Can Saw Palmetto Slow Hair Loss? (2024)

The herbal remedysaw palmetto has been touted for medicinal qualities, but many also claim that saw palmetto helps with hair loss. Sourced from the berries of a North American plant known asSerenoa repens orSabal serrulata saw palmetto extracts are said to help slow or reducethe type of hereditary hair loss known as androgenic alopecia (a common form of hair lossalso known as male- or female-pattern baldness).

Extracts of saw palmetto are taken orally or used topically to prevent or reverse hair loss. However, there is little research on the subject so the benefits are unclear.

This article explains how saw palmetto is thought to help with hair loss, possible benefits and side effects, and ways to use the plant extract.

Why Use Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss?

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by excess production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto is believed to interfere with the production of DHT and reduce how much DHT gets taken up into your hair follicles.

According to a 2019 review, saw palmetto likely works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone linked to androgenic alopecia. Saw palmetto may also enhance an enzyme that metabolizes DHT into a weaker androgen.

The review suggests that saw palmetto, whether taken orally or applied topically, offers clinical benefits. Saw palmetto may be an alternative for men to avoid oral finasteride, a common hair loss drug. However, it's not considered superior.

A 2019 review in the Archives of Dermatological Research underscores saw palmetto's potential against alopecia based on evidence.

While promising, further research is needed to confirm saw palmetto's efficacy and long-term safety.

Possible Side Effects of Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss

As with other herbal supplements, little is known about the side effects of long-term use or high doses of saw palmetto.

Side effects observed in studies have typically been mild and taper off with continued use. They include:

• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sexual dysfunction, but less often than with finasteride

There's some concern that saw palmetto could cause more serious problems in some people, such as:

• Liver damage
• Cholestatic hepatitis
• Pancreatitis (a case report of a 61-year-old male)
• Heart disease or heart rhythm disorder
• Sex hormones
• Oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Blood clotting

Some reports of liver injury and pancreatitis in people taking saw palmetto have been made, but so far, there isn't enough information to know whether saw palmetto was the true cause of the adverse reactions.

Who Should Not Use Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss

Children and people who are pregnant or nursingshould not take saw palmetto.

Breast Cancer

Although it hasn't been well-demonstrated in humans, saw palmetto may influence levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Until we know more, people with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, should avoid it.

Oral Contraceptive and Hormone Therapy

Saw palmetto could theoretically interfere with oral contraceptives and hormone therapy by reducing the number of estrogen and androgen receptors, which may make oral contraceptives less effective.

Bleeding Disorders

Saw palmetto could slow blood clotting.People with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or supplements, such as Jantoven (warfarin), aspirin, or Plavix (clopidogrel), should avoid taking saw palmetto unless under medical supervision. It should also be avoided at least two weeks before and after surgery.

Other Uses of Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is sometimestouted as a natural treatment for other health conditions, such as acne,benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH),erectile dysfunction(ED), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Urinary tract symptoms

Saw palmetto has also been used for urinary tract symptoms. Saw palmetto berry extract may help with symptoms like frequent urination, urinary flow, and urinating at night in people with BPH.

However, a 2021 review of 27 studies concluded saw palmetto when used alone did not improve urinary tract symptoms in people with BPH.

Inflammation

Animal studies have demonstrated that saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties:

• Saw palmetto extract decreased swelling and several markers of inflammation in mice.
• Saw palmetto showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

However, it is unknown whether saw palmetto would have the same effects in humans. More research is needed for these other uses.

Discussing Saw Palmetto With Your Healthcare Provider

Remember that supplements haven't been tested for safety and are largely unregulated. Be sure to read aboutusing supplements safely.

Losing your hair can be distressing. Although it may be tempting to start using saw palmetto, if you're considering doing so, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss whether it's appropriate for you. Most hair loss treatments require regular use, and it's important to consider the current lack of evidence or safety information (especially for long-term use).

Summary

Saw palmetto is purported to help with hair loss, but there is limited evidence that it can stop or reverse hereditary baldness. Given the potential side effects, talk with your healthcare provider to evaluate the pros and cons of taking saw palmetto or other medications to treat hair loss.