Outcome
    Limited
    Effectiveness 2/5

    Saw Palmetto for Hair Follicle Stimulation

    Saw palmetto weakly inhibits 5-alpha reductase and shows small benefits for androgenetic hair loss in limited trials, well short of finasteride or minoxidil.

    Overview

    Saw palmetto weakly inhibits 5-alpha reductase and shows small benefits for androgenetic hair loss in limited trials, well short of finasteride or minoxidil.

    Verdict

    Mixed evidence

    Plausible for patterned loss, but far weaker than established treatments.

    How It Works

    Saw palmetto extract inhibits conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the androgen that miniaturises genetically susceptible scalp follicles.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    320 mg/day oral liposterolic extract, or topical formulations at 2-5%; follicle-level effects are largely unmeasured
    Expected timeframe
    3-6 months

    Protocol

    dose
    320 mg daily
    form
    Liposterolic extract, 85-95% fatty acids
    timing
    With food
    duration
    6 months minimum

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    A handful of small randomised and open-label studies report modest hair count improvements over three to six months. Head-to-head data suggests substantially smaller effects than finasteride, and quality of evidence is low.

    Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study

    Score: 5/10
    2012
    rct
    n=100

    Rossi A

    38% of patients treated with Serenoa repens had an increase in hair growth, while 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.

    View source

    Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia

    Score: 6/10
    2020
    systematic_review

    Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A +1 more

    Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    May lower PSA readings, complicating prostate screening. Not for use in pregnancy or by women who may conceive.

    Less likely to help if

    Women who may become pregnant, and anyone with non-androgenetic or scarring hair loss.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.