The relatively recent discovery of new hair growth modulating mechanisms has enabled researchers to identify new treatment targets that can either maintain or extend the anagen or growth phase of the hair follicle, which is progressively shortened in Androgenetic Alopecia. These newly discovered mechanisms activate the progenitor cells and morphogenic pathways to stimulate previously miniaturized follicles in bald scalp, while concurrently engaging the mechanisms of wound healing and embryogenic development, effectively providing an emergent paradigm for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia.  Among these modulating mechanisms (signaling pathways), it is SHH (Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Molecule) a Protein Coding gene, that appears to hold particular promise. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is a key developmental component in all mammalian species. In the embryo, it facilitates morphogenesis (growth) in most tissues, including organs. In adults, it regulates stem cell proliferation.  Three human HH proteins: SHH (Sonic Hedgehog), DHH (Desert Hedgehog) and IHH (Indian Hedgehog) have been identified.  SHH signaling plays a pivotal role in hair follicle formation and growth by regulating the epithelial and mesenchymal stem cell components of the hair follicle.  SHH signals stimulate hair growth by promoting the transition from telogen (resting phase) to anagen (growth phase) during the hair follicle cycle.  Several studies have documented that indeed, SHH protein stimulation  reliably initiates hair growth in both human and animal models.

Recent research has documented 2 natural  compounds that figure prominently in our treatment recommendations happen to be particularly  effective at stimulating SHH signaling; Green Tea Extract and Resveratrol.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, the most researched component of Green Tea,  promotes the Growth of Mink Hair Follicles  through Sonic Hedgehog and Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathways.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29997505

Resveratrol Activated Sonic Hedgehog Signaling to Enhance Viability of NIH3T3 Cells in Vitro via Regulation of Sirt1.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30355933

Resveratrol benefits hair growth in several ways, in addition to its apparent stimulatory effect on SHH signaling, and   enhances general cardiovascular health, which promotes full body wellness. In regards to hair growth it additionally;
Inhibits cell senescence, which plays a pivotal preventative role in age related diffuse hair thinning that is independent of androgens.

Reduces systemic inflammation which is the primary factor in androgen driven follicle miniaturization.

Strengthens endothelial function, which improves peripheral blood flow, improving and maintaining micro-capillary perfusion to hair follicles, helping with both Androgenetic and age-related hair loss.

Green Tea and is fractionate, EGCG, also helps with hair growth via multiple mechanisms.

Green tea Extract appears to increase hair density by stimulating hair follicles and preventing damage to skin and hair cells, likely by way of a synergistic combination of 5AR and inflammatory cytokine inhibition, and the regulation of SHBG.

Studies have additionally shown that Green Tea Extract, compared to controls, increases skin blood flow and oxygen delivery by 29%. The same research found that the Green Tea Extract group exhibited significant improvements in skin hydration.

Both Resveratrol and Green Tea Extract have been part of our core recommendations for hair loss treatment for well over a decade. This recent data on its effects on  SHH signaling validate those recommendations in a new way.

Our recommendation for supplementation with these compounds  remains the same. Due to its hormetic properties, the optimal dose of Resveratrol for human health appears to be between 200-300 mg. Higher dosing for optimal effects is not necessitated or desired.

Optimized Resveratrol combines 250 mg of Resveratrol with complementary plant compounds. Together, these ingredients promote the expression of genes associated with both hair growth and healthy aging. These so-called longevity genes encourage the healthy structure and function of hair follicles, cells and organs throughout the body. In animal studies assessing Resveratrol’s effects on maximum life span, dramatically improved hair and fur growth was consistently documented and observed.  Green Tea Extract is optimally dosed at the polyphenol daily equivalent of 10-15 cups of Green Tea, which for the beverage,  is an impractical level of consumption for anyone , (you’d spend half the day looking for a restroom). Green Tea Extracts have the advantage of concentrating that dose of polyphenols into a 1-2 capsule form. Each capsule of Mega Green Tea Extract provides 725 mg of  Green Tea extract, standardized to 98 percent polyphenols., which is the equivalent of 10 cups of freshly brewed Green Tea.

Mega Green Tea delivers over 325 mg of EGCG, which supports cellular, cardiovascular & cognitive health. Green Tea Extract:
*Protects skin from photo-aging and laxity from the inside out
*Helps maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range
*Promotes healthy cellular proliferation & metabolic function
*Is  is commonly used in the  anti-aging  community as  a Rapamycin and Metformin mimetic.  It is best to take antioxidants such as Curcumin, and Resveratrol, at bedtime.  As to why this is remains unclear, however  the evidence on bio-availability  suggests they are better utilized when taken at night.

Green Tea Extract, anti-oxidant properties notwithstanding, is far better absorbed on an empty stomach, and is best taken, due to its slight caffeine content, in the AM after arising, but anytime is ok that your stomach happens to be empty. This absorption can be enhanced further by squeezing a few drops of lemon or lime juice in the water you take it with. Whether you’re using Mega Green Tea Extract or Optimized Resveratrol for anti-aging or hair growth purposes,   1 capsule a day would be the recommendation.