Saw Palmetto
Research reviewed: up until 05/2023
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a dietary supplement with 2 published peer-reviewed studies involving 100 participants, researched for Hair loss.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Hair loss
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Hair loss
To describe the effects of Saw Palmetto extract on hair loss conditions and its associated side effects. Intervention under study: Oral and topical supplements containing 100-320 mg/day Saw Palmetto Studies Reviewed: 5 randomised controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, and 1 case report
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To describe the effects of Saw Palmetto extract on hair loss conditions and its associated side effects. Intervention under study: Oral and topical supplements containing 100-320 mg/day Saw Palmetto Studies Reviewed: 5 randomised controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, and 1 case report
Results
The systematic review found associations between saw palmetto supplements and positive effects on patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) and telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event), such as improvements in hair quality by 60%, hair density, and hair count by 3.4 to 27%.
To compare the effects of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) with finasteride on treating male androgenetic alopecia
Study Type
Clinical trial (Uncontrolled)
Purpose
To compare the effects of Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) with finasteride on treating male androgenetic alopecia
Dose
320 mg/day of saw palmetto or 1 mg/day finasteride per day
Participants
100 men aged 20 to 40 years
Duration
2 years
Results
The study found an association between that 320 mg/day of saw palmetto and an increase in crown hair growth in 38% of patients. 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saw Palmetto research
There are currently 2 peer-reviewed studies on Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), involving 100 total participants. Research covers Hair loss. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (2 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Saw Palmetto has been researched for: Hair loss. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 2 out of 2 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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