Saw Palmetto is thought to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the primary hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing male and female pattern baldness. This makes it an excellent choice for this specific type of hair loss.
- Focuses on
- Most relevant for
- Adults with self-perceived thinning or mild-to-moderate pattern hair loss looking for plant-based adjuncts.
Potential benefits
- Increases Hair Count.Clinical trials on specific oral extracts report significant increases in terminal and total hair counts over 90 to 180 days in both men and women.
- Improves Hair Density.Research indicates that standardized extracts can improve overall hair density and regeneration scores as assessed by clinical evaluations.
- Supports Crown Growth.Comparative evidence suggests that while less potent than some medications, saw palmetto may be particularly active for hair thinning at the crown or vertex.
Limitations
- Lower Efficacy Than Medications.In direct comparisons, saw palmetto was significantly less effective than finasteride and was ranked lower than 5 percent minoxidil in meta-analyses.
- Formulation Dependence.Benefits were observed using specific proprietary oral fatty acid extracts or topical preparations; results may not apply to all supplement forms.
- Limited Independent Evidence.Several supportive findings stem from small-scale trials or shared data sets, requiring larger independent studies to confirm broad reliability.
Things to consider
Confirm with a professional that hair loss is androgenetic, as saw palmetto is specifically studied for hormone-related thinning and may not address other causes.
Study evidence
5 studiesSaw Palmetto shows promise for improving hair growth in some adults with thinning hair or pattern hair loss. Evidence is limited and depends on the preparation studied; findings do not establish equal effectiveness across products or equivalence to established hair-loss treatments.
