Gamma linolenic acid for hair loss treatment

Role of testosterone and its derivatives in hair loss has been subject of numerous studies and there has been several publications demonstrating local effect of testosterone in baldness and potentiation of this effect by dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone effect has been identified in etiology of androgenic alopecia.

Certain unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid, inhibit 5alpha-reductase activity in vitro and in vivo. 5-alpha-reductase induces conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone(DHT).

Other study suggests c12-c16 chains, saturated fattt acids with double bonds such as gamma linoolenic acid show more inhibitory effects on 5-alpha-reductase. Another study has examined inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase by gamma-linolenic acid and not by other saturated fatty acids such as steartic acid.

All these studies have led to bring a new focus to evaluate whether certain plant extracts with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory effect might benefit androgenic alopecia and related hair loss. One publication in journal of dermatological science indicates that extract of Thujae occidentalis semen may suppress activation of DHT and be effective in treatment of male pattern baldness by modifying androgen conversion. This effect has been shown to be more potent than that of gamma linolenic acid.

 

 

Gamma-Linolenic acid, with low toxicity and lack of systemic side effects, therefore may be potentially useful for treatment of androgen-dependent skin disorders. Among natural oils with highest concentration of gamma linolenic acid, borage oil and evenning primrose oil may be named, found in our hair loss serum, however, the minimum effective concentration of GLA in the final product for effective treatment of hair loss has not been studied.

 

 

American osteopatic college of dermatology Female pattern hair loss has been discussed

Electronic textbook of dermatology Alopecia and hair loss and its treatment by Rhett J. Drugge, MD

Medline plus provides a directory for hair loss

American society for dermatologic surgery Hair loss, treatment options and restoration techniques

Alopecia areata foundation support research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, to support those with the disease, and to educate the public about alopecia areata

University of Utah health science center Baldness, its causes, different types of hair loss and its treatment approach

Martin memorial health system Baldness (alopecia), causes, types and treatment have been addressed

Dermatologygallery.com There are several hair restoration treatments. Hair Loss treatment can reduce the appearance of baldness read more