Herbal solutions: Is saw palmetto comparable to Propecia for the treatment of hair loss?
Saw palmetto (serenoa serrulata) is a small palm tree native to the eastern U.S. The saw palmetto berries and finasteride have biologically active components with similar actions. The fat-soluble part of the saw palmetto berries and finasteride are both inhibitors of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. Because their modes of action are slightly different, present research indicates that both saw palmetto and finasteride can be taken concurrently to more effectively suppress the androgenetic process. A small percentage of males can experience decreased libido or sexual dysfunction when taking finesteride, but these problems should disappear when the drug is withdrawn. Taking saw palmetto concurrently often helps offset any decreased libido caused by the taking of finesteride. There are several double-blind studies comparing saw palmetto to finasteride in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). Studies suggest that taking saw palme
