In the vast majority of cases, the hormone dihydrotestosterone is the main cause of hair loss in men. DHT is the chemical cousin of testosterone through the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. DHT attaches to the androgen receptors located in the hair follicles, altering the hair protein synthesis and causing hair loss.
Today, there are quite a number of DHT-inhibitors in the form of pills or medications, in general. However, most of them pose risky side effects. Natural DHT-inhibitors are less aggressive and are probably less costly. Here are some of the most popular herbal DHT-inhibitors.
Green Tea
Packed with several health benefits, green tea is also believed to be natural remedy for hair loss. It has catechins, which possess powerful anti-androgenic properties. Catechins are zinc-based compounds that help reduce 5-AR release and help the hair follicle cells to absorb other vitamins and minerals.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
The oil from pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, helping to inhibit DHT discharge in the liver. It also has other essential nutrients including iron, essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and amino acids -- all of which are important for the hair growth process.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a dwarf palm tree, endemic to the southeastern parts of the United States. Saw palmetto has a long history as an excellent treatment for urinary problems and benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). For this reason, saw palmetto is now used to treat hormone-triggered hair loss called androgenetic alopecia. AGA is triggered by the hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Specifically, saw palmetto inhibits 5-AR enzyme from converting testosterone into DHT through its liposterolic components.
Saw palmetto is often compared to finasteride, the infamous hair loss pill. However, because saw palmetto does not interfere with testosterone production, it doesn’t produce the side effects known of finasteride.
Pygeum Africanum
Pygeum africanum is a huge evergreen tree that grows abundantly in Africa. Like saw palmetto, the bark of pygeum has anti-androgenic properties. However, its efficacy is not as widely proven as is saw palmetto.
Stinging Nettle
Another one of those herbs used to treat BPH symptoms, stinging nettles are perennial plants that love temperate climates. It has chemical constituents that can prevent the production of DHT. Stinging nettles appear to be very effective when used in conjunction with saw palmetto extracts. Aside from its anti-androgenic properties, it can add extra shine and softness to the hair.
He Shou Wu
He shou wu or fo-ti (in the American herb market) is a traditional Chinese herb used to address the symptoms of balding and hair thinning. It can prevent DHT from attaching to the androgen receptors in the hair follicle cells. It is an excellent hair growth stimulant, inducing hair to enter the growth phase instead of the shedding phase. Furthermore, it can be use to reverse premature graying.
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