Saw palmetto is a shrubby, bushy plant that grows in the sandy soil commonly found in the southeastern United States among other places (such as the Caribbean and certain parts of the Mediterranean). Saw palmetto reaches a maximum height of about 10 feet and is characterized by long, sword-like yellow green leaves and cream colored flowers.

Saw palmetto was orignally used by the Native Americans to cure various urinary tract disorders, and has recently been used to promote prostate health and reduce the risk of cancer. Newer theories hold that saw palmetto may inhibit the action of an important hormone regulating enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone and have an effect on hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes hair loss by attaching itself to the hair folicle causing it to break down and is a very common reason for hair loss to occur.

While mainly being recommended for treating BPH or urinary disorders, saw palmetto has been used to treat a wide variety of symptoms. It has been recommended for respiratory diseases and reproductive tract disorders, such as impotence and male fertility problems, and - in women - to increase sexual desireand promote breast growth. However, only it's benefits against symptoms of prostate enlargement, and recently hair loss have been well documented.