Is Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss A Remedy Worth Considering?

Let's face it. Over 76 million of us are baby boomers. We comprise over 20% of the Us population that was born between 1946 and 1954. Along with other aging factors, hair loss has become an issue for many of us, both men and women. It is more than a one billion dollar per year industry. So when three highly rated hair loss treatments include the herbal extract, saw palmetto, you have to wonder, is saw palmetto for hair loss a remedy worth considering?

Background Information

The saw palmetto plant is a dwarf palm native to southeastern United States. It grows primarily along the Atlantic coast, more commonly in Florida, but also in Georgia. The latin name for this dwarf palm tree is Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata. The tree produces yellow flowers and reddish brown berries. The berries are dried, ground and used in tablets, liquid form, and capsules for medicinal usage.

For years, saw palmetto has been touted as a natural remedy for prostate enlargement (BPH), urinary infections as well as urinary disorders. There have been studies that correlate this herb and prostate reduction. So what does this have to do with baldness?

Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss

In simple terms, hair loss occurs when your hair falls out and does not grow back. A more scientific answer includes the male hormone, androgen. When angrogen circulates through the body, it is converted to DHT (dihydrotestostrone) by the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. DHT attaches to hair follicles and causes the hair follicles to shrink. Less and less hair grows until the follicles stop growing completely. Therefore, if there were a way to decrease the amount DHT in the bloodstream, hair follicles should remain healthy and consequently, hair loss would be minimized.

This is the theory behind saw palmetto and hair loss. Clinical studies have shown that this herbal extract does in fact aid in prostate reduction by decreasing in the amount of DHT in the bloodstream. One study conducted in 2002 showed a 60% improvement in hair growth for the subjects using this herb extract. Does it matter that the study was aimed at prostate reduction? You be the judge.

So there you have it. One of the keys to baldness is DHT and saw palmetto is said to be a dihydrotestosterone inhibitor. The bottom line, however, is that there is no known cure for baldness. But why not try a natural remedy before considering prescription medications? Saw palmetto for hair loss is definite a remedy worth investigating.

By: D Y Smith

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D Y Smith is a dedicated internet researcher of health issues including hair loss. She shares her research on her website, www.natural-hair-loss-prevention.com. If you suffer from male/female pattern baldness or other hair loss disorders, visit www.natural-hair-loss-prevention.com/ to learn about natural alternatives to thinning hair for both men and women.