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Everything You Need to Know About Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto has arrived on the scene as a viable, natural alternative to medication and surgery as a treatment for hair loss. But what exactly is it and how does it work?
Understanding Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto, also known as Sabal serrulatum in alternative medicine, works in the same way as Propecia in that it lowers the levels of DHT within the body by blocking the 5-alpha reductase. This prevents DHT from being produced as a by-product of testosterone. Next, it blocks the receptor sites on the cell membranes which are needed by the cells to absorb DHT.
Saw Palmetto grows as a small palm tree with a sprawling trunk most commonly found in the southeastern Unites States. Amazingly, this flowering and fruit-bearing tree can grow to be as old as 700 years.
Saw Palmetto - An Effective Hair Loss Treatment?
While there have been no studies directly pointing to Saw Palmetto as a treatment for hair loss, it has been tested on patients with Benign Prostatic Disease. This is similar to Androgenetic Alopecia in that the condition depends on the presence of DHT. As a result of its effectiveness in treating BPD, Saw Palmetto is a proven anti-androgen. Experts logically believe that this means it can also be used to treat Androgenetic Alopecia, the cause of 95% of Male and Female Pattern Baldness.
How Is Saw Palmetto Taken?
Saw Palmetto extract is taken from the berries of the small palm. These extracts consist of important fatty acids and sterols and as a result, Saw Palmetto extract has a variety of uses as a health supplement.
Among them:
- It is believed to be an effective treatment for bladder infections
- Studies are currently underway to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for thyroid deficiencies
- Some use it as an aphrodisiac
- Because it inhibits androgen and estrogen activity, it is used to treat frigidity, impotence, uterine pain and even to promote the growth of larger breasts in women.
Will Saw Palmetto Interfere with Other Hair Loss Treatments?
There are no documented side effects. However, as with all natural treatments, care must be taken to avoid potential drug interactions or sensitivities. Tell your doctor if you plan to add Saw Palmetto to your regimen, in combination with or instead of other hair loss treatments. They can monitor any new symptoms you experience.
Saw Palmetto extract is available in health food and herbal supply stores. It is taken orally at a dosage of 160mg to 320mg per day.
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