Natural DHT Blocker List
While Propecia (for hair loss) and Proscar (for prostate enlargement) are the most commonly known DHT blockers, some people may prefer to try a natural DHT blocker. That being the case, this list is for them.
A word of caution: while many things are said to block DHT, you have to realise that most of the studies are done in vitro (externally) and not in vivo (internally). Tests done in vitro are notorious for giving results which simply do not hold up in vivo.
Compounding this problem is the fact that no natural DHT blocker will ever be officially government approved. Money is the reason for this. Billions could be at stake for a company who can manufacture and shell out hundreds of millions to test, clear, and patent a synthetic DHT blocker, but how could they possibly patent something naturally occurring? They can’t.
Since that’s been cleared up, I’ll now give you the natural DHT blocker list, written in no particular order of effectiveness.
Caffeine
In January 2007 study conducted in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that used topically, caffeine inhibited the effects of DHT. As is normally the case, this experiment was conducted in vitro but many companies who produce anti-hair loss products quickly began including caffeine in their formulas.
Broccoli
Yes, the very same green cauliflower-type vegetable. Researchers at Berkley University in California conducted tests which showed that broccoli inhibited DHT by raising levels of DIM (3,3′-diindolylmethane), and concluded that this blocks the growth of cancer cells in the prostate. It is not known, however, if eating broccoli or creating a topical solution with broccoli would work to inhibit DHT in the scalp.
You can read the study here.
Saw Palmetto
A herb, saw Palmetto has long been touted and used for various ailments by advocates of natural treatments. Several studies — along with widespread advocacy among hair loss sufferers — indicate that saw palmetto is a natural DHT blocker which works by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT.