Saw Palmetto - The Native American Plant

The story of balding, so far, has been a story of androgens gone awry. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5 AR) triggers the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to a more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The enzyme is naturally produced by specific tissues of the male human body namely the seminal vesicles, prostate and epididymis.

DHT has been considered a key contributor to the onset and progression of male-pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. It has been observed to trigger an autoimmune response which initiates an attack on the hair follicles. This causes hair to grow thinly and eventually lead to total hair loss. Theoretically, inhibiting the production of the enzyme 5 AR lessens the production of DHT thus, preventing further hair loss.

Today, a number of prostate ailments are treated using DHT blockers. When patients started noticing significant slowing down of hair loss after taking these drugs, DHT blockers became a popular remedy for baldness, especially in males.

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) is a kind of palm of North American origin. The plant got its name from its saw-toothed leaf stems that are very sharp. Bears, deers and wild hogs eat the fruit of the palm. Today, it is being harvested for alternative medicine preparations.

Studies showed that saw palmetto is very much part of the Native American diet. The fruit of the palm is used as food and as a remedy for urinary track and reproductive system disorders. A study also showed that the saw palmetto is a part of the basic diet of the Seminoles Indians.

Benefits of Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto extract has been known to inhibit the production of the enzyme 5 AR and is believed to be effective in combating hair loss. In Europe and New Zealand, it is an accepted treatment for symptoms associated with benign prostate gland enlargement (called benign prostatic hyperplasin), a condition which is also attributed to the presence of DHT.

Although there are no long-term studies that support the anti-hair loss claims of saw palmetto, there have been lab studies showing it to effectively inhibit the production of 5 AR.

How To Use Saw Palmetto

There are a number of commercially available preparations for saw palmetto extracts today. A number of manufacturers offer soft gel capsules. A capsule is normally taken between meals. Health professionals may recommend a different dosage depending on your body weight. Different brands offer different amounts of saw palmetto as active ingredient in their preparations. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or at least read the dosage instructions in the labels to determine the proper dosage fit for you.

Saw palmetto is also offered in cream form. The cream or drops can be applied directly to the scalp. Apply a generous amount before bedtime and massage your scalp in circular motion. It can also be taken as a tea. It is usually available in 4-ounce bags.

Care should be taken when taking this natural hair loss remedy. Side effects are reported by those using saw palmetto. These include:

• Mild stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Bad breath

Men also reported to experience erectile dysfunction and changes in sexual desire after taking saw palmetto.

Saw palmetto could also theoretically interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and other hormonal birth control methods. Care should also be taken for pregnant and lactating women. For people taking other prescription drugs, saw palmetto should be taken under medical supervision as this may interfere or lead to complications if taken in conjunction with other drugs.

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