Steroidogenic isoenzymes in human hair and their potential role in androgenetic alopecia.

Herb/Nutrient Research Links:
References || Echinacea||Ginseng|| Ginkgo||Milk thistle|| Saw palmetto|| Bay||Bilberry|| Black cohosh||Licorice|| DHEA||Royal Jelly|| Garlic||Ginger|| Coenzyme Q10||Lutein|| rutin

DreamPharm Products:

Dermatology 2003;206(2):85-95

Steroidogenic isoenzymes in human hair and their potential role in androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. The relatively strong concordance of the degree of baldness in fathers and sons is not consistent with a simple Mendelian trait, and a polygenic basis is considered to be most likely. So far, the predisposing genes for AGA are unknown and we do not understand the molecular steps involved in androgen-dependent beard growth versus androgen-dependent hair loss, but AGA can be defined as a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-dependent process with continuous miniaturization of sensitive hair follicles. The type 2 5alpha-reductase plays a central role by the intrafollicular conversion of testosterone to DHT. However, due to the increasing knowledge in this field, we now know that there are many more steroidogenic enzymes involved in the onset and development of AGA, and this article shall provide a critical overview of recent discoveries.

J Dermatol 2002 Oct;29(10):661-4

Seventeen cases of alopecia areata: combination of SADBE topical immunotherapy with other therapies.

Topical immunotherapy is effective for severe alopecia areata. However, there are patients with alopecia areata refractory to topical immunotherapy alone. We tried SADBE (squaric acid dibutylester) topical immunotherapy combined with topical dry ice cryotherapy, carpronium chloride (a parasympathetic nerve stimulant) and/or oral cepharanthin (a biscoclaur alkaloid) in alopecia areata refractory to topical SADBE. Seventeen patients with alopecia areata (3 multiple, 3 ophiasis, 5 totalis and 6 universalis) were treated with SADBE in our department in 1999 to 2001. In 3 cases (2 multiple and 1 universalis) out of the 17 cases, cosmetically acceptable regrowth of hair was observed in several months with topical SADBE alone. In the other 14 cases, the SADBE therapy alone for several months (mean: 6.9 months) resulted in no or poor regrowth of hair. However, with subsequent combination therapy of topical SADBE for several months (mean: 7.6 months), satisfactory regrowth of hair was observed in 6 of the 14 cases. Our cases indicate that combination therapy of topical SADBE with other therapies can be a choice for alopecia areata which is refractory to topical SADBE therapy alone.

Dermatol Surg 2002 Oct;28(10):894-900; discussion 900

The potential role of minoxidil in the hair transplantation setting.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade surgical management of hair loss has become an increasingly popular and satisfying procedure for both men and women, as innovations in donor harvesting, graft size, and hairline design have resulted in consistently natural-appearing hair restoration. OBJECTIVE: In addition, a better understanding of the regulation of the hair-growth cycle has led to advances in the pharmacologic treatment of androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: Currently there are two U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents that promote hair regrowth: over-the-counter topical minoxidil solution for men and women and prescription oral finasteride tablets for men. In October 2001, a group of 11 international experts on hair loss and hair transplantation convened to review the physiology and effects of pharmacologic treatments of hair loss and to discuss the value of administering topical minoxidil therapy as an adjunct to hair transplantation. RESULTS: This article presents the key findings and consensus points among the participants, including their current use of pharmacologic treatments, strategies for optimal results both pre- and postsurgery, and the importance of realistic patient expectations and compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the surgeons' clinical experience, the use of approved hair regrowth agents in hair transplant patients with viable but suboptimally functioning follicles in the region to be transplanted can increase hair density, speed regrowth in transplanted follicles, and complement the surgical result by slowing down or stopping further hair loss.

Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi 1999 Jan;13(1):28-30

The clinical application of scalp expansion in the repair of cicatricial baldness in children

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the clinical application of the expanded graft from scalp in the repair of cicatricial baldness in children. METHODS: 45 cases with baldness following burn from 1988 to 1998 were reported. All of these patients (age ranged from 5-11 years) were treated by soft tissue expander. RESULTS: 5 cases were followed up for 1-2 years, the clinical results showed that the result from the graft of scalp expansion was satisfactory, and the long-term follow-up revealed that the hair in expended area and that in normal area was almost the same except the orientation of hair distribution had some difference. CONCLUSION: The head scalp expansion might be the first choice in the repair of cicatricial baldness following burn.

Since hair growth is a complicated biological process, modern science has yet to grasp a complete picture. A number of traditional and alternative therapeutic methods that include drugs, surgery, and suppelements have been developed to help those who are losing hair. Unfortunately, none of these approaches are perfect for all hair loss problems due to the complexity of the phenomenon and diverse nature of the causes underlying hair loss. Also, most of chemical drugs and hair transplantation surgeries are accompanied by undesirable side effects.

DreamPharm offers Hair Million (have you heard?) to help treat hair loss problems. Numerous anecdotal cases have demonstrated that this herbal formula based on traditional Chinese herbs actually improves hair thinning and hair loss, a condition often associated with aging, for a significant fraction of people who take the formula regularly. It is not yet understood how Hair Million can stop hair loss and promote hair growth. No scientific research or placebo controlled clinical analysis has been performed on these herbs. Lack of scientific/clinical research is not uncommon in herbal arena. Nonetheless, there are two merits in this hair restoration herbal formula: Firstly, Hair Million is relatively inexpensive, and secondly, it is made of edible herbs that are known to be safe when consumed in regular quantities. Propecia is a clinically tested prescription medication.

Herbs and Pharmaceuticals Online|| Constipation relief, laxative, colon cleansing || Best Realtor in Glendale, California: Residential Home and Commercial Property || Related Web pages || Herbs and Pharmaceuticals Online ||