[Vana_B]

I got into a discussion with co-pilot *Microsoft AI* asking about Reishi vs Saw Palmetto.   

It evolved  into a 2 hour conversation about my NBE program and it's recommendations.  I decided to make a thread here with some of the interesting responses.   I was quite impressed.

I had no idea that some Reishi does almost nothing for blocking DHT, and a specialized extract is the only way to go.   Hopefully this summary helps someone.   Much more to come. 

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>> is reishi better than saw palmetto to lower DHT

1. Potency: Reishi is Stronger In Vitro
In terms of raw enzyme inhibition, Reishi appears significantly more potent in laboratory settings. 

• Reishi: Studies indicate it can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase by 70% to 80%, outperforming most other natural compounds in direct comparison tests.  Its active compounds, triterpenoids (specifically ganoderol B and F), act as strong inhibitors. 
  
• Saw Palmetto: Typically inhibits 5-alpha-reductase by approximately 32% to 38% for Type I and Type II enzymes.  While it blocks DHT, the effect is generally considered milder than Reishi's potential maximum inhibition. 
  

2. Clinical Evidence: Saw Palmetto Has More Human Data
Despite Reishi's higher lab potency, Saw Palmetto has a distinct advantage in human clinical trials. 

• Saw Palmetto: Extensively studied for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss. While results are mixed, there is established data on its efficacy, optimal dosage (320 mg/day), and safety in humans over long periods. 
  
• Reishi: Most evidence for DHT blocking comes from animal studies (rats) or in vitro (petri dish) experiments.  There is a lack of large-scale human clinical trials specifically confirming its efficacy for hair loss or prostate health at DHT-blocking dosages. 
  

3. Side Effect Profile: Reishi May Be More Selective
A critical differentiator is how they affect other hormones.

• Reishi: Research suggests it acts primarily on 5-alpha-reductase without significantly altering testosterone, estrogen, or prolactin levels.  This selectivity may reduce the risk of hormonal side effects like gynecomastia or libido loss.
  
• Saw Palmetto: While generally safe, it can occasionally cause mild hormonal shifts, digestive issues, or libido changes, though less frequently than pharmaceutical options like Finasteride. 
  

Conclusion: If you prioritize theoretical potency and want to avoid systemic hormonal changes, Reishi may be the superior choice.  If you prefer a supplement with a proven human safety record and established dosing guidelines, Saw Palmetto remains the standard natural alternative.  Some users combine both to leverage different mechanisms of action.   Based on current research, the best reishi extract for lowering DHT is an ethanol-extracted Ganoderma lucidum (red reishi) standardized to a high concentration of triterpenes (specifically ganoderic acids). 

>> What do you recommend?

To maximize the potential DHT-lowering effects, consider the following forms of reishi:

• Supercritical CO2 or Ethanol Extract Capsules: These offer the most concentrated dose of triterpenes. Ensure the label specifies the percentage of triterpenes (aim for >30%). 
  
• Liquid Tinctures: Alcohol-based tinctures allow for flexible dosing. Taking smaller doses multiple times a day might help maintain more stable levels of the active compounds in the bloodstream compared to one large dose.
  
• Topical Applications: While primarily studied orally, some users incorporate reishi extract into serums or oils, though its ability to block DHT topically is less proven than oral administration.