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HairGenesis Hair Loss Treatment Starter Kit
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Independent Scientific Data Supporting HairGenesis Formulation Components |
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HairGenesis™, a proprietary formulation of
botanically derived components, combines the power of known 5AR inhibitors
(anti-androgenic substances) into a powerful hair loss treatment regimen.
The individual substances used in the formulations comprising the
HairGenesis™ treatment line were selected for inclusion after meticulous
research. A great deal of basic science as well as independent clinical
research supports the efficacy of certain botanicals as known inhibitors of
5AR. A small compilation of this independently derived data has been
gathered below in support of the safety, efficacy, and value of HairGenesis™.
Saw palmetto berry extract, or LSESr
The saw palmetto is a small shrubby palm native to Florida and has a long
folk history as an aphrodisiac and sexual rejuvenator. Recent studies have
implicated saw palmetto as an effective treatment for benign prostatic
hyperplasia. Investigators have found that the fatty and sterolic extracts
(fatty acids: capric, caprylic, caproic, lauric, palmitic, and oleic;
sterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, cycloartenol, luepol, lupenone and
24 methyl-cycloartenol) are the active molecular components responsible for
its therapeutic action.
Scientific Research shows that:
"In a large European study, one in which a pharmaceutical clinical trial
model was closely followed, a saw palmetto product (permixon) was found to
cause no change in standard blood tests and no change in serum prostate
specific anagen levels (PSA) during a six month treatment period." Carraro
et al. Prostate vol. 29 pp.231-240 1996
"Among 1,098 patients with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in that study,
the general safety profile of saw palmetto compared favorably with that of
finasteride, and sexual side effects were less common with the extract than
with the drug. In particular, the use of extract has not been associated
with erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disturbance, or altered libido."
Carraro et al. Prostate vol. 29 pp.231-240 1996
"Aside from an occasional instance of GI upset, side effects of saw palmetto
extract have not been reported" Bach et al. Phytomedicine pp. 105-111,
1996."Pharmaceutical style evaluations have not yet been performed in the
United States, partly because they are not required by law, and partly
because the cost of such evaluations would be difficult to recoup with
non-patentable products." Marks and Tyler, Urology, vol. 53, 457-461, 1999
"LSESr was found to be a three fold more potent competitor of 5aReductase
than finasteride when comparing the recommended therapeutic dose by the
manufacturers for the treatment of BPH. (5mg per day vs. 320mg per day LSESr
Note: Propecia = 1mg per day finasteride." (This suggests a fifteen-fold
greater efficacy dose for dose in favor of LSESr) Delos et al., J. Steroid
Biochem. Molec. Biol., vol. 48, pp 347-352, 1994
"Finasteride is a selective inhibitor of the type two isoform of
5aReductase, whereas LSESr markedly inhibited both type one and type two
isoforms of 5aReductase" (Type one 5aReductase predominates in tissue
specific to the hair follicle morphology, whereas with type two there is
evidence for the expression of both) Lehle et al., J. Steroid Biochem.
Molec. Biol., vol 54, 273-279, 1995
"Naturopathic physicians have used LSESr as a tonic to naturally support the
body in the treatment of genital/urinary tract disturbances, in men to
increase testicle function, and in women with mammary gland disorders."
Murray, Vital Comm. 1990 pp 1-14
Research abstract on LSESr
Human prostatic steroid 5 alpha-reductase isoforms--a comparative study of
selective inhibitors.
Author
Lehlé C; Délos S; Guirou O; Tate R; Raynaud JP; Martin PM
Journal
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 54: 5-6, 1995 Sep, 273-9
Abstract
The present study describes the independent expression of the type 1 and 2
isoforms of human 5 alpha-reductase in the baculovirus-directed insect cell
expression system and the selectivity of their inhibition. The catalytic
properties and kinetic parameters of the recombinant isozymes were
consistent with published data. The type 1 isoform displayed a neutral
(range 6-8) pH optimum and the type 2 isoform an acidic (5-6) pH optimum.
The type 2 isoform had higher affinity for testosterone than did the type 1
isoform (Km = 0.5 and 2.9 microM, respectively). Finasteride and
turosteride were selective inhibitors of the type 2 isoform (Ki (type 2) =
7.3 and 21.7 nM compared to Ki (type 1) = 108 and 330 nM, respectively).
4-MA and the lipido-sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) markedly
inhibited both isozymes (Ki (type 1) = 8.4 nM and 7.2 micrograms/ml,
respectively; Ki (type 2) = 7.4 nM and 4.9 micrograms/ml, respectively).
The three azasteroids were competitive inhibitors vs. substrate, whereas
LSESr displayed non-competitive inhibition of the type 1 isozyme and
uncompetitive inhibition of the type 2 isozyme. These observations suggest
that the lipid component of LSES might be responsible for its inhibitory
effect by modulating the membrane environment of 5 alpha-reductase.
Partially purified recombinant 5 alpha-reductase type 1 activity was
preserved by the presence of lipids indicating that lipids can exert either
stimulatory or inhibitory effects on human 5 alpha-reductase.
ßetaSitosterol
One of the most profoundly
significant developments in the past few years is the discovery of the
action in the body of the plant sterols and sterolins. These are potent
phytochemicals found in a variety of botanical sources. There are a number
of different sterols and these include the principal phytosterol, which is
known as sitosterol.
In addition to sitosterol the most common sterols include campesterol,
sitostanol and stigmasterol. The glucoside of sitosterol is known as
sitosterolin and in plants it is always found together with the sterol. The
ratio of sterol to sterolin varies in the plant kingdom ranging from 5% to
10% but in some cases being higher as in the case of potatoes.
Sterols are essential cell membrane components and the maintenance of
adequate serum levels in humans seems to be necessary for an efficient
immune system. Seeds are the richest source of the sterols and sterolins and
yet, the refining processes applied by the food industry render the staple
foods useless because they remove the sterols and sterolins to make the
product more appealing to the eye.
For instance, in order to prevent precipitation of the fats in so-called
"cold pressed oils," the oil is heated and refined to remove the sterols /
sterolins. Sterols and sterolins have been shown to modulate the functions
of the T-Cells both in vitro and in vivo by enhancing their cellular
division.
Recent research conducted by Professor Patrick Bouic and his research team
at the University of Stellenbosch Medical Faculty and published in the
International Journal of Immunopharmacology is providing an entirely new
medical approach to the treatment of autoimmune diseases and other chronic
diseases that only manifest themselves when the afflicted individuals are
at cause. International medical and scientific interest on this breakthrough
has been overwhelming.
Sitosterol assists in the conversion of linoleic acid to polyunsaturated
fatty acids. This process is essential for the conversion of the Omega 6
fatty acids to prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Prostaglandins and
leukotrienes are hormone like substances that are involved in immune
support; they assist in the reduction of thrombo-embolic disorders by
reducing platelet aggregation and they also assist in the reduction of
inflammatory metabolites.
Sitosterol can be metabolized to pregnenolone and therefore to DHEA and the
other hormones derived from pregnenolone and its analogues. In the human
body there is a steady decline with age in the production of DHEA, which is
the master hormone responsible for the synthesis of oestrogen, progesterone,
testosterone, cortisol and others.
By the age of 70 the DHEA production can be down to 10% or 20% of the levels
found in a twenty year old, thus sitosterol supplements have an enormous
potential for supporting the endocrine system in elderly people and, by
implication, increasing their longevity.
Research abstract on
BetaSitosterol
Title
Beta-sitosterol for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a
systematic review.
Author
Wilt TJ; MacDonald R; Ishani A
Address
The VA Coordinating Center of the Cochrane Collaborative Review Group in
Prostatic Diseases and Urologic Malignancies, 13/Minneapolis, VA, USA.
Source
BJU Int, 83(9): 976-83 1999 Jun
Abstract
Objectives: To conduct a
systematic review of the evidence for the efficacy of beta-sitosterol in
men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Studies
were identified through Medlinetrade mark (1966-98), EMBASEtrade mark,
Phytodok, the Cochrane Library, bibliographies of identified trials and
review articles, and contact with study authors and pharmaceutical
companies. Randomized trials were included if: men had symptomatic BPH;
plant extract preparations contained beta-sitosterols; a control group
received placebo or a pharmacological therapy; and treatment duration was
>/=30 days. Study characteristics, demographic information, enrolment
criteria and outcomes were extracted.
Results: Four trials comprising a total of 519 men met the inclusion
criteria. All were double blind and lasted 4-26 weeks. Three studies used
nonglucosidic beta-sitosterols and one used a preparation that contained
only beta-sitosterol-beta-d-glucoside. Compared with placebo, beta-sitosterol
improved urinary symptom scores and flow measures. For the two studies
reporting the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the weighted
mean difference (WMD) against placebo was -4.9 IPSS points (95% confidence
interval, CI, -6.3 to-3.5). The WMD for peak urinary flow rate was 3.91 mL/s
(95% CI 0.91 to 6.90, four studies) and for residual volume the WMD was
-28.62 mL (95% CI-41.42 to-15.83, four studies). Beta-sitosterol did not
reduce prostate size.The trial using pure beta-sitosterol-beta-d-glucoside
(WA184) showed no improvement in urinary flow measures. Withdrawal rates
for men assigned to beta-sitosterol and placebo were 7.8% and 8.0% (not
significant), respectively. CONCLUSION: beta-sitosterol improves urological
symptoms and flow measures. However, the existing studies are limited by
short treatment duration and lack of standardized beta-sitosterol
preparations. Their long-term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent
the complications of BPH are unknown.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as Vitamin H, aids in the utilization of protein, folic
acid, Pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B-12, and has also been shown to promote
healthy hair. A deficiency of biotin may lead to extreme exhaustion,
drowsiness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression, loss of skin tone,
and hair loss.
Research abstract on Biotin
Title
Vitamin and dermatology
Author
Yoshikawa K Address Department of Dermatology, Osaka University Graduate
School of Medicine
Source
Nippon Rinsho, 57(10): 2385-9 1999 Oct
Abstract
Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, nicotinic acid, panthotenic acid,
vitamin C, E and K has been used for various skin disorders. The use is
mostly based on the similarity of the skin manifestations seen in their
deficiencies, except for the rare cases of clear deficiency like pellagra.
Recent introduction of vitamin A and D analogues for psoriasis and
keratinization disorders resulted in significant progress in clinical
dermatology. Application of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene++ for UV-induced
skin damages are being studied, and the vitamins will be more important in
dermatology in the future.
Essential Fatty Acids
GLA, ALA, Linoleic Acid and
Palmitoleic Acid
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), Linoleic and Oleic
Acid are essential fatty acids found in plant oils. These fatty acids have
been individually proven to inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase. The essential fatty
acids are among the most powerful inhibitors of 5-Alpha Reductase known
today. They have been demonstrated to inhibit both Type 1 and type 2
isoforms of the enzyme 5AR. This is in marked contrast to finasteride,
which has been shown efficacious only in the inhibition of type 2 5AR.
Importantly for the purposes of considering value in combating pattern hair
loss; the type 1 isoenzyme is present in high concentrations in the scalp,
sebaceous glands, and the skin. It has also been shown that GLA, ALA and
Oleic acid have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Research Abstract on Gamma-linolenic
Acid
AUTHOR
Liang T; Liao S
JOURNAL
Journal of Investigational Dermatology: 1997 Aug; 109 (2): 152-7
ABSTRACT
Certain unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid,
inhibit 5alpha-reductase activity in vitro and in vivo. Hamster flank organ
growth, as measured by the increase in the area of pigmented macule, is
dependent on androgen. When one of the paired flank organs of a castrated
hamster was treated topically with testosterone, the treated organ, but not
the contralateral flank organ, became larger and darker. Topical application
of gamma-linolenic acid to the testosterone-treated flank organ suppressed
this testosterone effect. Other fatty acids that were not inhibitors of
5alpha-reductases were not active. Topical treatment of hamster flank organs
with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone also stimulated the growth of the organ.
This 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-dependent activity, however, was not
significantly affected by gamma-linolenic acid, suggesting that flank organ
growth was dependent on 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and that gamma-linolenic
acid acted by inhibiting 5alpha-reductase. With intact male hamsters, the
endogenous androgen-dependent growth of flank organs is also suppressed by
topical treatment with gamma-linolenic acid.
The effect of gamma-linolenic acid is localized at the site of its
application; topical application of gamma-linolenic acid did not affect the
androgen-dependent growth of other organs such as testis, epididymis,
seminal vesicle, and prostate. Gamma-linolenic acid, with low toxicity and
absence of systemic effect, may be potentially useful for treatment of
androgen-dependent skin disorders.
Research Abstract examining
Gamma-linolenic acid against other Fatty Acids in the Inhibition of
5-alpha-reductase
AUTHOR
Liang T; Liao S
JOURNAL
Journal of Biochemistry, 1992 Jul 15, 285 (Pt 2): 557-62
ABSTRACT
Human or rat microsomal 5 alpha-reductase activity, as measured by enzymatic
conversion of testosterone into 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone or by binding
of a competitive inhibitor, [3H] 17
beta-NN-diethulcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androstan-3-one ([3H] 4-MA)
to the reductase, is inhibited by low concentrations (less than 10 microM)
of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The relative inhibitory potencies
of unsaturated fatty acids are, in decreasing order: gamma-linolenic acid
greater than cis-4, 7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid = cis-6,
9,12,15-octatetraenoic acid = arachidonic acid = alpha-linolenic acid
greater than linoleic acid greater than palmitoleic acid greater than oleic
acid greater than myristoleic acid. Other unsaturated fatty acids such as
undecylenic acid, erucic acid and nervonic acid, are inactive. The methyl
esters and alcohol analogues of these compounds, glycerols, phospholipids,
saturated fatty acids, retinoids and carotenes were inactive even at 0.2 mM.
The results of the binding assay and the enzymatic assay correlated well
except for elaidic acid and linolelaidic acid, the trans isomers of oleic
acid and linoleic acid respectively, which were much less active than their
cis isomers in the binding assay but were as potent in the enzymatic assay.
Gamma-linolenic acid had no effect on the activities of two other rat liver
microsomal enzymes: NADH: menadione reductase and glucuronosyl transferase.
Gamma-linolenic acid, the most potent inhibitor tested, decreased the Vmax.
And increased Km values of substrates, NADPH and testosterone, and promoted
dissociation of [3H] 4-MA from the microsomal reductase. Gamma-linolenic
acid, but not the corresponding saturated fatty acid (stearic acid),
inhibited the 5 alpha-reductase activity, but not the 17 beta-dehydrogenase
activity, of human prostate cancer cells in culture. These results suggest
that unsaturated fatty acids may play an important role in regulating
androgen action in target cells.
Research abstract on Palmitoleic Acid
Title
Enhancement of propylene glycol distribution in the skin by high purity cis-unsaturated
fatty acids with different alkyl chain lengths having different double bond
position.
Author
Taguchi K; Fukushima S; Yamaoka Y; Takeuchi Y; Suzuki M
Address
Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin
University, Japan.
Source
Biol Pharm Bull, 22(4): 407-11 1999 Apr
Abstract
Enhancement of skin distribution of propylene glycol (PG) in the skin by
high purity cis-unsaturated fatty acids with different alkyl chain lengths
was studied in the rat using Fourier transform/attenuated total reflection
(FT-IR/ATR) analysis. Two fatty acids with the double bond at the delta9
position, palmitoleic acid (omega7, delta9) and oleic acid (omega9, delta9),
enhanced PG flux into the dermis and increased the dermal steady state level
of PG. In contrast, myristoleic acid (omega5, delta9) was extremely weak in
its action. A positional effect of the omega chain was observed. The rate of
skin structural alteration increased in proportion to omega chain length.
The application of three fatty acids with the double bond at the omega9
position, oleic acid (omega9, delta9), gondoic acid, (omega9, delta11),
erucic acid (omega9, delta13) enhanced PG distribution in the skin. While
nervonic acid (omega9, delta15) did not increase PG distribution in the
skin, the relationship of the delta/omega ratio to parameters
characterizing the action of enhancers (PG (peak area max), T (max
alteration), and the slope) suggest that skin distribution increases as the
position of the double bond is shifted toward the hydrophilic end. It is
therefore likely that the ratio of the delta/omega chain length of the cis-unsaturated
fatty acid determines the efficacy of these compounds as skin penetration
enhancers. An adequate molecular volume may be required for cis-unsaturated
fatty acids to act as enhancers.
Procyanidin Oligomers
Procyanidin Oligomers (also known as Proanthocyanidin) are naturally derived
ingredients that have shown to stimulate hair growth with a mechanism of
action thought by some investigators to be similar to that of Minoxidil
(Rogaine™). Recent studies have shown that Procyanidin Oligomers promote
growth stimulation activity of hair epithelial cells in vitro and stimulate
anagen induction in hair follicles in vivo.
Research Abstract on
Procyanidin Oligomers
Title
Procyanidin Oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of
mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in
vivo.
Source
J Invest Dermatol 1999 Mar; 112 (3): 310-6
Author
Takahashi T, Kamiya T, Hasegawa A, Yokoo Y Tsukuba Research Laboratories,
Kyowa Hakko Kogyo, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract
We have previously reported that proanthocyanidins extracted from grape
seeds possess growth-promoting activity toward murine hair epithelial cells
in vitro and stimulate anagen induction in hair cycle progression in vivo.
This report constitutes a comparison of the growth-promoting activity of
procyanidin oligomers and the target cells of procyanidins in the skin.
Results show that procyanidin dimer and trimer exhibit higher
growth-promoting activity than the monomer. The maximum growth-promoting
activity for hair epithelial cells with procyanidin B-2, an epicatechin
dimer, reached about 300% (30 microM) relative to controls (=100%) in a 5 d
culture. Optimum concentration of procyanidin C-1, an epicatechin trimer,
was lower than that of procyanidin B-2; the maximum growth-promoting
activity of procyanidin C-1 was about 220% (3 microM). No other flavonoid
compounds examined exhibit higher proliferative activities than the
procyanidins. In skin constituent cells, only epithelial cells such as hair
keratinocytes or epidermal keratinocytes respond to procyanidin oligomers.
Topical application of 1% procyanidin oligomers on shaven C3H mice in the
telogen phase led to significant hair regeneration [procyanidin B-2, 69.6%
+/- 21.8% (mean +/- SD); procyanidin B-3, 80.9% +/- 13.0%; procyanidin C-1,
78.3% +/- 7.6%] on the basis of the shaven area; application of vehicle
only led to regeneration of 41.7% (SD = 16.3%). In this paper, we
demonstrate the hair-growing activity of procyanidin oligomers both in vitro
and in vivo, and their potential for use as agents to induce hair growth.
PMID: 10084307, UI: 99181798
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