Saw Palmetto Hair Loss

Saw Palmetto extract is used in a majority of natural hair loss treatment products due to it's 5 alpha reductase inhibiting properties. 5 alphpa reductase is an enzyme which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the main cause of male pattern baldness.

The fruit of this plant has been used for centuries by Native Americans as both a source of food and the rest of the plant was transformed into various forms of medicine. Ailments treated with saw palmetto included urinary and reproductive disorders, chronic coughs, laryngitis and asthma while some concocted expectorants and antiseptics. It's fruit are a good source of fatty acids and phytosterols.

More recently this versatile plant has become more intriguing for it's apparent value in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) which simply means the benign enlargement of the prostate. BHP causes the prostate to compress the urethral canal thus restricting or even obstructing normal urinary flow.

There exists conflicting reports regarding saw palmetto side effects and therefore anyone considering taking saw palmetto should make themselves aware of the possible consequences.