Q. Are there any herbs that will help hair grow back? I read that saw palmetto worked for some men.
My dermatologist, who is bald, tells me nothing works and it is all a waste of money. According to him, I should have picked a better dad. I hope you can give me some more information on saw palmetto.
A. Saw palmetto extract is frequently used to relive symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. This herb inhibits an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. The prescription drug finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) also blocks this enzyme and has been approved by the FDA to treat both male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement.
One study of saw palmetto extract showed that it was more effective than placebo at reversing hair loss in male pattern baldness (Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Apr. 2002). Side effects were primarily mild digestive upset.
