List of Ingredients with Their Origin and Effect on Hair Loss and Hair Growth
1. Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Origin: Made from plant fibers, typically wood or cotton.
- Effect: Used as a filler in supplements. No direct effect on hair loss or hair growth but ensures stability and release of active ingredients.
2. Maltodextrin
- Origin: Derived from starch, typically from corn, rice, or potatoes.
- Effect: Used as a binder. No direct effect on hair loss or hair growth.
3. Serenoa (Serenoa repens) Fruit Dry Extract
- Origin: Extracted from the berries of the saw palmetto, native to North America.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT, a key factor in hormonal hair loss.
- Hair Growth: Supports hair follicles by reducing the damaging effects of DHT.
4. Nettle (Urtica dioica) Root Dry Extract
- Origin: Extracted from the root of common nettle, found in Europe and Asia.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Rich in beta-sitosterols, which inhibit DHT production. Improves blood circulation in the scalp and strengthens hair follicles.
- Hair Growth: Improves hair quality and promotes growth by enhancing the scalp environment.
5. Dibasic Calcium Phosphate
- Origin: A synthetically produced mineral compound.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Supports cell functions essential for the health of hair follicles.
- Hair Growth: Provides calcium, strengthening the structure of hair and nails.
6. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Leaf Dry Extract
- Origin: Extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, native to China.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Improves blood circulation, promoting nutrient delivery to hair follicles and reducing hair loss.
- Hair Growth: Contains ginkgoflavones and lactoterpenes, which protect against cell damage and stimulate growth.
7. Taurine
- Origin: A natural amino acid found in meat and fish.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Protects hair follicles from damage and inflammation.
- Hair Growth: Strengthens hair by improving cellular functions in the scalp.
8. Beta-Sitosterol
- Origin: Naturally derived plant sterol found in plants like soybeans and corn.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Reduces DHT levels and prevents hormonal hair loss.
- Hair Growth: Promotes stronger and thicker hair strands.
9. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
- Origin: Synthetically derived from cellulose.
- Effect: Used as a capsule shell. No direct effect on hair loss or hair growth.
10. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) Root Dry Extract
- Origin: Extracted from the roots of American ginseng, cultivated in North America.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Reduces stress and improves blood flow, both critical factors in hair loss.
- Hair Growth: Stimulates hair roots and promotes growth.
11. Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Origin: Synthetically produced or derived from fish and grains.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Improves blood circulation in the scalp and reduces hair shedding.
- Hair Growth: Enhances oxygen supply to hair follicles, promoting healthy growth.
12. Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Origin: Synthetically produced or found in whole grains and eggs.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Nourishes hair follicles and prevents brittle hair.
- Hair Growth: Strengthens the hair structure and promotes growth.
13. Copper Gluconate
- Origin: A combination of copper and gluconic acid.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Supports pigmentation and prevents premature graying.
- Hair Growth: Protects against cell degradation and promotes healthy hair growth.
14. Vitamin B6
- Origin: Found in foods such as bananas, nuts, and fish.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Inhibits DHT and reduces hair shedding.
- Hair Growth: Stimulates protein synthesis, which strengthens hair growth.
15. Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Origin: Synthetically produced or found in egg yolks and nuts.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Prevents brittle hair and promotes stronger hair strands.
- Hair Growth: Increases keratin production for healthier hair.
16. Folic Acid
- Origin: Found in leafy greens or synthetically produced.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Promotes cell division in hair follicles.
- Hair Growth: Supports healthy growth of hair and scalp.
17. Potassium Iodide (Iodine)
- Origin: Synthetically produced or derived from seaweed.
- Effect:
- Hair Loss: Supports thyroid function, essential for hormonal balance.
- Hair Growth: Improves hair health through hormone regulation.
18. Anti-Caking Agents (Magnesium Stearate and Colloidal Silica)
- Origin: Naturally derived or synthetically produced minerals.
- Effect: Ensures uniform release of active ingredients. No direct effect on hair loss or growth.
Conclusion
This combination of ingredients works synergistically to combat hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and improve the health of both hair and scalp. Many ingredients, such as Serenoa repens and beta-sitosterol, target hormonal hair loss, while others, like biotin and folic acid, nourish and strengthen the hair from root to tip.