Proving the many benefits of nature, saw palmetto is one of the most widely used herbal solutions for hair loss. Saw palmetto or Serenoa repens is a small sturdy cluster-forming palm that bears deep reddish-black to brown grape-sized berries. It is abundant in the southeastern coasts of the United States.
Treating prostate and urinary problems is the traditional use of saw palmetto. Because of its anti-androgenic properties, saw palmetto has been used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or pattern baldness.
It inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the key to AGA. By blocking the action of type II 5-AR, DHT levels are significantly reduced.
Unlike other popular anti-androgenic solutions for hair loss like finasteride, saw palmetto does not interfere with the production of testosterone which explains the absence of side effects.
How to Use Saw Palmetto
Like many treatments, there is no universal method of using saw palmetto for treating hair loss. Although there are general recommendations, physicians (that is, who would recommend saw palmetto) can have different prescriptions, depending on the patient’s tolerance until the correct balance is found.
Saw palmetto comes in forms of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and tea. Doctors would recommend taking it twice a day after breakfast and dinner.
According to the Nutritional Supplements Health Guide, the safe initial daily dosage of saw palmetto (in any form) is 200 mg which is advised to be split into two. Increases in the dosage should be consulted with a doctor.
Saw palmetto is not FDA-approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia even if it seldom produces side effects like many herbal medicines. It would be rare for the agency to do so.
FDA approval, on the other hand, doesn’t guarantee the safety or effectiveness of the product, however. Many FDA-approved solutions for hair loss have been pulled out from the market after doing damage.
