- magnesium
- zinc
- vitamin B6
- saw palmetto
- nettle root
- gotu kola
- pumpkin oil
- eleuthero
- uva ursi
- muria puama
The brand claims to contain an ingredient that has been approved by the FDA. It is essential for consumers to look beyond surface information when evaluating claims. The FDA has only approved two drugs for treating hair loss from pattern baldness:
(1) Finasteride
(2) Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the ingredients of Provillus, which is how the product is able to state FDA approval. And it is likely, that any growth or improvements which occur from using Provillus is most likely due to the effects of Minoxidil as opposed to the other ingredients.
Provillus and the Treatment of Hair Loss
At the moment, the effectiveness of Provillus is not supported by scientific research. And this is a main reason why the product is classified as a supplement.
Also the topical effects of the nutrients included within Provillus are not specifically known at this time. However, when taken internally, they may help benefit certain processes within the body. In turn, this can indirectly support the health and strength of the hair follicles.
Conditions Needed For the Effectiveness of Minoxidil
Some people will notice drastic improvements from using Minoxidil. For others, using the compound as a treatment of thinning or balding ends up being completely futile. There are two basic conditions needed for experiencing the benefits of Minoxidil.
(1) Having sufficient quantities of an enzyme known as sulfotransferase. This is an enzyme which adds sulfur to Minoxidil. The process is important for activating the compound, allowing it to enlarge the blood vessels.
(2) Using Minoxidil during the early onset of baldness. Any type of hair loss treatment will have a greater chance of producing desired changes if it is started relatively early. At this point, the miniaturized follicles will still have their hair production processes in tact. And it may be possible to revive them.
The condition of pattern baldness is far more complex than most people realize. It is primarily caused by genetics which code for weaker androgen protein receptors on the hair follicles. Therefore, affected individuals will be more susceptible to the damage caused by DHT when this compound binds to these receptors. Furthermore, environmental factors can affect the rate of hair loss.
Scientists are also investigating other pathways, such as the effect of the PGD2 enzyme. At this point in time, no drug treatment is available which can reverse the signs of hair loss completely and perfectly.
In the meantime, it would be best to choose clinically supported formulations of Minoxidil, such as Rogaine 2% and 5%. Seeing a hair restoration specialist as early as possible would also increase the chances of successful outcomes. A physician, like Dr. Umar, would be able to perform tests to first determine the specific cause of an individual’s condition. From this point, an appropriate treatment plan can be recommended to help reverse hair loss.
Most treatments for hair loss fall under one of two categories:
(1) completely holistic, with little to no research support
(2) clinically shown to be effective, but contains harsh chemicals that can have unwanted side effects
Here at Dermhair Clinic, Dr. Umar, a renowned hair restoration specialist, empathizes with the demand for medically effective treatment products which use safe and natural ingredients.
Read more about choosing hair loss treatments
Health Day News interviews Dr Umar about the potential for PGD2 inhibitors to grow hair