Green Tea has been a long standing recommendation for the treatment of hair loss. It’s mechanisms identified to date have included its ability to both inhibit 5 alpha reductase and normalize levels of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, which are elevated in male pattern baldness. It additionally confers an anti-inflammation effect. One study that directly assessed its effects on human hair growth confirmed a stimulatory effect. 

Human Hair Growth Enhancement by Green Tea

      Advances in genomics have triggered a revolution in discovery-based research to understand even the most complex biological processes, such as Androgenetic Alopecia. This study demonstrates that EGCG, a constituent of Green Tea, actually protects against DHT induced cell senescence on a genome level, definitely confirming its benefit as an intervention against DHT mediated disorders, such as Prostate Enlargement and MPB.

Ann Dermatol. 2016 Jun;28(3):327-34. doi: 10.5021/ad.2016.28.3.327. Epub 2016 May 25.
Epigallocatechin Gallate-Mediated Alteration of the MicroRNA Expression Profile in 5α-Dihydrotestosterone-Treated Human Dermal Papilla Cells.
Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induces androgenic alopecia by shortening the hair follicle growth phase, resulting in hair loss. We previously demonstrated how changes in the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile influenced DHT-mediated cell death, cell cycle arrest, cell viability, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and senescence. Protective effects against DHT have not, however, been elucidated at the genome level.

OBJECTIVE:
We showed that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, protects DHT-induced cell death by regulating the cellular miRNA expression profile.

METHODS:
We used a miRNA microarray to identify miRNA expression levels in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). We investigated whether the miRNA expression influenced the protective effects of EGCG against DHT-induced cell death, growth arrest, intracellular ROS levels, and senescence.

RESULTS:
EGCG protected against the effects of DHT by altering the miRNA expression profile in human DPCs. In addition, EGCG attenuated DHT-mediated cell death and growth arrest and decreased intracellular ROS levels and senescence. A bioinformatics analysis elucidated the relationship between the altered miRNA expression and EGCG-mediated protective effects against DHT.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, our results suggest that EGCG ameliorates the negative effects of DHT by altering the miRNA expression profile in human DPCs.

      Hair follicles are skin appendages that undergo periods of growth (anagen), DHT induced regression (catagen) and rest (telogen), regulated by the dermal papilla (DP). The fact that this study demonstrated the ameliorative effects of Green Tea (EGCG) on the effects of DHT in the dermal papilla make the strongest case to date on the rationale for including Green Tea in any regime for AGA.

      Green Tea can be conveniently used in the form of Green Tea Extract, which concentrates its active constituents, particularly EGCG. Green Tea Extract is a primary component of L’Oreal’s Hair Mass, (In addition to Taurine, Grape Seed Extract and Saw Palmetto) their nutraceutical specifically designed to halt the progression of and treat Androgenetic Alopecia. 

Mega Green Tea Extract has the polyphenol and catechin equivalent of 10-15 cups of Green Tea, and has a significantly higher per capsule dose of EGCG than any other commercially available extract.

      One capsule a day is all that is recommended. Green Tea Catechins are far better absorbed when taken concurrently with a few drops of lemon or lime juice, added to water.