Saw Palmetto Extract- Conventional treatments for male pattern baldness generally involve blocking the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotetosterone (DHT) using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These prescription products often have bothersome side effects and may not even be that effective depending on the severity of hair loss. Saw palmetto also functions as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, making it useful in male pattern hair loss. In a double-blind, placebo controlled study, 60% of men treated with a liposterolic extract of Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol were rated as improved on the final visit (1).

Phytosterol extract- This category of compounds is one of the active components in Saw palmetto. Phytosterols exhibit 5-alpha reductase inhibition, making it useful in treating male pattern baldness (2).

Beta-sitosterol- As mentioned, blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase is an effective approach to treating male pattern baldness. Beta-sitosterol functions in this capacity and in a double-blind, placebo controlled study, 60% of men treated with a liposterolic extract of Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol were rated as improved on the final visit (1).

Green Tea Extract- Extracts of green tea contain polyphenols which influence hair loss. A specific component EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase (3). In animal studies of spontaneous hair loss, green tea extract has demonstrated the ability to produce significant hair regrowth when compared to control (4).

L-Arginine- An amino acid that plays a role in the basic biology of hair and skin growth, L-arginine may be beneficial to people with hair loss (8). Research has shown that L-arginine can protect against oxidative damage to the hair shaft from chemical coloring agents (9).

L-lysine- Nutritional factors often play a role in various patterns of hair loss. This amino acid can be useful in patients noticing increased hair shedding. A double-blind study of subjects with hair loss who were taking L-lysine and iron showed that a significant proportion of patients responded well to the treatment (5).

Grape seed extract- Components found in grape seed extract may be useful in treating hair loss. Toxicology studies in animals show that grape seed extract is a safe product, not affecting blood cells or producing adverse effects (6).

Proanthyocyanidins/Procyanidins- These naturally occurring phytochemicals can affect the process of hair growth. Procyanidin B2 can act as a growth promoting factor in animal hair cells. In a double-blind, controlled clinical trial of a 4 month procyandin B2 treatment, increased hair diameter and number of hairs were observed (7).

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