Can you use saw palmetto to treat hair loss?

Saw palmetto is a well-known herbal treatment for reversing or preventing hair loss. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove that it works. In this post, we’ll try to answer the question: Can saw palmetto be used for hair loss treatment?

Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a palm tree native to the United States, and West Indies. Native Americans have used saw palmetto as a healing herb since long.

Some studies have looked into the link between saw palmetto and hair loss.

In a study, 100 males with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia were enrolled. One group received 320 mg of saw palmetto per day for two years, whereas the other was administered 1 mg of finasteride per day.  

At the end of the study, 38 percent of those who took saw palmetto observed a reduction in hair loss. However, 68 percent of those who took finasteride reported a reduction in hair loss. This finding implies that both saw palmetto and finasteride can be used to treat hair loss, but finasteride was more effective. The study also showed that the more serious the hair loss was, the less effective saw palmetto was.

But, saw palmetto may protect against hair loss from some causes, as it may contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Side effects

Although saw palmetto has not been shown to interact with any drugs, according to the NCCIH, people should consult with their doctor before using saw palmetto. Headaches and stomach distress are its most prevalent side effects.

Another issue for men who use saw palmetto is that it can lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). According to one study, after 6–12 months of using saw palmetto, PSA levels can drop by 50%. PSA levels are measured by doctors during prostate cancer screenings, and saw palmetto may make these tests less accurate.

How to use Saw Palmetto for hair loss treatment

Saw palmetto comes in a number of forms, including oral supplements and hair care items like shampoos and conditioners.  Saw palmetto supplements come in the form of capsules, liquids, and teas. It’s often seen in combination with other natural hair growth products, such as pumpkin seed oil. Saw palmetto powder, which can be used topically to the scalp and hair, is also available.

Recommended dosage

There is no official suggested dosage for saw palmetto because researchers have yet to confirm that it prevents or cures hair loss.

A recommended dosage of 160 mg twice daily in the form of tablets is cited in an article published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery.