Saw Palmetto is used to treat male and female pattern baldness.
Saw Palmetto is a botanical extract found in many hair products that claim to slow or reverse hair loss. Native to coastlines of the southeastern United States, this palm plant produces a reddish-black berry from which Saw Palmetto extract is derived. This natural remedy is used to treat both male and female pattern baldness. Saw Palmetto appears in vitamins, supplements, shampoos and topical sprays designed to reverse hair loss and stimulate growth.
Considerations
Saw Palmetto removes DHT, a hormone that effects normal hair growth.
Hair loss occurs when testosterone mixes with enzymes on the scalp, forming dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT. DHT prevents hair follicles from functioning properly, causing hair loss. Saw Palmetto treats androgenic alopecia, also known as male and female pattern baldness by preventing testosterone from converting to DHT.
Not all products are FDA approved or scientifically tested. Hard scientific evidence proving the effects Saw Palmetto on DHT is limited. According to SawPalmetto.org, "the bottom line is that a cursory look at how Saw Palmetto works could lead one to believe that it would be effective for hair loss or regrowth but to this point it has not been proven."
Products with a money-back guarantee are recommended in the event that the desired affect is not achieved. Most products are recommended for indefinite use, as the body will return to producing DHT once the product is no longer in use. Due to possible hormonal activity, Saw Palmetto is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Vitamins and Supplements
Advecia is a natural hair loss supplement
Advecia is an all natural herbal supplement containing Saw Palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and grape seed extract. The recommended dose of four capsules a day, claims to slow hair loss and promote healthy follicles within six to 12 months of using the product. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, men with androgenetic alopecia who took a combination of Saw Palmetto and beta-sitosterol saw more hair growth than did those taking a placebo.
Shampoos
Hair loss Shampoos are recommended for indefinite use.
Nanoguard is a three-minute shampoo treatment used three times a week in conjunction with Nanogaine, a once-weekly vial treatment. Nanoguard claims to stop excessive hair loss and promote growth with ingredients like Saw Palmetto, superoxide dismutase and zinc. The shampoo also contains green tea extract which has a natural anti-androgen effect. Nanoguard claims to lower DHT levels in the scalp tissue. Side effects include redness and possible swelling of the scalp.
Topical Sprays
Crinagen is not alcohol based; therefore, it will not dry the scalp.
Crinagen is a topical spray for men and women. A 4-oz. bottle lasts up to three months based on usage three times daily. Crinagen is water-based with ingredients meant to stimulate circulation in the scalp and block DHT. It is designed for use with other hair-loss products like Nizoral and Rogaine to maximize effectiveness. The most common side effect when using Crinagen is an oily or sticky scalp.
Tags: hair loss, female pattern, female pattern baldness, hair loss, male female, male female pattern