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Unproven Hairloss TreatmentsTrendy Treatments | Lotions, Potions, Shampoos & More | Rx ProductsTrendy TreatmentsCurrently, the products generating the most interest are Avacor, Nioxin, Dutasteride, and Saw Palmetto. The efficacy of these products for hair growth and/or retention is unknown, and potential side effects require further study. Avacor®, from Global Vision 2001, is a heavily marketed product that is a three-fold system containing a DHT blocker, topical solution and scalp detoxifying shampoo. It claims to be an all-natural, herbal formulation that is effective immediately, with results shown in 4-6 months. It is a hair-growth stimulator based on a formulation of 2,4-di-amino-6d piperidino-pyrimidine 3 oxide, or, in other words, minoxidil 2%. It also contains sabal serulate, an androgen modulator, more commonly known as saw palmetto. While the company uses "clinical" data to support its claims, they are in actuality a "non-peer-reviewed, non-double-blind, seemingly scientific study subsidized by the makers of the product. The average cost is $220 for a 3-month supply. Nioxin® is a cleanser scalp therapy and scalp serum. The product contains niocidin, which inhibits demodex-produced lipase2. However, "there has never been any study, to date that implicates demodex lipase in hair loss" or "that shows that hair will benefit from getting rid of mites or their lipase."3 Nioxin is based on bionutrient actives and protectives. Their primary methodology is to clean the scalp of DHT and to provide chemically enhanced hair with moisture/vitamin nourishment. Primarily available in salons, the product can now be found in other retail outlets. Dutasteride, from Glaxo Smith Kline, is the most promising of the products or medications. However, it is approved by the FDA only for use with prostate therapy, it was not submitted for male pattern baldness. It is a DHT blocker that blocks both forms of 2-alpha reducase enzymes (type 1 and 2). Early studies show promising results, that are, slightly better than finasteride; however, the potential side effects require further trials and testing for overall efficacy and safety. Other early indications show that it has a longer half-life than finasteride and that the safety data is consistent with DHT reductions. It is still awaiting phase III trials. Dutasteride has been marketed with the brand name Avodart®. Saw Palmetto is available from multiple sources. It is an over-the-counter herb that has been claimed as effective as a supplement for thinning hair. It has shown to be beneficial in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but does not affect testosterone, DHT, or PSA levels. It has exhibited alpha androgenetic receptor blocking activity in vitro. General usage recommends taking 400mg of standardized extract with l00mg of beta sitosterol daily; It is claimed that results will appear in five months. Lotions, Potions, Shampoos & MoreThis generation of non-prescription products that proclaim to be natural, safe, and effective solutions for hair loss are usually not what they claim to be. Many of them contain traces of minoxidil, saw palmetto, an unproven herbal remedy, and/or other products that claim to be DHT inhibitors. (Propecia is the only DHT inhibitor the FDA has approved for hair loss.) Clinical trials for these potentially bogus products may be alluded to, but not supplied in many instances and substantiation of claims is usually lacking. Distribution of these products, however, has never been easier. Consumers can purchase them anonymously from numerous Internet sites. A sampling of the most popular products is listed below in alphabetical order. Emu Oil, studied by Boston University Medical Center, is a topic product that sells for $9.50 an ounce. Its "credentials" cite a Dr. Michael Holick, who reported a clinical study showing that Emu Oil accelerated skin regeneration and stimulated hair growth. They claim that 80% of hair follicles began to grow hair in non-clinical studies. EPM, from Sumitomo Electronics, is an over-the-counter topical treatment comprised of 10 amino acids. Its active ingredient is epimorphin. No clinical trail data is available and it is not available in the United States. FNS, or Follicle Nutrition Serum, from Osmotics, sells for $65 for a 4-ounce tube. It is a topical solution that claims to contain a unique delivery system of nutrients. It has a three-fold mechanism that includes a growth hormone potentiator, a cell culture medium, and a vehicle. It is marketed as a cosmetic product and will not be submitted for FDA approval. No trials have been performed to date. Folliguard Extra, from Jungle MD, is very similar to Avacor both in terms of usage and formulation. Specifically, it uses a system of DHT blocker and scalp detoxifying shampoo. Its active ingredients are minoxidil 2% and saw palmetto. It costs approximately $200 for a 3-month supply. FolligenTM is available in three formulations: a cream for hairlines, a lotion for denser areas of hair, and a solution therapy spray for misting over the hair. It is available through the Internet and direct sales. It is a copper peptide-based product. Its functionality is based on the theory of increasing blood supply to the scalp to combat hair loss.Rx ProductsUntil a new drug is found or genetic therapy is refined, hair restoration surgery (hair transplantation) remains the only permanent solution for the hair loss population. Minoxidil and finasteride are the most promising of hair loss management tools. Following is a list of products that are available by prescription. To date, not have been proven in clinical studies to prevent hair loss or encourage hair re-growth. Nizoral®, by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is a shampoo containing ketoconazole 2% (an anti-fungal agent). Ketoconazole, taken in tablet form, has been shown to lower serum testosterone. The effect has been compared to that of minoxidil 2%. It is available in 1% form over-the-counter or in 2% form as a prescription. Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic, used in treatment for blood pressure, and has been found to have anti-androgen activity. It is a DHT blocker in topical form and must be applied daily followed by the application of a minoxidil solution. It is available by prescription in tablet or foam. |
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