A Novel Multi-Targeting Approach to Treating Hair Loss, Using Standardized Nutraceuticals

November 2017 | Volume 16 | Issue 11 | Supplement Individual Articles | 141 | Copyright © November 2017


Patricia K. Farris MD,a Nicole Rogers MD,a Amy McMichael MD,b Sophia Kogan MDc

aTulane University, Metaire, LA bWake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC cNutraceutical Wellness Inc, New York, NY

Abstract

Hair loss is a complicated problem that causes significant concern for those who are affected. Patients seeking medical treatment have limited options that include topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. While these treatments are backed by long term clinical use and research outcomes, many patients find topical minoxidil difficult to incorporate into their daily routine and some are concerned with the side effects associated with finasteride. In the office setting, patients may be treated with more invasive procedures such as platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) and hair transplantation, treatments that often must be repeated and can lead to a costly investment. Consumers are increasingly interested in natural treatments for hair loss. Many turn to basic supplements only to be disappointed when they fail to deliver due to lack of standardization and efficacy. In this paper we review the benefits of a nutraceutical containing a specific blend of highly purified, standardized, bio-optimized, and bioavailable botanical extracts to treat hair loss. These phytoactives were selected because of their diverse multi-modal biologic activity against inflammation, DHT, stress mediators, oxidative damage, and intermediary signaling cascades. This supplement represents a paradigm shift as it addresses not only the factors that trigger hair loss but the downstream mediators of inflammation as well. Multi-center clinical studies are currently underway to confirm the efficacy and benefits of this unique nutraceutical.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(11 Suppl):s141-148.

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INTRODUCTION

Nutraceuticals are an emerging category of beauty products and one of the fastest growing segments in the nutricosmetic market.1 This class of naturally derived therapeutics from food and botanicals contain phytochemicals - biologically active compounds that protect or promote health and occur at the intersection of food and medicine. Driving nutricosmetic sales is the growing acceptance of an inside-out-approach to health and beauty and the fact that these nutraceuticals are viewed as safe and natural. Nutritional alternatives and supplements to treat hair loss are among the most sought after nutricosmetics. Healthy hair requires more than just balanced nutrition so it follows that many patients who experience hair loss turn to nutraceuticals.2 This emerging category distinguishes itself by attributing efficacy to the isolation and standardization of specific phytochemicals that have clinically studied therapeutic effects. It is important to note that while nutritional supplements are regulated by the FDA and FTC, they are not subjected to the same rigorous standards as drugs.3 Nutraceuticals that lack standardized dosing, potent and pure ingredients, or contain phytoactives that are not bioavailable may be ineffective. For this reason, it is imperative that dermatologists are knowledgeable and able to guide their patients on nutraceutical selection.The most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia (also termed female and male pattern hair loss), affects at least 40% of women and 50% of men and will progress without treatment.4 Patients who suffer with hair loss often develop depression and anxiety that is precipitated by the fact that there is no cure for hair loss and available medical treatments take months to produce variable results.5,6,7 Currently, there are only two drugs that have been FDA approved for treating hair loss.8 Topical minoxidil, now available over the counter in 2% and 5% solutions and 5% foam, is approved for use in both men and women.9 The exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is uncertain but it is known to prolong the anagen phase of hair growth and increase blood supply to the follicle.10 Finasteride is a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to its active form 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).11 Finasteride slows the progress of hair loss and stimulates regrowth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. While both medications are supported by clinical studies and long-term clinical use, they are not without limitations. Topical minoxidil is objectionable to many who find the application process difficult to incorporate into a daily haircare routine. Women may suffer side effects particularly with higher dose minoxidil including the growth of facial hair.12 Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis can occur with minoxidil solution and is attributed to the propylene glycol used to solubilize minoxidil.13 The use of finasteride is limited to men and, off-label, post-menopausal women as ingestion of finasteride