Saw Palmetto: A Natural DHT Blocker — What the Research Really Says

Recent & Emerging Research on Saw Palmetto + DHT

1. Human Clinical Trial (2023)

   • A 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed a standardized saw palmetto oil (VISPO™, 2–3% β-sitosterol) taken orally (400 mg) or applied topically in people with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia. PubMed

   • Key finding on DHT: Oral VISPO resulted in a significant reduction in serum DHT compared to placebo (p < 0.001). PubMed

   • Efficacy: Hair fall dropped by up to 29%, and hair density increased (oral +5.17%, topical +7.61%). PubMed

   • Safety: No serious adverse effects were reported over the 16 weeks. PubMed

2. Mechanistic / Preclinical Work – Prostate Model (2025)

   • A study published in 2025 used saw palmetto extract (SPE) in both LNCap prostate cancer cells and in a rat model of BPH. PubMed

   • Effects: SPE reduced serum DHT and testosterone in the rats, inhibited expression of 5α-reductase (5AR), and also decreased androgen receptor (AR) and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. PubMed

   • Importantly, SPE also promoted apoptosis (cell death) in prostate cells (both in vitro and in vivo), which could help counteract prostate enlargement. PubMed

3. Hair Follicle Organ Culture – Beyond 5α-Reductase Inhibition

   • A recent ex vivo (organ culture) study looked at a proprietary lipidosterolic saw palmetto extract (USPlus® DERM) applied to human hair follicles. PubMed

   • Findings: USPlus DERM showed very potent 5α-reductase (5αR) inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.39 μg/mL), which was more potent than a standard saw palmetto extract. PubMed

   • 5αR-independent effects: At low doses (0.4 μg/mL), USPlus DERM reduced signs of stress (melanin clumps) in follicles, prolonged the anagen (growth) phase, and tended to enhance stem-cell (K15⁺) niche maintenance in hair follicles — even without testosterone present. PubMed

   • Implication: This suggests saw palmetto might help hair not only by blocking DHT, but also via other “hair-friendly” mechanisms.

4. Preclinical Enzyme Inhibition Study (2023)

   • A “preclinical” comparison of two standardized saw palmetto extracts showed that USPlus (a supercritical CO₂ extract) and Permixon® (a hexane extract) had very similar potency against both 5α-reductase-1 and -2, the key enzymes that convert testosterone to DHT. Nutraceuticals World+1

   • This supports that modern extraction techniques (like supercritical CO₂) can produce extracts that are at least as effective at inhibiting DHT synthesis as older, well-established formulations.

5. Combined Supplement + Minoxidil Study

   • In a 6-month randomized, assessor-blinded clinical trial, a combo supplement containing Serenoa repens (320 mg), pumpkin seed extract (320 mg), and cysteine (425 mg) was used alongside topical 5% minoxidil in people with androgenic alopecia. Gavin Publishers

   • They reported that the supplement improved the clinical efficacy of minoxidil compared to minoxidil alone. The authors note that the Serenoa repens component is believed to inhibit 5α-reductase, helping reduce DHT. Gavin Publishers

   • While this doesn’t isolate the effect of saw palmetto alone on DHT, it supports its use as part of a multi-mechanism hair-loss strategy.

What These Recent Studies Mean (in Context)

• There is increasing mechanistic clarity: newer extracts like USPlus show not just 5α-reductase inhibition, but also other beneficial effects on hair follicles (pro-growth, stress reduction).

• Clinical evidence is growing: the 2023 trial shows that oral saw palmetto can lower serum DHT in humans and improve hair parameters over 16 weeks, which is very relevant for hair loss.

• Safety remains strong: at least in the 16-week human trial, there were no serious adverse events.

• High-quality extracts matter: preclinical data shows that different extraction methods yield different potencies; supercritical CO₂ extracts may be more effective.

• Adjunct potential: Combining saw palmetto with other actives (e.g., pumpkin seed extract + minoxidil) may enhance outcomes — particularly for hair loss, through both hormonal and non-hormonal pathways.

Order DHT Blocker online here 

Order DHT Blocker from eBay