Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) in Androgenic Alopecia: An Effective Phytotherapy

The document from December 2003 reports that Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an effective phytotherapeutic agent for treating androgenic alopecia, with its active components inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and blocking DHT's action on hair follicles. Clinical trials and patient reports indicate that Saw palmetto can reduce hair loss and increase hair density with minimal to no side effects. One study showed a 91% improvement in hair density after three months, while another reported 60% of subjects experienced hair growth. A six-month study with male and female participants found that 100% reported a halt in hair loss progression, with 84% observing an increase in hair caliber. Saw palmetto is also considered safe for women, unlike Finasteride, which has teratogenic risks. The document concludes Saw palmetto is a promising natural treatment for hair loss, although it may take time to see effects.