Saw Palmetto improves hair growth
5.0Limited
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Some individuals claim that saw palmetto can prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.
Origin
This myth is fueled by marketing claims and some small-scale studies suggesting benefits for androgenetic alopecia, leading to widespread belief in its effectiveness.
What Science Says
Research on saw palmetto for hair growth is limited and mixed. Some small trials indicate potential benefits for androgenetic alopecia, but larger, high-quality RCTs are lacking. A systematic review highlights the need for more rigorous studies to confirm any effects.
Verdict
Partially True
Sources
- PMID:33313047 Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia.
- PMID:40536553 Pathophysiology, conventional treatments, and evidence-based herbal remedies of hair loss with a systematic review of controlled clinical trials.
- PMID:41561175 Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.