However, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on hair health. Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen. Saw palmetto is touted as providing additional benefits — though most are unsupported by strong science. Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly which products to use, given the diversity of hair types and needs. A study in 2014 found that a supplement containing saw palmetto increased testosterone levels. However, the researchers noted that further research would be needed to establish the role of saw palmetto in effective testosterone regulation.

BPH is part of a larger group of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), a group of symptoms typically involving the bladder, urethra, and prostate. Unlike BPH, LUTS can affect both men and women ( 4, 5). Saw palmetto is an alternative remedy used to treat hair loss. It’s a plant with small berries that has been used by Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years. There’s evidence that this herbal remedy may treat an enlarged prostate. It also has been used to treat: Urinary health: The oil has been traditionally used to support urinary and prostate health, particularly in men. Promotes hair growth: A reduction of inflammation in the scalp may also contribute to new hair growth. A healthy scalp is the key to new growth and Friese shares that less inflammation can result in improvement of hair growth and prevention of hair loss in both men and women. In a 2-year study, men with male pattern baldness were given 320 mg of saw palmetto per day or finasteride, a conventional hair loss medication.

Pumpkin seed oil vs saw palmetto: Which is right for you?

For this reason, some men who have prostate cancer take supplements of saw palmetto in addition to traditional treatment. I am making this post to hopefully save some lives that would possibly be ruined over vanity, despite the odds. Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States, known scientifically as Serenoa repens. Its berries have been used medicinally by Native Americans for centuries and are now a common ingredient in natural supplements, particularly those aimed at supporting prostate health and hair growth. Next I'll show you how to enrich your blood with a special combination of super healthy nutrients that will go to work healing your scalp and intenslely nourishing your hair. Saw palmetto may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which could offer protection from some causes of hair loss.

With their guidance, you can choose between pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto based on your unique health needs and goals. FAQs Can I use both pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto for hair loss? Moreover, there is some concern that saw palmetto may be linked to birth defects and may prevent the normal development of male genitalia ( 1). Yang Y, et al. (2007). Saw Palmetto induces growth arrest and apoptosis of androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells via inactivation of STAT 3 and androgen receptor signaling [Abstract]. Hair oils can be used as a mask (i.e. left on overnight); applied to dry hair because you feel you need them, or used on wet hair. You can also use them for a spot of eyebrow or beard taming!

Conclusion

How often can you use it: If taking an oral supplement, consult your doctor for appropriate dosing information. The standard dose is 320mg taken with food to avoid digestive discomfort. If applying topically, it can be used twice weekly as a part of your hair care routine. For instance, test-tube research shows that Permixon – a specific formulation of saw palmetto – may reduce markers of inflammation in prostate cells. However, it’s unclear whether other saw palmetto supplements have the same effect ( 19, 20). Median AGA stage change from 4 to 3 at 24 wk, with mildly increased hair over anterior and vertex scalp There are 2 vital PFS studies going on now. Hopefully it sheds some answers. The problem obviously isn't low DHT because most feel fine on finasteride. Something secondary happenes.

Suter A, et al. (2012). Improving BPH symptoms and sexual dysfunctions with a saw palmetto preparation? Results from a pilot trial [Abstract]. However, more recently there has been some evidence to suggest otherwise. In 2013, a pilot trial found that saw palmetto causes a slight reduction in the symptoms of BPH and related sexual dysfunction.The best way to use serums is applying just a few drops to recently-washed or wet hair. Serums also tend to be less oily than hair oils and use other ingredients as their main active ingredient. Further research is needed before saw palmetto can be considered a suitable way to treat or prevent prostate cancer. Regulating testosterone More serious side effects like liver damage, pancreatitis, bleeding in the brain, and death have been reported in isolated cases. However, it isn’t always clear whether saw palmetto was the cause ( 21, 25, 26, 27).

The largest RCT to date compared oral 320-mg SP-containing tablets versus 1-mg finasteride daily in 100 men with AGA over 2 years. Measurement of hair density was assessed by standardized global photography; the effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated with a 7-point clinical score scale as determined by 3 expert dermatologists experienced in the field of alopecia. Notably, 68% of patients treated with finasteride had higher hair density scores from baseline as compared to 38% of the SP group ( p< 0.05), indicating that SP is inferior to finasteride. Although neither treatment was reported to be clinically effective in 10% of patients, SP had stabilized progression of AGA in 52% of cases [ 20].

Summary

The first case report of a patient with severe TE treated with an oral supplement containing SP, amino acids, vitamin E, and iron taken daily for 6 months demonstrated significant improvement in hair growth and density, as evidenced by a negative pull test and increased anagen hairs on trichoscopy [ 25]. In another study discussed above, besides the men with AGA, 35 women with acute TE were also treated with Lambdapil® capsules for 6 months. Outcomes measured via the hair pull test resulted in significantly less hair loss at 1, 3, and 6 months compared to placebo (9.8, 7.5, and 6.5% vs. 11.9, 10.7, and 8.8%, respectively; p< 0.05). The female patients also reported increased hair volume, improved QOL, and enhanced self-perceived efficacy with use of the SP-containing supplement. One patient experienced abdominal bloating, resulting in premature termination from the study [ 21]. In the study by Zanzottera et al. [ 24], 15 women with FPHL, TE, or stress-induced hair loss were treated with a nutritional supplement containing 300 mg of SP for 6 months with positive results using the abovementioned outcome evaluation techniques. Pumpkin seed oil has traditionally been used in herbal medicine for its supposed health benefits, including potentially supporting hair growth and health. In contrast, saw palmetto is often used to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, improve urinary tract symptoms, and potentially aid in hair loss prevention. Mechanism of action for hair loss