Provillus as a Hair Loss Treatment?

Provillus 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 diligent 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.

Like Scalp Med and Procerin, Provillus is one of the top selling hair loss products on top of the market.

Provillus, similar to Procerin comes in two forms, a pill and a topical. A combined order can be placed or you can purchase each type separately. A men’s formula and women’s formula is also available.

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 Provillus? 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.

The topical contains two active ingredients

• Minoxodil 5%
• Azelaic Acid 5%

The oral supplement contains a number of “active” ingredients. Below it is also noted which ingredients are in the men’s formula and which are in the women’s. Ingredients are mentioned below however, no dosages are listed on their website. I did however, place a call to Provillus to find out the dosage of saw palmetto which is 1500mg of the berry (detail found below under the saw palmetto hair loss  section of this article).

• Vitamin B6 (Men and Women)
• Biotin (Men and Women)
• Magnesium (Men and Women)

• Saw Palmetto (Men’s Formula Only)
• Zinc (Men’s Formula Only)
• Nettle Root (Men’s Formula Only)
• Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima) (Men’s Formula Only)
• Eleuthero (Men’s Formula Only)
• Uva-Ursi (Men’s Formula Only)
• Muria Puama (Men’s Formula Only)

• Horsetail (Women’s Formula Only)
• Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) (Women’s Formula Only)

So the real question for hair loss sufferers to be concerned about, is whether or not the ingredients in Provillus work to combat hair loss or regrow hair. It is also a worthy question to ask why the ingredients in the women’s oral supplement is so different from the men’s.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients below.

Topical Ingredients:

Minoxodil 5%

Minoxodil is FDA approved as a hair loss treatment and many hair loss sufferers have used it to help prevent future hair loss and regrow hair. According to the Provillus website, 5% is being used for both men and women. I was surprised to read that women are being administered 5% and not 2% minoxidil which is FDA approved for women.

Azelaic Acid 5%

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring substance found in wholegrains that has mild antibioticthat properties to help “clean” the skin. Many prescription medications for acne contain this as an active ingredient. Azelaic Acid is not FDA approved as a treatment for hair loss. However it is said to be a potent inhibitor of 5-Alpha-Reductase in human skin. The theory of its efficacy therefore is that if there is less of the enzyme 5-Alpha-Reductase in the body, less DHT will be created. If DHT is minimized, the susceptible hairs won’t be as exposed and therefore hair loss will be minimized or eliminated.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed from the combination of the hormone testosterone and the enzyme 5-Alpha-reductase in the body. Learn more about hereditary hair loss.

To date however, there has been no research that directly links the use of topical azelaic acid with hair growth.

Combining Minoxodil andAzelaic Acid:

Combining these two “forces” therefore in theory, should be a more powerful hair loss treatment than minoxidil alone. However, since Azelaic Acid has not been clinically tested as a hair loss treatment, one can only speculate of it’s efficacy. To learn more about these two combined forces, read my article on Xandrox.

Oral Ingredients:

Saw Palmetto (Sereona Repens)

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 combating 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:

Because I could not find the dosage on the Provillus website, I placed a call to their sales department. I found out that Provillus, like Procerin contains 1500mg of the saw palmetto berry.

The question we have to ask next therefore is…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 Provillus uses the entire berry, 1500mg seems 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:

One false assumption is that “all natural” hair loss products don’t have potential side effects. This is not true. 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.

Vitamin B6 And Zinc

Some studies suggest that Vitamin B6 combined with Zinc may be able to inhibit the conversion of Testosterone to DHT in the skin. Additional studies have revealed that specific types of B6 by itself can inhibit DHT creation and androgen receptor activity.

However as these studies show that the source of B6 is important, there are some sources of B6 that can actually INCREASE the creation of DHT. In other words, if you don’t know what form of Vitamin B6 you’re ingesting, it is better to leave it alone. On the flip side however, it has been reported that a vitamin B6 deficiency can increase DHT production.

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.

Side Effects and Warnings:

Side effects from vitamin B6 supplements are reported as rare. At very high levels (200 mg or more per day) B6 can eventually damage sensory nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet which may cause problems walking. Vitamin B6 supplementation should be stopped if any of these symptoms begin to develop.

Pregnant and lactating women should not take more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 daily. For other adults, vitamin B6 is typically safe in 200-300 mg quantities per day although some problems have been reported. Those taking B6 in this range for a few months or more should consult with a doctor. Problems with B6 are more common with increased dosage. It is recommended not to take more than 500mg per day.

Biotin:

Biotin is a nutritional supplement that has been around for years The concept of biotin was discovered in the fur industry. Minks and chinchilla’s were raised for their pelts in making mink coats. Apparently when these animals were fed raw eggs, a protein called avidin inhibited biotin in the vitamin pathway and the animals started to shed creating sparse pelts. When raw eggs were omitted from their diet, the animals recovered. In other words, this ingredient may be beneficial for those people who have an extreme bioton deficiency from eating a heavy supply of raw eggs – but don’t expect biotin to combat hair loss.

Nettle Root:

Yet another product that has been used in patients suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Other uses of Nettles 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 (despite 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 sulfur, zinc, and silica can help promote healthy hair growth. Nothing however, has been reported about its ability to combat genetic hair loss.

Provillus Side Effects:

See side effects listed above for each ingredient. No side effects are listed on the forefront of Provillus’ website, but after doing some digging, I have found that upset stomach may occur when taking Provillus. Taking this medication with food often causes this to go away.

Costs:

A one month supply of Provillus topical and oral supplement costs about $50 per month. Discounted prices are available when bought in bulk.

For the cost of Provillus, one can purchase generic finasteride and generic minoxidil which are two FDA approved hair loss treatments for safety and efficacy

Conclusion and My Opinion:

Minoxodil is an FDA approved hair loss treatment and there is visual proof of its efficacy out there for those who research it.

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. Minoxodil is an FDA approved proven treatment for hair loss
2. Some of the other ingredients may have some anti-DHT properties and work for a hair loss treatment but have never been formally tested.
3. The other ingredients may promote healthy hair growth but have no properties to combat hair loss.
4. 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 Provillus. Therefore the chance of them doing anything to promote hair growth or have any anti-DHT benefit is insignificant.
5. 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

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