FORMULATION SCIENCE

Publications

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), and Linoleic Acid


In the following studies, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), and Linoleic Acid were shown to be the most potent known inhibitors of type 1 and 2 forms of 5-alpha reductase and highly effective in decreasing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), when applied topically. More importantly this is accomplished without affecting any systemic effects.

The study further suggests that these fatty acids can be useful in the treatment of disorders related to dihydrotestosterone including male pattern hair loss, acne, and excessive female body hair (hirsuitism).

STUDY A
Growth suppression of hamster flank organs by topical application of gamma-linolenic and other fatty acid inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase.

STUDY B
Androgen action: molecular mechanism and medical application.

STUDY C
Inhibition of steroid 5 alpha-reductase by specific aliphatic unsaturated fatty acids.


Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6 & Zinc


This article published in British Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that when Azelaic acid, Zinc Sulfate and Vitamin B6 where combined at very low concentrations, a 90% inhibition of 5-Alpha Reductase was achieved.

STUDY A
Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase activity in human skin by zinc and Azelaic acid.


Saw Palmetto


In the following studies Saw Palmetto extract was shown to inhibit both type 1 and 2 forms of 5 alpha-reductase (Finasteride or Propecia® only inhibits type 2), was more potent than Finasteride and was able to effectively reduce binding of Testosterone and DHT to their receptors on various tissues. Please note that in the following studies Saw Palmetto Extract is referred to as Permixon or lipido-sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr).

STUDY A
Human prostatic steroid 5 alpha-reductase isoforms--a comparative study of selective inhibitors.

STUDY B
Testosterone metabolism in primary cultures of human prostate epithelial cells and fibroblasts.

STUDY C
The effect of Permixon on androgen receptors.


Procyanidin Oligomers


In the following studies Procyanidin Oligomers have shown to activate hair follicle growth.

STUDY A
The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B-2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent.

STUDY B
Procyanidin Oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in vivo.

STUDY C
Proanthocyanidins from grape seeds promote proliferation of mouse hair follicle cells in vitro and convert hair cycle in vivo.