Saw palmetto supplementation

Saw palmetto, scientifically known as Serenoa repens, is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. Traditionally, its berries have been used by Native Americans for a range of health issues, including urinary tract problems. In the modern era, saw palmetto has been promoted as a natural remedy for various conditions, most notably benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss. One of the proposed mechanisms for these benefits is its impact on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.

Saw Palmetto and DHT Reduction

Saw palmetto is believed to act as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT. By inhibiting this enzyme, saw palmetto could, in theory, reduce the levels of DHT in the body.

There's growing interest in saw palmetto as a potential treatment for male pattern baldness due to its proposed DHT-lowering capabilities. Some preliminary studies suggest that topical or oral saw palmetto might promote hair growth in men with androgenic alopecia.

One of the most researched applications of saw palmetto is in treating BPH. The idea is that by reducing DHT levels, saw palmetto could decrease the size of the prostate or alleviate symptoms. Clinical trials have produced mixed results. Some studies have reported a reduction in symptoms, while others have found no benefit.

Safety and side-effects

While saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated, some people might experience side effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. There's also some concern about its potential to interfere with hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. However, these points are fairly mute given the androgen impact of powerful drugs such as finasteride and dutasteride.

Effectiveness

Saw palmetto's ability to influence DHT levels has garnered significant attention, especially in the realms of hair loss and prostate health. While there's some evidence suggesting benefits, like increasing your pumpkin seed and green tea intake, it is beneficial but its impact is dwarfed by a drug such as dutasteride.

Academic Research

• Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs
• Pharmacological effects of saw palmetto extract in the lower urinary tract
• A phytosterol-enriched saw palmetto supercritical CO2 extract ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating the inflammatory and apoptotic proteins in a rat model