Evidence supporting the use of: Saw palmetto
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is commonly used as a supplement to support hair health, particularly in the context of male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). The rationale for its use is based on its ability to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in hair follicle miniaturization and hair loss. This mechanism is similar to that of the prescription drug finasteride, although saw palmetto is much less potent.

There is some scientific evidence supporting the use of saw palmetto for hair loss, but it is limited and generally of low quality. A few small-scale clinical trials and observational studies have reported modest improvements in hair density and hair count in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia when using saw palmetto extracts, either orally or topically. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and varying formulations of saw palmetto.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that while there is a plausible biological mechanism, the current clinical evidence is insufficient to strongly recommend saw palmetto for hair growth, and larger, well-designed trials are needed. Nonetheless, its use persists due to its relative safety and over-the-counter availability. In summary, saw palmetto has some scientific basis for supporting the hair body system, but the evidence is modest (rated 2/5).

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