Systemic antibiotics used for acne were found several years ago to reverse Androgenetic Hair Loss. Minocycline, which is commonly prescribed for acne, was found to be particularly effective by some doctors as a hair loss treatment, likely due its ability to resolve inflammation by inhibiting MMP and the Nk-b pathway, both central mechanisms in the hair loss process. Here is a brief update we published some time ago detailing these effects.

Antibiotics as Potential Treatment Agents

      Unfortunately, the sustained usage of antibiotics is precluded by the health consequences, not the least of which is the rapid destruction of friendly bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract, and slow muscle wasting due to their ability to inhibit protein synthesis. 

      We have been recommending Green Tea Extract for years, as a component in any hair loss treatment regime. It well documented to possess mechanisms that promote hair growth, and is a central component in L’Oreal’s patented hair loss capsules, Hair Mass and Hair Mass for Men. It has been shown to simultaneously reduce both inflammation and DHT, (especially when combined with Soy Isoflavones).

      This recent study showed Green Tea’s effects to be comparable to antibiotics in treating acne, which is an indirectly resounding endorsement for its potential as a hair loss intervention. As mentioned, it is the specific antibiotics used for acne, that have been found to be so effective in treating hair loss. Green Tea, unlike antibiotics, has no side effects and multiple health and anti-aging benefits. 

J Invest Dermatol. 2013 Feb;133(2):429-40. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.292. Epub 2012 Oct 25.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) improves acne in humans by modulating intracellular molecular targets and inhibiting P. acnes.
Yoon JY, Kwon HH, Min SU, Thiboutot DM, Suh DH.

Acne Research Laboratory, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.

Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent skin disorder characterized by hyperseborrhea, inflammation, and Propionibacterium acnes overgrowth. Only isotretinoin and hormonal therapy reduce sebum production. To identify a new drug candidate that modulates sebum, we examined the effects of EGCG, the major polyphenol in green tea, on human SEB-1 sebocytes and in patients with acne. In SEB-1 sebocytes, we found that EGCG reduced sebum by modulating the AMPK-SREBP-1 signaling pathway. EGCG also reduces inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. EGCG also induces cytotoxicity of SEB-1 sebocytes via apoptosis and decreases the viability of P. acnes, thus targeting almost all the pathogenic features of acne. Finally, and most importantly, EGCG significantly improved acne in an 8-week randomized, split-face, clinical trial, and was well tolerated. Our data provide a therapeutic rationale for the use of EGCG in acne.

      We recommend Green Tea Extract over Green Tea consumption because it is far more practical and economical way to obtain the catechins, specifically EGCG, in amounts that would favorably alter the course of Androgenetic hairloss. 1 capsule of Mega Green Tea Extract has the active ingredient equivalent of 10-15 cups of freshly brewed tea. The absorption of Green Tea can be significantly enhanced with either a few drops of lemon or lime juice, or 500mg of Vitamin C.