Yet another Saw Palmetto Hair Growth

We have maintained for years that Saw Palmetto is definitely worth using when it comes to treating hair loss, and compared to Propecia and Dutasteride, it is a much safer option. Studies are slowly accumulating showing that Saw Palmetto does indeed have a positive effect on hair growth. One compared its effects directly to finasteride, and found that although finasteride was superior, Saw Palmetto supplements at the modest dose tested did in fact grow hair.

Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study

It is reasonable to speculate that a higher dose of Saw Palmetto would have produced even more pronounced hair growth effects.

Although it is assumed that Saw Palmetto works on hair via its ability to inhibit 5 alpha reductase, this just published study suggests that Saw Palmetto activates hair growth via an anti-inflammation pathway, which represents a novel mechanism.

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2018 Jun;22(12):4000-4008. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_201806_15285.
Serenoa repens extracts promote hair regeneration and repair of hair loss mouse models by activating TGF-β and mitochondrial signaling pathway.
Zhu HL, Gao YH, Yang JQ, Li JB, Gao J.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
Plenty of plant extracts have been used for treating hair loss. This study aims to investigate the effects of liposterolic extracts of Serenoa repens (LSESr) on hair cell growth and regeneration of hair, and clarify the associated mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Human keratinocyte cells (HACAT) were cultured, incubated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and treated with LSESr. Cell viability was examined by using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H- tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Hair loss C57BL/6 mouse model was established by inducing with DHT. Hair growth, density, and thickness were evaluated. Back skin samples were collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) assay. B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated protein X (Bax), cleaved caspase 3 and transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) were examined using Western blot assay.

RESULTS:
LSESr treatment significantly increased HACAT cell viabilities compared to DHT-only treated cells (p<0.05). LSESr treatment post injection of DHT significantly converted skin color from pink to gray and increased hair density, weight and thickness compared to DHT-only treated mice (p<0.05). LSESr treatment significantly triggered follicle growth and decreased inflammatory response. LSESr treatment significantly decreased TGF-β2 and cleaved caspase 3 expression of hair loss mouse models compared to that of DHT treated mice (p<0.05). LSESr treatment significantly enhanced Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax expression compared to that of DHT treated mice (p<0.05). Meanwhile, effects of LSESr were substantial even achieving to the potential of finasteride.

CONCLUSIONS:
LSESr promoted the hair regeneration and repair of hair loss mouse models by activating TGF-β signaling and mitochondrial signaling pathway.

Both the anti-inflammation, 5 alpha reductase inhibiting, and ultimately hair growth effects of Saw Palmetto Extract are greatly enhanced when combined with Asaxanthin and Beta Sitosterol.

An open label, dose response study to determine the effect of a dietary supplement on dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol levels in healthy males.

Moreover, male function is actually enhanced when using this combination, instead of diminished as it is with users of both finasteride and dutasteride. In fact a Saw Palmetto/Beta-sitosteol/Astaxanthin combination was developed as a treatment for age related declining function in men, called Resettin, as in re-setting the hormone profile.

Evaluation of Resettin on serum hormone levels in sedentary males.

In fact Astaxanthin by itself, even without Saw Palmetto, functions as a strong 5 alpha reductase inhibitor.

Patent- Method of inhibiting 5α-reductase with Astaxanthin

This latest study on the hair growth stimulation effects of Saw Palmetto extract simply reinforces our long standing recommendation to take 1-2 capsules a day of Palmetto Guard or Ultra Natural Prostate Formula, both of which include the more potent CO2 (Critical) Extract of Saw Palmetto, along with Beta Sitosterol. Ultra Natural Prostate Formula or Palmetto Guard can be combined with 1 capsule a day of Astaxanthin, to optimize their hair growth effects.