deficiency, especially when it comes to women. As the complexity of follicle biology comes to light, so does the understanding that hair loss in women is the result of an accumulation of multiple factors caused by intrinsic and extrinsic triggers including hormonal fluctuations, genetics, diet, oxidative damage and aging, and environmental aggressors (eg, ultraviolet light and pollutants), as well as mediators of psycho-emotional stress (eg, cortisol).4,14-20 Compounded, these factors lead to dysregulation of complex follicle immunology and biology, affecting the follicle through increased expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, perifollicular micro-inflammation, and release of reactive oxygen species.14,18,19 The acceptance of this multi-factorial nature driving hair loss requires that any effective therapeutic approach should be multi-targeted against not only the intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but also downstream mediators of inflammation and oxidative damage.4 A novel nutraceutical supplement has been developed to provide a multi-modal approach to thinning in women (Nutrafol® Women’s Capsules). It features the Synergen Complex®, a composition of standardized phytoactives with clinically tested anti-inflammatory, stress-adaptogenic, antioxidant, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-inhibiting properties. The featured phyto-compounds include curcumin, ashwagandha, saw palmetto, and tocotrienols – all bio-optimized for increased bioavailability.21 The objective of this 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate safety and determine whether the daily use of this novel nutraceutical supplement will strengthen and promote the growth of hairs (terminal and vellus) in adult women with self-perceived thinning hair.
