A new clinical trial suggests that a low-dose saw palmetto extract may support hair growth and reduce shedding in adults experiencing thinning hair. Researchers found that participants taking the supplement showed improvements in hair density, new growth, and overall follicle health over a 180-day period.
Early results appeared within the first three months, with increases in both thicker terminal hairs and finer vellus hairs, along with a reduction in hair shedding. By the six-month mark, the benefits were even more pronounced, with treatment effects increasing compared to earlier measurements. No adverse events were reported during the study.
Experts say the extract works by targeting pathways linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle shrinkage. While demand for hair health supplements continues to grow, researchers emphasize the importance of clinically supported ingredients and realistic expectations when addressing hair thinning.
SOURCE:
NutraIngredients, March 25, 2026