Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in androgenic alopecia An effective phytotherapy

Abstract

Androgenic alopecia (male type baldness) is a common problemwithout having any satisfactory solution. <b><i>Serenoa repens</b></i> (Saw palmetto) is an exotic herb, berries of which are used increasingly in the prevention and treatment of androgenic alopecia with definite success. The active principle of the berries has been found to be phytosterols conjugated with certain esterified fatty acids. They act in synergy to prevent androgenic alopecia through diverse mechanisms. It is reported to be devoid of any adverse side effects unlike synthetic 5α-reductase inhibitors commonly used for prevention and management of androgenic alopecia.