* Zinc. This is crucial for regulating more than 100 enzymes. One study found a significant reduction in 5-alpha-reductase activity in rat prostate tissue previously injected with zinc (Andrologia, 1993; 25: 369-75). Another study found that this inhibitory effect of zinc was increased when taken with vitamin B6 (Br J Dermatol, 1988; 119: 627-32).

However, a word of caution: stick to the recommended dosages of 15-30 mg/day, as higher amounts can lead to copper deficiency which, in turn, results in – you guessed it – hair loss.

* Azelaic acid. This naturally occurring substance, found on the skin, is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase even at low levels. Combined with zinc, the two inhibitors had an additive effect (Br J Dermatol, 1988; 119: 627-32). Azelaic acid is available over the counter as a cream or lotion.

* Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). This antiandrogenic herb lowers dihydrotestosterone in two ways: it cuts down its production by lowering levels of 5-alpha-reductase; and stops its absorption by blocking its receptors on cell membranes.

A study of saw palmetto extract for treating mild-to-moderate male pattern baldness found improved hair growth in 60 per cent of the subjects (J Altern Complement Med, 2002; 8: 143-52). A common dosage is around 300 mg/day.

* Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Along with certain other unsaturated fatty acids, GLA is thought to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity – at least in animals. This study also found GLA to have low toxicity and no risk of systemic side-effects (J Invest Dermatol, 1997; 109: 152-7). Nevertheless, it’s worth remembering that the results of animal studies cannot be counted on as they don’t necessarily apply to humans.

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of GLA, and the recommended dosage ranges from 50-100 mg/day to as much as 700 mg/day.

* Silica. Although not, strictly speaking, a hair-growth stimulant, silica is a mineral recognised for strengthening existing hair, and maintaining its thickness and colour. Good food sources of silica include potatoes, cucumbers, brussels sprouts, and green and red peppers.

There is no recommended dose for silica. However, most of the commercial nutritional supplements containing this trace element use around 10-15 mg per dose.

* Traditional Chinese medicine. TCM practitioners believe that hair loss is linked to weak kidneys, and the usual treatment includes tonics or herbs to strengthen those organs. Other symptoms related to weak kidneys are fatigue, lower back pain and general physical weakness.

* Aromatherapy. The results of a randomised, double-blind study suggest that three drops each of the essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood, when mixed with 30 mL each of jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils, improved the symptoms of alopecia areata (patchy hair loss). When massaged into the scalp every night for seven months, this oil mixture stimulated new hair growth in 44 per cent of users (Arch Dermatol, 1998; 134: 1349-52).

* Ayurvedic medicine. This form of traditional Indian medicine often uses Brahmi (Centella asiatica, gotu kola) or bhringarag (Eclipta alba) oils for hair loss. The Ayurvedic tradition believes that hair is a byproduct of bone formation.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial is a heavyweight study that involved 18,882 men aged over 55 years, and so its findings will matter.

Of course, there was a price to pay by those men who took the drug. Their sexual libido all but disappeared, but many might feel that it is a trade-off worth making if you live longer.

And there was another thing mentioned in passing. Those who took the drug also ran a far higher risk of getting a more virulent form of the cancer later on.

Since the study started, finasteride was also approved as a hair growth drug for men with male-pattern baldness.

So let’s get this right. Take finasteride and your hair might grow back. But your sex life disappears, and you stand the chance of getting an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Does anyone need hair that badly?

(Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 2003; 349: 215:24).

What doctors tell you
A common conventional treatment for male pattern baldness is minoxidil (Rogaine/ Regaine). Originally developed to treat high blood pressure, it was noted that it increased hair growth. This led to the development of topical minoxidil, available in concentrations of 2 or 5 per cent. The solution has to be applied at least twice a day for four months before any results can be seen.

In addition to the possible allergic skin reactions, there is also the risk of systemic effects due to the absorption of minoxidil through the scalp. These include blurred vision, chest pain, very low blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache and weight gain, to name but a few.

Another drug commonly prescribed for androgenetic alopecia is finasteride (Propecia), which works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase. Oral finasteride has to be taken once daily for three months before its benefits can be noticed. But the cost of achieving that thicker, darker head of hair may well include impotence, loss of sexual drive or a reduced amount of ejaculate.

Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated widelyelsewhere.

Collection: The leaves may be gathered throughout the summer but are attheir best during flowering time.

Part Used: Leaves and twigs.

Constituents: * Volatile oil: composed of borneol, camphene, camphor,cineole, limonene, linalool, isobutyl acetate, 3-octanone,terpineol, verbenol etc.

* Flavonoids: apigenin, diosmetin, diosmin, genkwanin, 6-methoxygenkwanin,

hispidulin, sinensetin, luteolin and derivatives

* Rosmarinic acid and other phenolic acids

* Diterpenes such as picrosalvin (= carnosol), carnosolic acid androsmariquinone

* Miscellaneous; rosmaricine, the triterpenes ursolic acid, oleanolic acid & derivatives.

Actions: Carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, rubefacient, anti-microbial, emmenagogue.

Indications: Rosemary is a circulatory and nervine stimulant, which in addition to the toning and calming effect on the digestion is used where psychological tension is present. This may show for instance as flatulent dyspepsia, headache or depression associated with debility. Externally it may be used to ease muscular pain, sciatica and neuralgia. It acts as a stimulant to both the hair follicles and circulation in the scalp and thus may be helpful inpremature baldness. The oil is most effective here.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “diffuse stimulant andrelaxing tonic with special influence upon stomach and cerebrum. It soothes the nervous system and is tonic to the vaso-motor function and peripheral circulation. It is a suitable tonic for the elderly” They give the following specific indications: atonic conditions of the stomach; gastric headache; adolescent hypotonia, asthenia with pallid complexion; circulatory weakness following stress or illness.

Combinations: For depression it may be used with Skullcap, Kola and Oats.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse in a covered container for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

© David L. Hoffman, M.N.I.M.H.

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