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Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw Palmetto Extract is extract from the Serenoa repens, or Saw Palmetto Berry plan. The extract has a long history of use, dating back to the ancient Mayans and Native Americans that used Saw Palmetto Extract regularly for a variety of health purposes. Its primary uses include stimulating hair growth by combating one of the leading causes of hair loss, as well as improving prostate health.
What Are the Benefits of Saw Palmetto Extract?
The extract of Saw Palmetto can be used both orally and topically. Its primary benefit is its ability to regulate hormones, in particular, the reduction of a specific hormone known as DHT. DHT is the result of testosterone being converted through an enzyme known as 5 alpha reductase. DHT is a non-essential hormone for the majority of your body's processes, and as a result it has been linked to male pattern baldness as well as prostate problems. Saw Palmetto prevents this conversion, which stops hair loss and improves prostate health.
Saw Palmetto is often found in oral supplements for supporting hair loss, but it can also be found in topical form, where it delivers its hormone stabilizing benefits directly to areas that hair loss is occurring.
In addition to reducing hair loss, the flavonoids in Saw Palmetto Extract have been known to support a stronger immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Some people have reported that Saw Palmetto Extract has weight control properties as well, able to suppress appetite and reduce cravings, though its weight control benefits are not as powerful as other herbal extracts.
How Safe is Saw Palmetto Extract?
Saw Palmetto Extract has been well studied due to its positive effects on hair loss and prostate health. The National Library of Medicine has compiled this research and found that Saw Palmetto Extract is side effect free. When taken orally, there is a risk of mild stomach discomfort, but this risk is averted when the supplement is taken with food. When used topically, Saw Palmetto Extract does not cause any skin irritation.