We explore Saw Palmetto for Hair Growth.The jury is out on this one because the clinical evidence shows that the results can be quite limited and there isn't actually enough research out there on the saw palmetto herbal extract in terms of encouraging healthy or normal hair growth.
Since saw palmetto doesn't cause side effects in many people - it’s a herbal supplement that a lot of people feel that they can try, and it’s unlikely to cause too many issues.
Does Saw Palmetto block DHT?
DHT stands for Dihydrotestosterone.
It’s responsible for developing male characteristics - maturation of the penis and scrotum at puberty, growth of facial, body and pubic hair, and development and maintenance of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
High or excessive DHT levels are not the sole cause of hair loss. It’s actually hair follicle DHT sensitivity.
In Genetically predisposed guys in certain areas on the scalp, their hair follicles are more sensitive to the effects of DHT DHT is a potent hormone. It is 10X more powerful than Testosterone. And it is responsible for male pattern baldness.
It attaches itself to receptors in hair follicles causing Androgenetic Alopecia. There have been some notable studies that show that Saw palmetto helps to reduce 5-alpha reductase. 5 alpha reductase is the enzyme that converts testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone.
This study found that through inhibiting 5-Alpha Reductase, less DHT is converted from testosterone, and lots of Saw Palmetto users report a slow down in hair loss.
Saw Palmetto Capsules for Hair Loss / Saw Palmetto Supplements for hair loss For many people Saw Palmetto has no real side effects or have limited side effects so it may be a herbal supplement that you’d like to try out.
Does Saw Palmetto Block DHT? Is Saw Palmetto a DHT blocker?
Although Saw Palmetto is an inhibitor of 5 Alpha Reductase it should be noted that, this book on Integrative Medicine shows that Saw palmetto is a weak inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. Dr Robert Edwards MD also points out that Saw Palmetto may also have a role in reducing the number of estrogen and DHT receptors.
What do studies on Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss say? In vitro studies have shown that Saw palmetto inhibits alpha adrenergic receptors (Goepel et al., 1999), Saw Palmetto also acts on the Androgen receptor These receptors, which are often called Androgen receptors - allow the body to respond appropriately to these hormones. And so if the receptors are reduced - it could be said that there would be less of an overall response to DHT. Overall, there aren’t : enough studies or large enough studies, to demonstrate that Saw Palmetto is effective in regrowing hair or has any beneficial effect on BPH symptoms or on post void residual bladder volume (Bent et al., 2006).
What are the side effects of Saw Palmetto?
When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 3 years.
Side effects are usually mild and may include:
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
vomiting
constipation
Diarrhea.
There is some concern that saw palmetto might cause liver or pancreas problems in some people. There have been two reports of liver damage and one report of pancreas damage in people who took saw palmetto. However, there is not enough information to know if saw palmetto was the actual cause of these side effects.
When given rectally: Saw palmetto is POSSIBLY SAFE when administered into the rectum appropriately for up to 30 days. It is unknown if it is safe to use for longer periods of time. Special Precautions & Warnings: Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Saw palmetto is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It acts like a hormone, and this could be dangerous to the pregnancy. Don't use it during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Surgery: Saw palmetto might slow blood clotting. There is some concern that it might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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