Comparison of Saw Palmetto (Extract and Whole Berry) and Cernitin on Prostate Growth in Rats

A user reported that Procerin, containing Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin seed oil, provided similar hair thickening results as finasteride but with milder side effects. They experienced reduced libido and watery ejaculations but are adjusting the dose to minimize these effects.

Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.

Saw Palmetto may act like a weaker version of finasteride and could be too weak to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) on its own. However, combining Saw Palmetto with low doses of finasteride might increase effectiveness with less risk of prostate shrinkage and sexual side effects.

The user experienced anxiety and side effects from topical finasteride and is considering switching to saw palmetto. Another user reported no improvement with saw palmetto and experienced liver issues.

The conversation is about whether Saw Palmetto, which has similar but less potent effects to Finasteride, could cause the same side effects due to lowering DHT levels. The user is considering oral Saw Palmetto as an alternative to Finasteride for hair loss treatment.

Saw palmetto's fatty acids, particularly lauric and linoleic acids, inhibit enzymes linked to hair loss, while sterols like beta-sitosterol are less effective due to poor absorption. The conversation questions which specific compounds in saw palmetto contribute to its anti-androgenic effects.