Can Saw Palmetto be used to stop or even reverse hair loss? Maybe. A certain type of hair loss called Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may be treatable with the use of Saw Palmetto. AGA tends to result in baldness in the temple areas and on the top of the scalp.

The main culprit in AGA related hair loss is dihydrotestosterone or DHT. DHT is formed in the body through an interaction between testosterone and an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT then causes a shrinkage of the hair follicles in the scalp resulting in hair loss.

Studies have shown that Saw Palmetto is effective at blocking 5-alpha-reductase and consequently the conversion of testosterone into DHT in the scalp. It follows logically that if production of DHT in the scalp can be stopped or reduced then perhaps hair loss can be stopped as well.

Unfortunately only one scientific study has been conducted to measure the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto in reducing hair loss. The researchers studied ten men between the ages of 23 and 64 who showed mild to moderate AGA related hair loss. The results were promising as 6 of the 10 subjects in the study showed improvement by the end of the study. Unfortunately this was a small study and it has not been followed up with a larger trial.

So, as you can see, there is some evidence supporting the use of Saw Palmetto to fight hair loss. While it may not be conclusive evidence it is a step in the right direction and provides a possible natural solution to the hair loss dilemma.