Hair loss is a common problem frequently associated with the increase of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. In order to assist individuals with this condition, we have developed this product to retain normal hair growth.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). Often viewed as a man’s problem, MPB can affect women also. AGA appears to be a genetic condition, one that can be acquired from either the father’s or mother’s side of the family, or both. The old saying “ just look at your mother’s brothers if you want to know whether you’ll go bald” is simply not true.

The precise genes that cause MPB have not as yet been identified, but it is known that a specific hormone, a strong version of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is the main instigator of MPB. DHT binds with the androgen receptors of the hair follicles, which instigates the chain of events that lead to the miniaturization of the follicles. This miniaturization of these androgen-sensitive hair follicles changes healthy, pigmented, visible hair to tiny, unpigmented, nearly invisible hair. Eventually, the hair follicle cells are lost completely. Since DHT is formed by the interaction between the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase and testosterone, the ingredients in Folidex are intended to inhibit the actions of 5-alpha-reductase, which can result in hair preservation.

Folidex’s List of Ingredients Includes:

Zinc (as oxide): Zinc is a powerful inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase. At high concentrations, zinc was shown to completely inhibit 5AR.2 In conjunction with other minerals and vitamins, zinc has been shown to increase the quality of the subject’s hair as well.

Biotin: If one’s hair loss is due to biotin deficiency, then studies have shown that
supplementation of this B vitamin aids in regrowing lost hair.3 Biotin also increases the quality

Saw Palmetto Berry (Serenoa repens): Saw Palmetto berries have been suggested to have a weak inhibiting effect on 5-alpha-reductase, but recent studies have shown that the berries seem to inhibit the bonding between Estradiol and Testosterone, the components to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This blocks DHT from hair follicle receptors, suppressing the undesirable biological response, such as hair thinning and eventual loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia.

Green Tea Powder (Camellia sinensis ): Green Tea is gaining in popularity as a natural regulator for everything from weight loss to blood levels of testosterone and insulin. When pertaining to hair loss, green tea's main catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, thereby preventing the weakening the production of DHT in the body.

Soy Isoflavones: One of the main isoflavones found abundantly in soy -daidzein, has been found to contain the metabolite, equol.7 Equol has been determine to specifically bind 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone. It can also bind circulating DHT in the blood and sequester it from the androgen receptor, altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens, possibly including Androgenetic Alopecia.

Pygeum Bark (Pygeum africanum): This herb is derived from the bark of a tall evergreen tree common to central and south Africa. Pygeum has been approved in Europe since the 1970's to treat mild benign prostate hyperplasia, which is partially caused by the same enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, that contributes to male pattern baldness. Pygeum contains ferulic esters that reduce levels of prolactin, a hormone which promotes uptake of growth-promoting testosterone in the prostate.

Nettle Root Powder (Urtica dioica): One of the most interesting discoveries about herbal supplements is how many of them work in combination better than they might do individually. Such is the case with Nettles and Pygeum. When used in a formulation together, it has been shown that even small amounts of each herb can increase 5-alpha reductase inhibition in the user.

Indole-3-Carbinol: Like Saw Palmetto berries, Indole-3-Carbinol has been shown to inhibit estradiol production, one of the two components of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). I3C, therefore, may aid in hair retention, and it is also being studied for breast cancer prevention therapy.