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Natural DHT Inhibition

Category:Treatments -> Natural

• Saw Palmetto
  • Studies relating to Saw Palmetto
• Epilobium
  • Epilobium for Hair Loss
  • Studies pertaining to Epilobium can be found below:

Those who are concerned about losing their hair are plenty familiar with Propecia (Finasteride), however, there are other options that serve to inhibit DHT production in your body that you don’t need to walk into a pharmacy for.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is an extract of the fruit Serenoa repens, and is a natural herb that is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols that has been shown to be an effective antiandrogen.

Saw Palmetto isn’t quite as potent as Propecia, but works along the same mechanism, which can be broken down as follows:

- It blocks 5 alpha-reductase, thus lowering levels of DHT in the body.

- It also blocks the receptor sites found on cell membranes that are required for cells to absorb DHT.

Saw Palmetto has not been shown in a study to promote hair growth, but it has been shown to be an effective treatment against Benign Prostatic Disease (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH):

http://www.follicle.com/section3/3_2_8.html

Since it has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, one may also infer that it is effective as a treatment to curb hair loss.  The problem with using Saw Palmetto as an anti-hair loss treatment is due to the fact that we have no idea how much DHT it is inhibiting.  As a result, one can experience the same effects as those exhibited by Propecia users, including (but not limited to) erectile dysfunction and lowered libido.

Another option to explore is the topical usage of Saw Palmetto, as it may or may not reduce the amount of DHT found in the scalp.

Studies pertaining to Saw Palmetto can be found below:

Studies relating to Saw Palmetto

Epilobium

Epilobium (Epilobium Parviflorum) is believed to have originated in Europe, though it has successfully managed to spreads its floating seeds to various parts of the world, including North America.  Often looked down upon as “just a weed,” Epilobium has been shown to have some fantastic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

From an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory perspective, a study in May of 2009 entitled “Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effect of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb.” found the following:

- Inhibited Lipid Peroxidation

- Protects against oxidative damage

- Decreased PGE(2) release, thus demonstrating inhibition of the COX-enzyme

A doctor that has used Epilobium had the following to say about it:

“Epilobium has definite DHT blocking capabilities and is an excellent aromatase inhibitor. Epilobium improved my nocturnal urination problem in one week. I use epilobium in my practice and am excited about the positive results it is having on my patients.”

Uzzi Reiss, MD

Epilobium for Hair Loss

There have been no clinical studies to indicate the efficacy of Epilobium as an agent against hair loss.  However, anecdotal accounts and testimonials exist claiming that it has helped those who have used it to maintain a healthy head of hair while reducing hair fall out with no side-effects mentioned.  Here are a couple user testimonials from Epilobium.com:

“I have been taking epilobium for hair-loss for the last 12 months. It eliminated the amount of hair falling out and has maintained a great head of hair.”

Steve, El Cajon, CA

“I think the product works great. It stops my hair from falling out. What else could you ask for?”

Gary, Vista, CA

Studies pertaining to Epilobium can be found below:

Text coming soon.

Categories:

• Treatments
  • Natural