Procerin as a Hair Loss Treatment?

Procerin as a Hair Loss Treatment  

There are many hair restoration products on the market that claim to combat hair loss and even regrow hair.   Whereas there is no question that marketing is over-reaching at best in order to sell a product, the question for any hair loss sufferers is this:   Is there a chance that this product will work for me?   I think when evaluating this question one must simply remember that there is no miracle hair loss cure to date (at least when this hair loss blog was written) and that one must do dilligent research on a hair loss product before concluding as to whether it works.   For more information on the criteria I use to evaluate a hair loss product, click here.

Procerin is one of the top selling hair loss products on top of the market so I thought it would be beneficial to write something on it.

Procerin  comes in two forms, a pill and a topical.   A combined order can be placed or you can purchase each type separately.  

Generally speaking, when determining whether a hair loss product works, it’s important to ask the question, “what are the ingredients in this product?”   So what is Procerin?   Let’s sum up the ingredients of this product and then we can elaborate on its efficacy.   In other words a product as a whole can be summed up by its parts.  

This information was taken right from the supplemental facts label from their website:

• Saw Palmetto Berries: 1500mg (the active ingredient)
• Zinc (Zinc Sulfate): 15mg
• Pyroxidine: 5mg
• Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide): 150mg
• Proprietary Blend of Gotu Kola, Nettles, Pumpkin Seed, Eleuthero Root, Muira Puma Root, Uva Ursi: 30mg
• Other ingredients: Di-calcium phosphate, Magnesium stearate, Silicone dioxide, Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Pharmaceutical Glaze

It is also important to note that the supplemental facts label states that there is no suggested daily value for saw palmetto  hair loss.   This will be important later, so remember this.

So the real question for hair loss sufferers to be concerned about, is not whether or not Procerin  (a commercialized name) works, but whether or not the ingredients have any efficacy for hair loss.

Ingredients:

Saw Palmetto (Sereona Repens)

General Information:

This is the  primary active ingredient included in a number of hair loss remedies including Provillus and Procerin  alike.  

Saw palmetto is said to be an inhibitor of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).   These berries are a deep red fruit that grows wild on palm trees in warmer climates typically found in the Southeastern United States.   Saw palmetto liposerolic extract is typically used as an herbal supplement for the promotion of a healthy prostate.  

Studies have shown that saw palmetto taken orally  is an effective anti-androgen in that it lowers DHT levels in the body by blocking 5 alpha-reductase enzymes.   Additionally it is said to block receptor cites on cells which is required for cells to absorb DHT.   There have been no studies indicating the efficacy of  Saw Palmetto applied topically for anything.

The Study:  

No formal tests have been performed on saw palmetto and its relation to hair growth however, tests have been performed on its use in the treatment of benign prostatic disease, which simiarly to Androgenetic Alopecia depends on the production of DHT.

It is also noteworthy to state that a small preliminary study in 2002 was performed as reported by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2002;8:143-52) that shows a select group of 19 men between the ages of 23 and 64 taking either (400mg of Saw Palmetto and 100mg of Beta-sitosterol) or a placebo.   Those who took the herbal combination  had 60% improved hair growth over those who took the placebo.  

There are two problems with this study:

1. The control study was way too small to determine any real efficacy and could have happened by chance.   A larger study is necessary to determine any level of real efficacy.
2. The words “improved hair growth” do not indicate new hair growth, hair regrowth, or stopping hereditary hair loss

In theory therefore, saw palmetto  may  in fact have some level of efficacy as a means to combat  hereditary hair loss however:

• This theory has never been formally tested
• The preliminary tests that were performed only indicate “improved hair growth” which is not the same thing as combatting hair loss or regrowing hair.
• There are no regulations or suggested daily value  as to how much Saw Palmetto would be required to combat hair loss.   In other words, it is speculation as to whether an oral or topical treatment would work better if at all, and the number of milligrams required is unknown.
• Topical Saw Palmetto has never been tested for anything.

The Dosage:

Why 1500mg?   There is a general theory out there that MORE is BETTER which simply isn’t always true.

The difference between Saw Palmetto Berry and Saw Palmetto Berry Extract:

Clinical studies on Benign Prostrate  Hyperplasia (BPH)  have used a dosage of 320mg  of Saw Palmetto berry extract daily (either one 320mg pill or 2 X 160 mg pill).   A daily dosage of 480 mg of Saw Palmetto berry extract was not found to be any more effective in a six-month study of dosages.  If the entire berry was used, up to 1000mg or 2000mg would be required to reach the same potential level of efficacy.   Currently there are no standards on dosages of herbal medications in the United States.  

Because Procerin uses the entire berry, 1500mg sits about right.   Keep in mind that 1500mg of the Saw Palmetto berry is only equivalent to about 240mg-320mg of Saw Palmetto Extract.  

Side Effects and Warnings:

It is stated that use of Saw Palmetto has not proven to be safe for women during pregnancy and lactation.   Medical supervision is suggested for women of childbearing age.   Sound familiar?   Similar yet stricter warnings are listed on Propecia’s website.

Zinc and Pyroxidine (Vitamin B6:

Some studies suggest that Zinc when combined with Vitamin B6 may be  able to inhibit the conversion of Testosterone to DHT in the skin.    

I have not seen any studies of its effectiveness in combating hair loss or regrowing hair either for those suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic hair loss) or Alopecia Areata.  

Nettle Root:

Yet another product that  has been used in patients suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Other uses of nettle root  have been for arthritis, asthma,  kidney and urinary tract infections, and more.

Because it has been used for those with enlarged prostate, it has been speculated that  extracts of Nettles when applied  to the scalp  might stimulate hair growth.  

I have not seen any studies of its effectiveness in combating hair loss or regrowing hair either for those suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic hair loss) or Alopecia Areata.

Dosage:

Those who speculate its efficacy for hair loss typically recommend doses of  about 500 mg a day.  

Side Effects:

When topically applied, irritation of the scalp or an allergic reaction can occur.   When taken orally, it can cause upset stomach, burning, difficulty with urination, bloating, and edema.   This product should not be used in patients with heart or kidney problems as due to fluid retention properties.

Pumpkin or Cucurbita Maxima:

Oils extracted from pumpkin seeds contain ingredient delta-7-sterine that has been said to compete with DHT and protect the prostate.   In theory therefore, it is suggested that this ingredient may help reduce the risk of genetic hair loss.   Clinical efficacy of this herbal product however, is still under medical investigation.  

Eleuthero:

Eleuthero, a member of the ginseng family,  has been said to increase energy, restore memory and concentration,    and promote healthy hair and nails.   Nothing has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.

Uva-Ursi:

Uva-Ursi is an herb that has been used to strengthen, soothe, and tighten irritated & inflamed tissues. It works by neutralizing the acidity in urine and increasing urine flow to lessen water retention and bloating.    Some suggest that reducing bloating will allow hair to expand normally.   Nothing has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.

Muria Puama:

Muria Puama plays an significant role in  protein synthesis, energy metabolism, promoting healthy bone structure and hair expansion for men and women.   It also has been used to assist with  stress, nervous system stimulation, virility, and overall health.   Nothing has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.

Horsetail:

Horsetail is said to promote healthy hair growth by promoting blood circulation to the scalp and unclogging pores.   Often referred to as “hair food”.    But promoting healthy hair growth is much different than preventing genetic hair loss.   Nothing has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.

Para-aminobenzoid Acid (PABA):

This is a non-protein  amino acid, sometimes referred to as Vitamin Bx (depsite the fact that it is not really a vitamin),  that is widely available in nature.    This amino acid is not an essential nutrient for humans.   There are anecdotal reports that PABA might halt hair loss and restore color to graying hair however; there are at least as many reports that contradict this.

Dosage:

Doses typically come in 100mg, 250mg, or 500mg as a stand alone product.

In addition to PABA, the potassium salt of PABA called POTABA is available on prescription. POTABA is indicated for Peyronie’s Disease and scleroderma. The dose for Peyronie’s disease and scleroderma is very high (12 grams daily in 4 to 5 distributions)  and must only be used under medical supervision.  Because of the high doses needed to achieve clinical efficacy, patient compliance is typically poor.

Side Effects and warnings:

The following side effects have been reported: Anorexia, vomiting, nausea, hypersensitivity, fever and rash (particularly  with larger doses). These symptoms went away when PABA is stopped.

Children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should avoid PABA.   For those with renal disease,  PABA should be used with caution.   PABA should be stopped if hypersensitivity develops. Those taking pharmaceutical doses of PABA must be under medical supervision.

Magnesium:

There is some information to suggest magnesium as we as sulfer, zinc, and silica can help promote healthy hair growth.   Nothing however,  has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.

Gotu Kola:

Gotu Kola has been said to support the integrity of skin, collagen, and hair expansion.   It has been used to aid the healing of minor wounds and skin irritations, help assure blood vessel integrity, promote circulation, including to the brain, and to help concentration and memory.  

In one study in alopecic rats, the use of Gotu Kola thickened the epidermis and restored thick hair growth – speeding it up beyond its original growth rate.   Gotu Kola is currently under investigation by several large pharmaceutical companies but has no evidence that it helps combat hair loss of any kind.

Dosage:

To achieve even the speculated desired affect, 2500mg has been suggested.   Procerin only contains 30mg of this herb.

Pyroxidine:

There is some information to suggest magnesium as we as sulfer, zinc, and silica can help promote healthy hair growth.   Nothing however,  has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.Inactive  Ingredients:

Procerin Side Effects:

One false assumption is that “all natural” hair loss products don’t have potential side effects.   This is not true.   In addition to the possible side effects listed above for some of the ingredients listed, Procerin reports directly on their website that reported side effects include:

• Mild stomach discomfort
• Skin irritation from the topical formula

Costs:

The discounted cost of the combined formula  for a 1 month supply of Procerin is about $50 and is discounted when you buy in bulk.    You can buy  120 500 mg tablets  of the primary active ingredient Saw Palmetto (berry)  at GNC  for about $13.   It is also cheaper when you buy in bulk.   Remember that if you are buying generic Saw Palmetto that “Saw Palmetto” refers to the berry whereas “Saw Palmetto Berry Extract” refers only to the extact.   Less quantity of the extract than the actual berry.   See “Dosage” above.

Doing the math:

You can buy Procerin which is 1500mg of Saw Palmetto (berry) for $50 a month (30 days).   To equal 1500mg of Saw Palmetto (berry)  from GNC, you’d have to take 3 pills a day which means that 120 pills would last 40 days.   Therefore the cost is $13 for a 40 day supply.   Saw Palmetto Berry extract is also available.

Additionally, for the cost of Procerin, one can purchase generic finasteride and generic minoxodil which are two FDA approved hair loss treatments for safety and efficacy.  

Conclusion and My Opinion:

There are so many herbs that are being “thought” to work for hair loss because the herbs have some benefit to those suffering from BPH.   Well, if it works for BPH, and it  might inhibit 5a-reductase which assists in the making of DHT, and DHT causes hereditary hair loss, wouldn’t it be effective as a hair loss treatment?   The answer is “MAYBE”.  But I have yet to see any real biochemical data showing hard data of how well any of these products inhibit DHT – therefore we cannot compare any of these herbs (positively or negatively) to the benefits of Propecia (Finasteride).  

Therefore I have made the following conclusions:

1. Some of the ingredients may have some anti-DHT properties and might work  as a hair loss treatment  but have never been formally tested.
2. The other ingredients  may promote healthy hair growth but have no properties to combat hair loss.  
3. Because these herbs have never been formally tested as a hair loss treatment, dosage is questionable as even some of the anecdotal studies suggest dosages far higher than being provided in Procerin.   Therefore the chance of  them doing anything to promote hair growth or have any anti-DHT benefit is insignificant.
4. No regulations have been placed on any herbal medication which means one should proceed with extreme caution before taking any herbal supplements.   Proceeding with extreme caution and consulting a doctor is advised.

—  

Bill
Associate Publisher

Technorati Tags: Hair Loss Treatment, hair restoration, hair loss, regrow hair, hair loss cure, hair loss blog, hair loss product, Procerin, Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Pyroxidine, Magnesium, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Pumpkin Seed, Eleuthero, Muira Puma, Uva Ursi, Sereona Repens, hair loss remedies, Provillus, Dihydrotestosterone, DHT, anti-androgen, 5 alpha-reductase, Androgenetic Alopecia, Beta-sitosterol, hereditary hair loss, regrowing hair, Saw Palmetto Berry, Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Benign Prostrate  Hyperplasia, BPH, Propecia, Vitamin B6, Testosterone, Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, delta-7-sterine, renal disease, minoxodil, FDA approved, Propecia, Finasteride, hair growth