Is it true that the herb saw palmetto is better than finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) and has no side effects?
Saw palmetto has been used successfully in prostate enlargement. Accordingly it may have utility in pattern loss, though it has not been formally tested for this. Saw palmetto and finasteride are not really equivalent, since saw palmetto has a much broader range of anti-hormonal activity than finasteride. As for side effects, these are certainly possible with saw palmetto, though everyone will respond uniquely. It must be borne in mind that saw palmetto is as much a chemical concoction as finasteride; it was merely produced in Nature’s laboratory instead of a conventional one. Like anything, if it’s potent enough to cause a biochemical change in the body–especially involving hormones–it’s potent enough to cause side effects in some people. Saw palmetto may be useful topically.
