Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) is a human enzyme, member of the lipoxygenase family. It transforms Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) into leukotrienes, which are lipid mediators, responsible for the effects of an inflammatory response. 5-LOX is a current target for pharmaceutical intervention in a number of diseases. 5- LOX inhibitors are also being developed actively researched as hair loss treatments.

      There is currently a patent for a 5-Lox inhibitor held by L’Oreal that claims to increase scalp hair growth. Fortunately, there are several 5-LOX inhibitors currently within reach that are already integrated into our existing treatment protocol recommendations.

5-LOXIN- An Extract of Boswellia Serrata , an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to suppress 5-Lipoxygenase, and other pro-inflammatory factors. 5-LOXIN is one of 10 ingredients in the Ultra Natural Prostate Formula that optimize prostate function and facilitate scalp hair growth.

Super Bio-Curcumin- It has been observed that Indian Women who use large quantities of tumeric (Curcumin) in their cooking experience an onset on hypertrichosis, (dense hair growth). Curcumin potently inhibits the activity of 5-LOX, along with TGF-B, and both 5 alpha reductase enzymes. Curcumin in its natural state is relatively poorly absorbed, and would require consistent consumption of quantities that are impractical for most westerners. The 100% natural curcuminoids complex in Super Bio-Curcumin® is a patent-pending synergistic blend of curcuminoids and sesquiterpenoids with enhanced bioavailability and sustained retention time in the body confirmed by human clinical studies. Super Bio-Curcumin® is a “next generation” in delivery of curcumin compounds that no longer requires high doses of curcumin to reach sustainable levels of curcumin in the blood plasma. Each 400 mg capsule of Super Bio-Curcumin® is equivalent to 2772 mg of a typical 95% curcumin extract.

      Ginkgo Biloba Extract-In addition to preventing the age related decrease in micro-capillary perfusion to the hair follicle matrix (essential in prevention/treatment of senescent thinning), Ginkgo also reduces levels of tgf-b1 and inhibits 5-LOX.

Nizoral (Ketoconazole) Shampoo- Ketoconazole has been shown to be a potent 5-LOX inhibitor in several studies. This property may be more central to its role in combating hair loss than its ability to inhibit DHT binding. 2 % Nizoral Shampoo has been recommended for years in our treatment protocol, and should be used by all who are concerned with hair loss 2-3 times a week.

Benoxaprofen- a nonsteriodal anti-inflamatory, sold in the U.S. as Oraflex, was a 5-LOX inhibitor that was actually shown to regrow hair. Eli Lilly suspended sales of the drug in 1982 after it reportedly caused several deaths.

      Our treatment protocol inhibits 5-LOX with several different compounds, which at least in part explains the positive feedback on its’ efficacy we so consistently get.