha reductase (note: whilst testosterone is seen as a 'male'
hormone, we women have it in our bodies too).

When testosterone and type ll alpha reductase get together, they form something
called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is known to contribute to both male AND female pattern baldness because it
binds to scalp follicle receptors, causing them to shrink. By blocking the formation
of DHT, saw palmetto is believed to act in a similar way to the medication
finasteride, which is commonly given to men as the drug Propecia in order to treat
male baldness.

WOMEN are never prescribed Propecia because it can cause birth defects and may
affect the hormonal balance - so saw palmetto is sometimes seen as a viable
alternative with similar properties to help reduce hair loss.

IS THERE MEDICAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE USE OF SAW PALMETTO

FOR HAIR LOSS?

The Mayo Clinic has saw palmetto rated 'C' as a hair loss remedy - this means that
there is 'unclear scientific evidence for this use' and that further studies are needed
before it could be recommended by doctors.One study of saw palmetto for hair loss,
focusing on 10 men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness, DID show that
saw palmetto produced some improvement in their condition. But 10 participants is
considered to be so few that no real meaningful conclusion could be drawn from the
research.

In a slightly more encouraging study, during which 50 men were given topical
serenoa repens for 24 weeks, hair growth was noted to have increased at weeks 12
and 24. The patients were reportedly satisfied with the products and experienced
limited side effects.
In separate research reported here, a group of men and women were given
shampoo, dietary supplements and lotion, all enriched with serenoa repens. Again,
some improvement was noted and the published conclusion stated

"...this study confirms the effectiveness of serenoa repens extract on hair baldness
such as androgenetic alopecia, especially when connected with 5a reductase
activity".

But, once again, only a relatively small group of people was studied and over a very
short period of time (just 3 months). That's really not long enough to gauge any
long lasting benefit of saw palmetto for hair loss!

A further study - the Effect of Gelatin Cystine and Serenoa Repens Extract
on Free Radicals and Hair Growth presented at Singapore Dermatology 2000,
noted an increase in hair growth and quality. Researchers concluded that"...this
result is undoubtedly due to the activity performed by the extract of seronoa repens
which, as is known, opposes the transformation of testosterone in
dihydrotestosterone".They go on to add that this contemporary backing presence of
l-cystine at level of hair keratogenetic area. These studies, therefore, represent the
rather small amount of research carried out into saw palmetto for hair loss.

That being said, saw palmetto DOES have further support in the medical field.

Naturopath Dr Eric Yarnell quotes the reported success of the research that
combined oral cystine with the topical (skin) application of saw palmetto extracts.

And Dr James Duke PhD, author of the healing herbs book 'The Green Pharmacy',
believes that saw palmetto can be effective in treating hair loss. In his book Dr.
Duke's Essential Herbs he states that he has collected 'a number of uncontrolled
case studies' that indicate that saw palmetto can trigger the regrowth of hair.Saw
Palmetto for Hair Loss - Is It Right for YOU?

The most important factor when looking for ways to stop your hair loss - and the
one very often overlooked - is to first determine the cause! There is no single hair
loss solution that will work for all types of hair loss - instead, it's necessary to
determine what's triggering the problem, then to seek the MOST APPROPRIATE
solution. For example, if you tend to tie your hair back on a frequent basis, or wear
a weave or extension, then you may be suffering from traction alopecia.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SAW PALMETTO AND PRECAUTIONS TO NOTE

Saw palmetto can cause an upset stomach. This effect can usually be kept to a
minimum by taking it with food and NOT on an empty stomach. You should be
careful if you have any medical conditions relating to the heart, lungs, liver or
stomach. Use caution if you are due to have surgery or dental work. You should be
wary if you have a bleeding disorder or take any medications that increase the risk
of bleeding, or blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Saw palmetto can affect the
hormones, potentially triggering a hormonal imbalance or interfering with birth
control or HRT. You shouldn't take saw palmetto if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
because of its effect on the hormones. You should avoid saw palmetto if you've ever
had hormonal-related cancer. Some saw palmetto tinctures are high in alcohol -
another reason to avoid them during pregnancy or when nursing, OR if
driving/operating machinery. The tannins in saw palmetto can prevent the body
absorbing iron efficiently. Iron deficiency can increase hair loss!

SAW PALMETTO SUPPLEMENTS FOR HAIR LOSS

When it comes to controlling hair loss, what you consume is just as important, if not
more, as what you apply onto your scalp. Saw palmetto works more efficiently if you
directly ingest the fruit, or consume it in the form of supplements. The
recommended adult dosage of saw palmetto supplements is 150-160 mg, twice a
day. However, you must always consult a doctor before you start taking
supplements of any kind.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR SAW PALMETTO TO WORK FOR HAIR LOSS?

You need to use saw palmetto regularly for at least a period of 2-3 months to see
any significant results. However, in some cases, it might take up to a year for
results to show.

Hair loss is extremely hard to deal with, and the thought of it becoming permanent
is even worse. But with these saw palmetto remedies, it doesnt have to be. Have
you ever used saw palmetto to treat hair loss? Tell us about your experience in the
comments section below.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAW PALMETTO STIMULATING REGROWTH OF

THINNING HAIR IN WOMEN

Saw Palmetto fruit health benefits have a long history supporting many health
ailments and symptoms. The WildLife Ecology and Conservation Department of
Florida published a document in 1996 titled, Saw Palmetto: an Ecologically and
Economically Important Native Palm.

The authors included a history of the medicinal value of the Saw Palmetto fruit. The
report states that scientific literature in the US dates as far back as the 1800s
describing the use of tinctures of the fruit and the crushed seeds.
For decades commercialization of the medicinal fruit has lead to the creation of a
pharmaceutical extract of Saw Palmetto called Permixon, which is successfully used
to treat human benign prostatic hypertrophy. Research studies continue as many
additional health benefits have been identified beyond prostate gland swelling
which is the most known use.

Saw Palmetto has been found a positive support for treating a variety of womens
health issues, too. The following is a question presented to Dr. Leia on how Saw
Palmetto might be used for thinning hair and hair loss, along with other womens
hormonal problems.

SAW PALMETTO FOR THINNING HAIR

Question for Dr. Leia: Can you please tell me if Saw Palmetto is safe to take for
thinning hair I am 64 years old and my hair has been gradually thinning the past 15
years or so. Would this supplement effect my hormones? What dosage would be
appropriate?

Could I also use a topical gel or oil of the saw palmetto on my scalp? Your answer
would very much be appreciated.

Dr. Leias Answer: Saw Palmetto, also called Dwarf Palm or Serenoa repens, is an
indigenous North American herb which has been historically used by Native
Americans to treat reproductive, urinary, and genital problems, and also as an
aphrodisiac.

Picture of Saw Palmetto PlantIn Europe, it is known by the name Sabal, and has
been highly researched and recommended as a remedy for enlarged prostate. The
berries of the Saw Palmetto plant are the source of the medicinal herbal extract
preparations.

Along with its proven inhibitory effect upon the enlarged prostate gland, Saw
Palmetto is used to treat bladder urgency and frequency, bladder inflammations,
bronchitis, asthma, and coughs, because of its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

It is considered a phyto-hormone, or plant hormone, with estrogenic effects as well

as decreasing the androgen or male hormones which either compete for receptor
sites on the cells or inhibit the receptor cells.

In male pattern baldness, the conversion of testosterone into DHT or

dihyrotestosterone is responsible for one type of hair loss in both men and women.
However, if you have any endocrine gland deficiencies, specifically thyroid or
adrenal, then preventing the conversion of DHT will not affect the hair loss. It is
important to rule out circulatory, thyroid, and adrenal insufficiency when treating
female hair loss.Since there are no known side effects from using Saw Palmetto,
then you could give it a try for your problem. Conventional dosage is 320 mg. of the
standardized herb per day, in divided doses of 160 mg. I dont see why you could
not used the topical gel or oil of Saw Palmetto if you wanted to try it, or even a
tincture. Research has stated that saw palmetto has properties that reduce DHT,
which is a hormone that has been found to contribute to male pattern baldness.

You could easily add Saw Palmetto Tincture, or the gel in a capsule of the extract
and add to this simple to create natural hot oil treatment recipe created by Toria
Betson for stimulating hair growth.

Susan Weed, a prominent herbalist, recommends using Saw Palmetto for

menopausal problems, including hot flashes, and as an aid for vaginal lubrication
after menopause. Since this herb also builds muscle, it is ideal for post-menopausal
women to help to tone the body and to give the body a sleek, firmer appearance.

It is also possible that it may stimulate breast enlargement and currently is used in
many formulas for augmentation of the breasts. See the links listed below to learn
more about Susan Weed and her work with womens health problems using natural
herbs.

Saw palmetto for hair loss has been referred to as Natures Propecia. Propecia is
the popular brand of finasteride which reduces the amount within the hair follicles
of men. A lot of men experiment with this supplement to avoid the potential sexual
side effects of finasteride. The part of the saw palmetto plant thats used for hair
loss is the fruit from the plant thats common in the southeastern part of the United
States. The berries or fruits of this plant are very rich with fatty acids and
phytosterols. Remember once again that many natural hair loss treatments are
plant-based. The berries are believed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH
which can also be treated by finasteride thats used for hair loss. There are no
government clinical studies of using saw palmetto but the case studies below may
give you another opinion. Using this supplement would only be beneficial for men
since DHT and prostate problems only affect men.

Saw Palmetto Case Studies

saw-palmetto-for-hair-lossAlthough there are very few clinical trials for the

effectiveness of saw palmetto for hair loss, there are a few case studies that make
this supplement prove its theory. There is a popular hair growing competition in
England that reported the winner one year was a guy who took freeze dried saw
palmetto berries as a daily supplement. As funny is it seems, there are numerous
discussions in hair loss forums that deliberate on the effectiveness of this plant
treating hair loss. The berries from the saw palmetto plant can also be taken in a pill
form from local or online health food stores. One of the most interesting and
promising case studies for this supplement being used for hair loss was from a small
Italian study. The overall goal of the study was to test the effectiveness of
botanically 5AR inhibitor such as saw palmetto for treating hair loss. The two main
supplements used in the case study were the liposterolic extract from serenoa
repens (found in saw palmetto), and beta-sitosterol. The subject included males
between the ages of 23 and 64 years old. The results were positive in favor of the
effectiveness of saw palmetto as a supplement to help hair loss. The blinded
investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of study subjects taking the
saw palmetto had an improvement with their hair.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12006122

Beta-Sitosterol & Saw Palmetto Used Together for Hair Loss

Beta-sitosterol is like saw palmetto because they both contain phytosterols that are
plant based. For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, beta-sitosterol has
been shown to reduce BPH. This is also like saw palmetto being used to reduce the
same condition as well. Therefore, there have been theories that combining these
two supplements together can produce a synergistic effect. In the case of treating
hair loss, taking both products in conjunction may enhance the desired results. Lets
back up and look at the case study mentioned above. During the trial, the males
were given both beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto together for treating hair loss. Is
this a coincidence? Judging by the two supplements containing phytosterols, there
must have been a theory that using these together would improve the outcome.
This phenomenon can be closely related to an article about nutrient synergy from
WebMD. In their article, they give a great example of two vitamins working together.
They stated that using both vitamin C and vitamin E together will produce a more
powerful antioxidant for slowing the oxidation of cholesterol. Slowing the oxidation
of cholesterol is important to reduce the risk of congestive heart disease. As for
using both beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto together, it may provide an extra boost
for slowing or improving hair growth.
www.healthline.com/health/saw-palmetto-hair-loss

https://draxe.com/saw-palmetto-benefits

http://www.hairsentinel.com/saw-palmetto-for-hair-loss.html

http://www.healthynewage.com/thinning-hair-women/