ECLIPTA ALBA Y ALOPECIA ANDROGENETICA

Sin mucho ruido nos llega la noticia de que esta hierba, puede ser una nueva  vía de estudio, o una alternativa a lo ya existente para tratar la alopecia androgenética.
Hay varios estudios que lo confirman el primero parece hecho en ratones, donde comparándolo con el minoxidil hizo crecer pelo más rápido que éste.
En el segundo se nos muestra como actúa (al menos en parte), incrementando los niveles de el factor de los fibroblastos 7 (FGF-7), el cual tiene un rol en la angiogenesis, la creación y mantenimiento de vasos sanguineos, y bajando los niveles de BMP-4, ambos factores implicados en la alopecia androgenetica.
En el tercero se utiliza un grupo control al que se aplica minoxidil y a otro un preparado herbal entre el que esta la Eclipta Alba además de Citrullus colocynthis y Cuscuta Reflexa, y las hierbas obtienen un resultado positivo en cabellos en fase anágena.

Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats.

Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr HS Gour University, Sagar, MP, India.

Abstract

Alopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. Eclipta alba Hassk. is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with purported claims of hair growth promotion. In the reported work attempts were undertaken to evaluate petroleum ether and ethanol extract of E. alba Hassk. for their effect on promoting hair growth in albino rats. The extracts were incorporated into oleaginous cream (water in oil cream base) and applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats. The time (in days) required for hair growth initiation as well as completion of hair growth cycle was recorded. Minoxidil 2% solution was applied topically and served as positive control for comparison. Hair growth initiation time was significantly reduced to half on treatment with the extracts, as compared to control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also significantly reduced. Quantitative analysis of hair growth after treatment with petroleum ether extract (5%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase (69 +/- 4) which were higher as compared to control (47 +/- 13). The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were better than the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment.


 Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity.

Datta K, Singh AT, Mukherjee A, Bhat B, Ramesh B, Burman AC.

Molecular Oncology Lab., Dabur Research Foundation, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad 201010, India.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eclipta alba is traditionally known to potentiate hair growth promotion.
AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of methanol extract of Eclipta alba as hair growth promoter.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pigmented C57/BL6 mice, preselected for their telogen phase of hair growth were used. In these species, the truncal epidermis lacks melanin-producing melanocytes and melanin production is strictly coupled to anagen phase of hair growth. The extract was applied topically to assess telogen to anagen transition. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed to analyze antigen specificity. Animals in anagen phase of hair growth were positive for FGF-7 and Shh and negative for BMP4, whereas the animals in telogen phase were positive only for BMP4 antigen.
RESULTS: The methanol extract of whole plant when tested for hair growth promoting potential, exhibited dose dependent activity in C57BL6 mice. The activity was assessed by studying the melanogenesis in resected skin, follicle count in the subcutis, skin thickness and surrogate markers in vehicle control and extract treated animals.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that methanol extract of Eclipta alba may have potential as a hair growth promoter.

Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth-promoting activity.

Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth-promoting potential. Aim In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth-promoting activity.
METHODS: The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control. The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth-promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.

SAW PALMETTO, ESTUDIOS DE ALOPECIA

La Serenoa Serrulata  o Serenoa Repens  ha sido calificada muchas veces como ineficaz o incluso de timo, por ello me he propuesto en este articulo hacer una recopilación de los estudios existentes relevantes en cuanto a mejora de la salud o tratamiento de afecciones. Quizá conozcas alguno que no este, no tienes más que sugerirlo en un comentario y lo añadiré agradecido. La aplicación que nos interesa es la alopecia androenética y derivados.
Siento que los estudios estén en inglés,pero no he podido encontrarlos en Español. Aqui tenemos una revision completa sobre la hierba Serenoa: Revision sobre Saw Palmetto

Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.  
BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
RESULTS: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.
CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials.

 Chittur S, Parr B, Marcovici G. 
Inhibition of Inflammatory Gene Expression in Keratinocytes Using a Composition Containing Carnitine, Thioctic Acid and Saw Palmetto Extract. 

Chronic inflammation of the hair follicle (HF) is considered a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Previously, we clinically tested liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and its glycoside, beta-sitosterol, in subjects with AGA and showed a highly positive response to treatment. In this study, we sought to determine whether blockade of inflammation using a composition containing LSESr as well as two anti-inflammatory agents (carnitine and thioctic acid) could alter the expression of molecular markers of inflammation in a well-established in vitro system. Using a well-validated assay representative of HF keratinocytes, specifically, stimulation of cultured human keratinocyte cells in vitro, we measured changes in gene expression of a spectrum of well-known inflammatory markers. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) provided an inflammatory stimulus. In particular, we found that the composition effectively suppressed LPS-activated gene expression of chemokines, including CCL17, CXCL6 and LTB(4) associated with pathways involved in inflammation and apoptosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the test compound exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics in a well-established in vitro assay representing HF keratinocyte gene expression. These findings suggest that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors combined with blockade of inflammatory processes could represent a novel two-pronged approach in the treatment of AGA with improved efficacy over current modalities.

Potency of a novel saw palmetto ethanol extract, SPET-085, for inhibition of 5alpha-reductase II.  Pais P.

METHODS: The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro potency of a novel saw palmetto ethanol extract (SPET-085), an inhibitor of the 5alpha-reductase isoenzyme type II, in a cell-free test system. On the basis of the enzymatic conversion of the substrate androstenedione to the 5alpha-reduced product 5alpha-androstanedione, the inhibitory potency was measured and compared to those of finasteride, an approved 5alpha-reductase inhibitor.

RESULTS: SPET-085 concentration-dependently inhibited 5alpha-reductase type II in vitro (IC(50)=2.88+/-0.45 microg/mL). The approved 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, tested as positive control, led to 61% inhibition of 5alpha-reductase type II.
CONCLUSION: SPET-085 effectively inhibits the enzyme that has been linked to BPH, and the amount of extract required for activity is very low compared to data reported for other extracts. It can be concluded from data in the literature that SPET-085 is as effective as a hexane extract of saw palmetto that exhibited the highest levels of bioactivity, and is more effective than other SPEs tested. This study confirmed that SPET-085 has prostate health-promoting bioactivity that also corresponds favorably to that reported for the established prescription drug standard of therapy, finasteride.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-α-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Nelson Prager, Karen Bickett, Nita French, Geno Marcovici. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. April 2002,

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-α reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and β-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA.
Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
Results: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.

Conclusions: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials. 

Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream

1. Department of Dermatology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Background  Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production.

Aim  To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol-rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin.

Methods  The study was carried out during the winter months (January and February). A total of 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female, aged 17–50 years, 16 with oily skin and 4 with combined skin) were studied. The test product was applied twice daily to the face for a period of 4 weeks. A clinical assessment and instrumental measurements were done before and after the treatment period. Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter®). The quantity of sebum on the midforehead was determined using sebum collector foils (Sebufix®), which were then evaluated with skin camera Visioscope® and software SELS (Surface Evaluation of the Living Skin). A subjective evaluation questionnaire regarding the cosmetic characteristics, tolerance, and efficacy of the product was filled out by the volunteers at the end of study.

Results  The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum-regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered.

Conclusion  These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G.

Clinical Research and Development Network, Aurora, CO, USA.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
RESULTS: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.
CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials.
 Effectiveness of Serenoa Repens on Androgenetic Alopecia
C. Fasulo, A. Linguiti, L. Bosco, P. Morganti, R. A. Satriano

Aim: the aim of this double blinded study was to evaluate the activity performed by 3 different cosmetic formulations especially enriched with Serenoa Repens extract with a known quantity of total sterols on the hair growth and serbum secretion.
Method: 34 men and 28 women, aged 18-48 were divided into 3 groups using the products for 3 months.
The first group used all 3 products enriched with Serenoa repens extract, the second of all 3 products (placebo free of Serenoa repens extract), and the third group use used shampoo and lotion enriched with Serenoa repens extract, but dietary supplement placebo.
Results: the results showed a significant 35% hair increase both on number and mass, and a contemporary 67% decrease superficial sebum in the 1st group.
Group 3 revealed a hair increase of 20% with a contemporary decrease of deborrhea 35%. . Group 2 had no results.
Conclusions: this study confirms effectiveness of Serenoa repens extract on hair baldness such as androgenetic alopecia, especially when connected with 5 alpha reductase activity.

RESORPIL SOLUCION, A EXAMEN

 Nos encontramos ante una loción bastante popular, por eso me he propuesto analizarla a fondo.
Es recomendado para estados seborreicos, alopecia, picores, dermatitis etc.
A continuación tenemos la composición quimica de la solución: ácido lactico 3g, Ginkgo Biloba 1g, Pantotenato cálcico 0,2g, Piridoxina Clh. 0,2g, Piroctonolamina 0,1g, Cloruro de Zinc 0,1g, Piridoxina Clh. 0,2g, Piroctonolamina 0,1g, Cloruro de Zinc 0,1g,Biotina 0,01g, Excipiente: Alcohol, Agua c.s.

La base es un punto en contra, dado que es hidroalcoholica, sabiendo los perjucios que ocasiona la alta concentración de el alcohol en la piel.
Sobre el ácido láctico decir que es un keratolitico que adelgaza la capa cornea, ayudando a que las celulas muertas se desprendan.
El Ginkgo Biloba es una hierba antiinflamatoria, vasodilatadora, y posiblemente antioxidante.
La Piroctonolamina es un principio antiséptico y antibacteriano, utilizado en algunos champues y cosméticos con buenos resultados.
El Pantotenato de calcio, se trata de una forma de vitamina B5, que favorece la curacion de afecciones cutáneas, y bueno para mantener el PH de la piel y la humedad.
El clohidrato de piridoxina es una forma de vitamina b6 utilizada en formulaciones para el cuidado de cabello y piel, que interviene en la síntesis de aminoacidos y proteinas, interviene en la relación de las hormonas con la piel.
El cloruro de zinc es una forma de mineral con propiedades antisépticas e inhibidoras de la alfa reductasa I y II y de la aromatasa.
La biotina tiene varios sinónimos, vit.H,B6,B8. que promueve la mitosis de la piel, y la mantiene en buen estado, también esta recomendada para el buen estado de pelo y uñas.

La experiencia personal me dice que no respeta el PH de la piel, puede resecar, pero aun así tiene buenos agentes antisépticos y para mantener la piel o el cuero cabelludo en buen estado. No conviene abusar de su uso.
Lo mejor de todo es su precio, ya que sale muy económico, unos 8 euros 250 ml.
Resumiendo, Resorpil loción es un producto mejorable, pero tiene uan buena relación calidad precio.

FINASTERIDE, ¿QUE HAY DETRÁS?

Hacia 1997 se nos anuncio a bombo y platillo una píldora que acabaria con "los calvos", en medios de comunicacion de todo el mundo. Vaya, que suerte pensaron algunos. Todo esto tras haber concluido los ensayos de la FDA, para su aprobacion como fármaco y no cosmético.
Pero en su comercialización, muchos se llevaron una sorpresa: 28 pastillas de 1 mg al orden de 60 euros aprox.
Una burda estratagema de la farmaceutica para aumentar su recaudación, ya que desde hace bastante se llevaba comercializando el mismo fármaco para la Hiperplasia benigna de próstata (HPB) en forma de 30 pastillas de 5 mg cada una, saliendo a 20 euros cada caja. ¿Que diferencia hay entre las dos? Ninguna, solo hay que cortar la pastilla en varios pedazos ( 4 o 5 si se puede).

Merck queria hacer caja,  y de que manera...

Tras darse cuenta los usuarios de esta situación empezaron a surgir extraños bulos: ( el fármaco esta mal distribuido en la píldora, al cortar la pastilla el fármaco pierde efectividad, la toma de fármaco diaria varía y esto redunda en una perdida de efectividad etc.). Hay que remarcar que la película

FUNCIONAMIENTO DEL FARMACO
Nos encontramos con un inhibidor de la enzima  5 alfa reductasa tipo II, la cual es mediadora en el paso de testosterona a DHT (dihidrotestosterona), la cual se ha indicado que esta relacionada en la alopecia androgenetica. Su vida media parece ser de 6 horas en personas adultas y 8 cuando se trata  de ancianos.
Aquí os dejo un gráfico de la efectividad según dosis en el cuero cabelludo.

Parece obvio que a partir de la toma de 0,05 mg la efectividad del farmaco apenas sube, con lo cual muchos de los argumentos de los detractores de la versión de 5mg parecen chafados. No parece tampoco que el fármaco se oxide al entrar en contacto con el aire.

EFECTIVIDAD DEL TRATAMIENTO
La mayoría de los profesionales están de acuerdo en que lo mas que se puede esperar es una ralentizacion del proceso, y en raros casos recrecimiento moderado.
Los estudios se realizaron sobre unos 3000 hombres con alopecia androgenetica, por el método de placebo y doble ciego.
Los resultados que arrojo, fue que un 83% de los pacientes tratados con fármaco detuvieron su caída, mientras que un 28% por parte del placebo.
Las zonas donde es mas efectivo el fármaco es la coronilla, y parte superior de la cabeza, donde la concentración de la enzima tipo II es mas alta. Por contra las entradas y zona frontal son menos atacadas ya que la enzima tipo I esta mucho mas presente.

EFECTOS ADVERSOS
Otro tema son los tan temidos efectos secundarios, que como en todo los hay. La cuestión es, ¿Con que frecuencia se dan? y sobre todo, ¿ De que gravedad estamos hablando?.
En el prospecto del farmaco, se nos dice esto:

"Sólo un número pequeño de varones pueden experimentar menos deseo sexual y/o tener dificultades para lograr la erección. Un pequeño número puede tener problemas con la eyaculación, incluyendo una disminución de la cantidad de semen eyaculado durante las relaciones sexuales (no parece que este efecto interfiera en la función sexual normal). En los estudios clínicos, estas reacciones adversas desaparecieron en los varones que dejaron de tomar PROPECIA y en muchos de los que continuaron el tratamiento.
En el uso general, se han comunicado raramente las siguientes reacciones adversas: reacciones alérgicas incluyendo erupción, picor, ronchas e hinchazón de los labios y la cara; sensibilidad y aumento de la mama; y dolor testicular."

Hay que explicar que si no al inhibir la enzima alfa reductasa se corta el paso de Testosterona a DHT lo cual posibilita que hay una mayor transformación en estrogeno (hormona femenina por excelencia) mediante la enzima 5 alfa aromatasa. De ahi que se haya recomendado inhibidores de la aromatasa para paliar los tan temidos efectos adversos.

Según muchos usuarios de este fármaco se minimizan los efectos al decir que solo pasa en raros casos, y se obvia un efecto perverso: El llamado " Brain fog"  o niebla mental, que consiste en una dificultad de concentración , un atontamiento o bajada de rendimiento intelectual.
 Hace poco se realizo un estudio prospectivo en Irán que relacionaba este inhibidor de la alfa reductasa y con la depresión: 

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6904/6/7

Todo esto parece chocante si lo comparamos con los resultados que nos muestra Merck:

• Disminución de la Líbido en el 1.8% de los pacientes tratados con Finasteride y en 1.3% de los que utilizaron el placebo.
• Disfunción de la Erección en el 1.3% de aquellos que usaron Finasteride y el 0.7% de los tratados con placebo.
• Disminución del Volumen de la Eyaculacción en el 0.8% que tomaba Finasteride y 0.4% con placebo.

LA PILDORA ANTIEMBARAZO Y LA ALOPECIA

La conocemos por usarla como anticonceptivo, pero, ¿que es realmente?

Ante todo debe quedar claro que no previene el contagio de ninguna enfermedad de transmision sexual (VIH, herpes etc.), solo es un antiandrogeno con una altisima potencia.
Fue aprobada por la FDA en Estados Unidos en 1960, y en España en 1978, y ultimamente esta de moda, porque se ha aprobado que se venda en farmacias a menores sin ningun tipo de control.

Parece que se obvia que se trata de un farmaco muy peligroso, su poder es tal que es utilizado por transexuales para feminizarse.

El farmaco en cuestion se llama acetato de ciproterona, a veces viene combinado con etinilestradiol.
Tiene esfecto antiandrogenico fuerte (aunque con baja afinidad al receptor de androgenos) y  antigonadotrópico dadas sus propiedades progestacionales.

Se ha utilizado en alopecia masculina de forma topìca y en algunos casos de forma oral. La forma topica tiene el inconveniente de la baja afinidad con el receptor de androgenos, y de forma oral que barre los androgenos y ocasiona severos efectos feminizantes (falta libido, impotencia, ginecomastia...). De forma oral baja el niovel de testosterona en sangre y por consiguiente de DHT.

En alopecia femenina se ha utilizado para tratar el sindrome del ovario poliquistico, caracterizado por la elevacion de androgenos sobre todo la testosterona, la hormona diana de este farmaco ya que ihnibe su fabricacion. Sus efectos secundarios siguen siendo fuertes: infertilidad, cambios en el estado anhimico etc.

REVISION SOBRE SAW PALMETTO

Esta planta posee multiples nombres: Serenoa Repens, Serenoa Serrulata, Sabal Serrulata....
Es bastante conocida la historia de su utlizacion de esta planta por los indios nativos de America, para el tratamiento de disfunciones sexuales y urinarias.
Y, como suele ser habitual, los usos tradicionales van bien encaminados.
Se utiliza el extracto lipidico-esterolico, o su variante de menor calidad, el seco.

Gracias a los investigadores P. L. Sherman y C. H. Briggs  sabemos su composicion: "The oil consisted of about 63 per cent of free acids (caproic acid; very little caprylic; some capric; much lauric; and palmitic acids; and some oleic acid), and 37 per cent of ethyl- but no glyceryl-esters of these acids. The oil of the nuts is a thick liquid of a greenish color, only slightly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water, soluble in benzene, chloroform, and ether. The specimen examined contained only 2.3 per cent of free acids, the rest were glycerides of caprylic, capric, lauric, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids. The fruit contains large amounts of sugar, but neither a glucosid nor an alkaloid."

1. Hiperplasia benigna de prostata. Se han realizado varios estudios al respecto arrojando buenos resultados, sobre todo combinado con otras hierbas, como Ciruelo Africano, Ortigan Verde etc.  Se comercializan de forma abierta extractos de esta planta para esta afeccion, lo que nos habla de cuan efectiva es.
2. Problemas urinarios. Los estudios realizados no son tan numerosos como en HPB y los resultados no son tan buenos. Aun asi parece ser efetivo, pero no se sabe a ciencia cierta de que manera actua en los problemas urinarios.
3. Prostatitis. Sus efectos son bajos en cuanto a esta afeccion.
4. Cancer de prostata. Se demostro que inhibe el crecimiento de celulas de la prostata con cancer y que inhibia la Cox 2. Se ha estudiado asociada tambien a otras hierbas con efecto antiandrogenico-proestrogenico con moderados resultados.
5. Alopecia Androgenetica. Se han hecho pequeños estudios de aplicacion topica y oral arrojando buenos resultados. Muchas formulaciones incluyen esta hierba ya sea en formula magistral o en preparados orales asociada a otras hierbas. Aqui tenemos una recopilacion de estudios al respecto: saw palmetto y alopecia
6. Tambien se le ha atribuido cierto poder anti-acneico, ya que al tener potencial antiandrogenico reduce la secreccion sebacea.

Tradicionalmente se habia creido que sus efectos eran debidos a la inhibicion de la enzimas alfa reductasa I y II, inhibicion que es demasiado baja como para arrojar tan buenos resultados en algunas afecciones. Aqui  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17671686 podemos ver que su efecto tiene mas que ver con la señalizacion y funcionamiento del recptor de androgenos.

A la pregunta de por que no ocasiona tantos efectos secundarios como otras terapias puede responder su inhibicion de la enzima alfa aromatasa y la consecuente no conversion en estrogenos. Esto ha hecho que se le haya atribuido cierto pode afrodisiaco.

Debido a su regulacion hormonal se ha asociado al crecimiento de senos en mujeres, aunque no tiene evidencia cientifica.