Saw Palmetto

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto extract comes from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree, a small palm tree which is native to the Southeastern United States where it thrives in dense thickets in sand hills and coastal plains.

In traditional herbal medicine, saw palmetto is used in a number of different forms. The Mayans use it to make a tea, which served as a tonic. The Seminole Tribe used the berries as an antiseptic and an expectorant.

For the past 200 years, saw palmetto extract was used in European and North American medical practices to treat a range of conditions including urinary problems, chronic fatigue, and as a tonic to aid recovery from surgery. Other saw palmetto benefits are believed to help with hair loss, supporting testosterone levels, and supporting the urological system.

Clinical Research on Saw Palmetto

Finasteride is a prescription drug prescribed to men with androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. It works to treat hair loss by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5aR) from converting testosterone to DHT. In one study comparing the effects of finasteride to saw palmetto berries 38% of those treated with Serenoa repens berries had an increase in hair growth while 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.[1]

Side Effects and Interactions

Saw palmetto is recognized as likely to be safe for most people. Known side effects are very mild and include GI side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These GI side effects can be minimized by taking saw palmetto with food.[2] It is considered not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to use. Because it may slow blood clotting, it is considered unsuitable for people who are about to undergo surgery or those who have recently had surgery. Saw palmetto may decrease the effects of estrogen medications such as birth control pills. It may also lead to increased bruising if taken along with blood-clotting medications[3].

Saw Palmetto Overdose

To date, there have been no reported cases of Saw palmetto overdose[4], so it is not certain what the effects may be. If you think you have taken too much Saw palmetto, do not take any more and seek medical advice.

Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss

The most common type of hair loss in both men and women is known as androgenetic alopecia. It becomes increasingly common as one ages. This form of alopecia leads to hair thinning at the temples and crown in men, and thinning hair over the scalp in women.

DHT smothers the hair follicles, causing them to shrink[5]. When this happens, the androgen stage (hair growth stage) – gets shorten, and the telogen stage (hair rest stage) gets longer. Because of the imbalanced growth cycle, hair does not have enough time to grow as long as before. As follicles continue to shrink, the hair shaft becomes thinner with each subsequent growth cycle. Eventually, hair is unable to grow at all.

DHT is not the only culprit when it comes to hair loss. As you age, the skin on your scalp and your hair follicles come under increasing pressure. Your skin is no longer as capable of maintaining hydration or a hydrated look as it was when you were more youthful. Additionally, your circulation may not be transporting all the oxygen and nutrients your hair needs to stay strong.

Saw palmetto is thought to work for alopecia by blocking DHT2. This enables the growth cycle to remain balanced so hair can grow thicker and stronger.

Buy Saw Palmetto Hair Growth Products

DrFormulas™ HairOmega® 3-in-1 DHT Blocker with Biotin

As well as saw palmetto, HairOmega® 3-in-1 contains beta-sitosterol, which supports healthy cholesterol levels as well as hair growth. It also contains red clover, grape seed extract, zinc, B vitamins and cysteine, all of which promote strong and healthy hair.

HairOmega® DHT Blocker with Biotin

DrFormulas™ HairOmega® DHT Blocker with Biotin uses a proprietary formula to blend saw palmetto with beta-sitosterol, Pygeum africanum, the potent antioxidant lycopene, bioflavonoid quercetin, and other all-natural nutrients like red raspberry extract and cat’s claw extract. All these ingredients provide optimal support for strong hair growth.

DrFormulas™ HairOmega® Foam 2% Minoxidil

If you are looking for a topical solution to healthy hair growth, try HairOmega® Foam 2% Minoxidil. Just rub two pumps of this no-mess foaming minoxidil serum onto your scalp twice a day treats hair loss on the vertex and frontal regions of hair within 5-6 weeks.

Saw palmetto is a key ingredient when it comes to supporting healthy hair growth, but there are many other nutrients that are vital to keeping your hair growth cycle balanced and ensuring your hair looks strong, shiny, and healthy, and doesn’t let you down. While a healthy diet is essential for vigorous hair growth, it’s not always easy to be sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need from your daily meals. Taking a nutritional supplement, made by professionals, is a good way to keep track. Find out more about how to improve your hair health and how DrFormulas™ can help.

[1] http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/039463201202500435

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2840915/

[3] http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-971-saw%20palmetto.aspx?activeingredientid=971&activeingredientname=saw%20palmetto

[4] http://sawpalmettofacts.com/saw-palmetto-overdose/

[5] http://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.asp