G
Guest
Guest
I see dead people.
:freaked2:
:freaked2:
Saw palmetto users. In here please
- Thread starter Stabber
- Start date
G
Guest
Guest
Sp
Saw Palmetto,forgive me if this had already been posted
http://www.gettel.net/serenoa/baldness.html
Saw Palmetto in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss and requires further description. Androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss, presenting as loss of hair over the top (vertex) and the anterior mid-scalp area (receding hairline) in affected men. The term androgenetic alopecia denotes that both a genetic predisposition and the presence of androgens are necessary to cause expression. Androgenetic Alopecia is also referred to as male pattern hair loss and typically begins gradually in men in there 20s with incidence increasing 10% per decade.
Presence of Androgens must be present for baldness to occur
For centuries, it has been observed that the presence of androgens was necessary for Androgenetic Alopecia to express itself. In 400 BC Hippocrates observed that eunuchs (castrated males) did not become bald. Aristotle noticed this also.(1) Through out history it was also observed that the Italian Castrati (boys that castrated in order to train them as adult soprano singers, a practice which was ended by Pope Leo XIII in 1878) never became bald. Researchers knew that Androgenetic Alopecia had to be associated with the male hormone testosterone. It comes as no surprise that current research shows that the balding scalp contains miniaturized hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared to a hairy scalp. This suggests that it is the excess presence of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp tissue that causes Androgenetic Alopecia in those patients genetically predisposed.
Pathophysiology of Androgenetic Alopecia
In the body testosterone is broken down by an enzyme call 5 alpha reductase to dihydrotestosterone. (DHT). DHT, a potent metabolite of testosterone causes a gradual, progressive shrinkage in the length and caliber of genetically programmed hair follicles. This process is called miniaturization. Miniaturization results from shortening of the anagen phase and a decrease in the sit of the dermal papilla and volume of matrix cells. Consequently, each succeeding hair cycle results in production of smaller, finer hairs which contribute less to the overall appearance and density of the hair. These biochemical events occur at the cellular level of the hair follicle. Because the dermal papilla is highly vascular, it is continuously bathed in circulating androgens. It has been demonstrated that the dermal papilla is rich in androgen receptors and is the primary target of androgen action. (Choudhry et al., 1996) Cells in genetically programmed hair follicles contain the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. 5 alpha reductase converts testosterone into the more potent DHT (Chen, Zouboulis & Orfanos, 1996). 5 alpha reductase is found in higher quantities in the scalp follicles of affected men. (Sawaya & Price 1997) Androgen receptors in the cells of the dermal papilla bind with circulating DHT, forming androgen receptor complexes. This results in the androgen effects of miniaturization on the hair follicle. (Randall et al., 1992)
In conclusion, by inhibiting the breakdown of testosterone to DHT, hair loss can be prevented or at least kept to a minimum.
Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia
5 Alpha Reductase inhibitors
Drugs in this class work by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, which limits the conversion of testosterone to DHT (Chen et al., 1996) Finasteride (propecia) is the first drug in this class to undergo extensive clinical trials in men. Finasteride has selective activity against 5 alpha reductase. As a result, serum and follicular DHT levels are significantly reduced (Dallob et al., 1994).
Saw Palmetto extract
Studies have shown that saw palmetto is an effective anti-androgen. It acts in a similar way that propecia does. Firstly it lowers levels of DHT in the body by blocking 5 alpa-reductase. Secondly Saw Palmetto blocks receptors sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT. Although no studies have been carried out on saw palmetto and its relation to hair growth, studies have been performed on the use of Saw Palmetto in the treatment of benign prostatic disease, which is similar to androgenetic alopecia in that it also depends on the production of dihydrotestosterone. All of the studies that have been performed to date show that Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and has shown conclusively to be effective in the treatment of benign prostatic disease.
One may assume from this that since Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and is used in the treatment of prostatic disease then it may also be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Vitamins
Some vitamins have been show to inhibit the activity of 5 alpha reductase and subsequent production of DHT. These vitamins therefore may be of great benefit in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia or preventing baldness. There has been studies in which zinc is shown to inhibit 5 alpha reductase activity and it has therefore been concluded that zinc is beneficial in disease and disorders related to an excess in DHT. There has also been studies which have show that vitamin B6, Zinc and azelaic combined together even in low concentrations resulted in a 90% inhibition of 5 alpha reductase activity.
Recommendations
Propecia has been tested and found to be effective in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. However, its list of possible side effects include sexual adverse experiences. It also affects PSA levels, which is the screening indicator for prostrate cancer.
Saw Palmetto has been proven safe to use. It has no known drug interactions and is well tolerated by most people. The only noted side effect in a very small percent of people is upset stomach. Saw Palmetto can be taken with zinc, vitamin b6, and azelaic acid for a synergistic effect.
Conclusion
Normal healthy hair grows about ½ inch per month. It may take several months before any effects are noticed. Where the area is completely bald, hair may not grow, if the follicles are dead. It takes years for the hair to thin, so one must assume that it will take time to also reverse the process. Keeping the hair from further thinning is success in itself.
Saw Palmetto,forgive me if this had already been posted
http://www.gettel.net/serenoa/baldness.html
Saw Palmetto in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss and requires further description. Androgenetic alopecia (Androgenetic Alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss, presenting as loss of hair over the top (vertex) and the anterior mid-scalp area (receding hairline) in affected men. The term androgenetic alopecia denotes that both a genetic predisposition and the presence of androgens are necessary to cause expression. Androgenetic Alopecia is also referred to as male pattern hair loss and typically begins gradually in men in there 20s with incidence increasing 10% per decade.
Presence of Androgens must be present for baldness to occur
For centuries, it has been observed that the presence of androgens was necessary for Androgenetic Alopecia to express itself. In 400 BC Hippocrates observed that eunuchs (castrated males) did not become bald. Aristotle noticed this also.(1) Through out history it was also observed that the Italian Castrati (boys that castrated in order to train them as adult soprano singers, a practice which was ended by Pope Leo XIII in 1878) never became bald. Researchers knew that Androgenetic Alopecia had to be associated with the male hormone testosterone. It comes as no surprise that current research shows that the balding scalp contains miniaturized hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared to a hairy scalp. This suggests that it is the excess presence of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp tissue that causes Androgenetic Alopecia in those patients genetically predisposed.
Pathophysiology of Androgenetic Alopecia
In the body testosterone is broken down by an enzyme call 5 alpha reductase to dihydrotestosterone. (DHT). DHT, a potent metabolite of testosterone causes a gradual, progressive shrinkage in the length and caliber of genetically programmed hair follicles. This process is called miniaturization. Miniaturization results from shortening of the anagen phase and a decrease in the sit of the dermal papilla and volume of matrix cells. Consequently, each succeeding hair cycle results in production of smaller, finer hairs which contribute less to the overall appearance and density of the hair. These biochemical events occur at the cellular level of the hair follicle. Because the dermal papilla is highly vascular, it is continuously bathed in circulating androgens. It has been demonstrated that the dermal papilla is rich in androgen receptors and is the primary target of androgen action. (Choudhry et al., 1996) Cells in genetically programmed hair follicles contain the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. 5 alpha reductase converts testosterone into the more potent DHT (Chen, Zouboulis & Orfanos, 1996). 5 alpha reductase is found in higher quantities in the scalp follicles of affected men. (Sawaya & Price 1997) Androgen receptors in the cells of the dermal papilla bind with circulating DHT, forming androgen receptor complexes. This results in the androgen effects of miniaturization on the hair follicle. (Randall et al., 1992)
In conclusion, by inhibiting the breakdown of testosterone to DHT, hair loss can be prevented or at least kept to a minimum.
Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia
5 Alpha Reductase inhibitors
Drugs in this class work by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, which limits the conversion of testosterone to DHT (Chen et al., 1996) Finasteride (propecia) is the first drug in this class to undergo extensive clinical trials in men. Finasteride has selective activity against 5 alpha reductase. As a result, serum and follicular DHT levels are significantly reduced (Dallob et al., 1994).
Saw Palmetto extract
Studies have shown that saw palmetto is an effective anti-androgen. It acts in a similar way that propecia does. Firstly it lowers levels of DHT in the body by blocking 5 alpa-reductase. Secondly Saw Palmetto blocks receptors sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT. Although no studies have been carried out on saw palmetto and its relation to hair growth, studies have been performed on the use of Saw Palmetto in the treatment of benign prostatic disease, which is similar to androgenetic alopecia in that it also depends on the production of dihydrotestosterone. All of the studies that have been performed to date show that Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and has shown conclusively to be effective in the treatment of benign prostatic disease.
One may assume from this that since Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and is used in the treatment of prostatic disease then it may also be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Vitamins
Some vitamins have been show to inhibit the activity of 5 alpha reductase and subsequent production of DHT. These vitamins therefore may be of great benefit in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia or preventing baldness. There has been studies in which zinc is shown to inhibit 5 alpha reductase activity and it has therefore been concluded that zinc is beneficial in disease and disorders related to an excess in DHT. There has also been studies which have show that vitamin B6, Zinc and azelaic combined together even in low concentrations resulted in a 90% inhibition of 5 alpha reductase activity.
Recommendations
Propecia has been tested and found to be effective in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. However, its list of possible side effects include sexual adverse experiences. It also affects PSA levels, which is the screening indicator for prostrate cancer.
Saw Palmetto has been proven safe to use. It has no known drug interactions and is well tolerated by most people. The only noted side effect in a very small percent of people is upset stomach. Saw Palmetto can be taken with zinc, vitamin b6, and azelaic acid for a synergistic effect.
Conclusion
Normal healthy hair grows about ½ inch per month. It may take several months before any effects are noticed. Where the area is completely bald, hair may not grow, if the follicles are dead. It takes years for the hair to thin, so one must assume that it will take time to also reverse the process. Keeping the hair from further thinning is success in itself.
G
Guest
Guest
What are you trying to say with this article??
HairlossTalk
Senior Member
- Reaction score
- 6
This is what he's trying to say. Excerpt from the article:
"One may assume from this that since Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and is used in the treatment of prostatic disease then it may also be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia."
This is the premise we disagree with. Many things inhibit DHT and have antiandrogenic effects in the body. That does not necessarily mean it is going to have any effect on the growth or degradation of the hair follicle on the human scalp due to DHT affliction. In light of the fact that nobody has been able to perform a single study showing that it can do this, I think we should be assuming in the other direction. A perfect example? Green Tea can act as a "DHT inhibitor". It cannot however inhibit DHT systemically to the extent that it benefits the health of the hair or inhibits the local production of DHT in the follicle, so as to treat hair loss.
Studies need to be done on the ability of the chemical to inhibit DHT and block androgen receptors *in the follicle* either when taken internally, or when applied topically. The Fatty Acids contained in Revivogen (ALA, GLA, etc.) have undergone such studies and performed well. When applied to skin of mice they effectively inhibited DHT formation and blocked androgen receptor binding in the follicle. This has never been shown for Orally Ingested Saw Palmetto. This is why we always suggest using Propecia instead of Saw Palmetto, and Revivogen instead of Saw Palmetto. If Saw Palmetto has any potential, it would be in a topical application, as it may have some benefit in a locally applied and absorbed liquid, directly onto the follicles. Fortunately, Revivogen contains SP "just in case".
Its funny that entire article with all that text can be summed up in the one sentence I extracted above, and in that very sentence, they admit, they're just making an assumption. They have no actual data to point to.
HairLossTalk.com
"One may assume from this that since Saw Palmetto is an effective anti-androgen and is used in the treatment of prostatic disease then it may also be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia."
This is the premise we disagree with. Many things inhibit DHT and have antiandrogenic effects in the body. That does not necessarily mean it is going to have any effect on the growth or degradation of the hair follicle on the human scalp due to DHT affliction. In light of the fact that nobody has been able to perform a single study showing that it can do this, I think we should be assuming in the other direction. A perfect example? Green Tea can act as a "DHT inhibitor". It cannot however inhibit DHT systemically to the extent that it benefits the health of the hair or inhibits the local production of DHT in the follicle, so as to treat hair loss.
Studies need to be done on the ability of the chemical to inhibit DHT and block androgen receptors *in the follicle* either when taken internally, or when applied topically. The Fatty Acids contained in Revivogen (ALA, GLA, etc.) have undergone such studies and performed well. When applied to skin of mice they effectively inhibited DHT formation and blocked androgen receptor binding in the follicle. This has never been shown for Orally Ingested Saw Palmetto. This is why we always suggest using Propecia instead of Saw Palmetto, and Revivogen instead of Saw Palmetto. If Saw Palmetto has any potential, it would be in a topical application, as it may have some benefit in a locally applied and absorbed liquid, directly onto the follicles. Fortunately, Revivogen contains SP "just in case".
Its funny that entire article with all that text can be summed up in the one sentence I extracted above, and in that very sentence, they admit, they're just making an assumption. They have no actual data to point to.
HairLossTalk.com
G
Guest
Guest
You know what they say, ASSumptions make an *** out of you and me!