While it is unlikely that the sole use of Grape Seed Extract will generate significant hair growth in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), it beneficially impacts several mechanisms that have been conclusively implicated in the pathogenesis of hormonal and senescent hair loss, making it an invaluable adjunct to any hair loss or skin aging treatment regime.

It’s mechanisms of action in regard to hair growth include, but are not limited to:

  • Maintenence of peripheral micro-capillary perfusion, essential for prevention of senescent (age related,non- hormonal) hair loss.
          
  • Upregulation of peripheral NO (Nitric Oxide), a vaso-relaxant.
          
  • Systemic Aromatase inhibition, which likely counters estrogen dominance, an unhealthy age related condition in men, which predisposes to obesity, prostate disorders, diabetes, and hair loss. In this regard it would likely be useful for countering the sexual/hormonal, (not neurological) effects of Propecia/Proscar (finasteride)
          
  • Down regulation of inflammatory cytokines that have been conclusively implicated in AGA.
          
  • Potent free radical scavenging. Grape Seed Extract is a powerful antioxidant much greater than vitamins C and E. It also inhibits a number of enzymes that degrade connective tissue such as elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase.

Its overall health benefits include:
      Improved blood flow and strengthening of blood vessels
      Increased blood circulation and protection of the heart
      Treatment of erectile dysfunction
      Prevention of cataracts
      Maintainance of skin elasticity
      Treatment of pancreatic insufficiency
      Improvement of aspects of vision
      Protection against skin cancer

      Grape Seed Extract is comprised of Procyanidin oligomers. These are naturally derived ingredients from grape seeds that have been shown to stimulate hair growth similarly to Minoxidil (Rogaine®). Recent studies by Japanese scientists have shown that grape seed extracts possess growth stimulation activity toward hair cells. These studies suggest that the active components of grape seeds inhibit the destruction of collagen structures leading to greater overall health of the tiny capillaries that supply energy to the body’s tissues including hair.

      The research team that found Grape Seed Extract to effectively inhibit aromatase is doing a follow up study to assess its estrogen reduction effects.

      Preliminary data from this study group has shown a reduction in systemic estrogen at the dosage ranges studied-a possible boon for aging men in particular.

      As previously featured in a prior update, men with AGA as, have lower testosterone and higher levels of estrogen than their non-balding counterparts. The myth of balding men somehow having higher testosterone and libidos is one that refuses to die.

      Grape Seed Extract has shown up in a number of patented Hair Loss treatments, including Indena’s combination of Grape Seed with a critical Extract of Saw Palmetto, and L’Oreal’s Hair Mass, a combination of Grape Seed Extract/Green Tea Extract/ Taurine/Zinc.

      In terms of dosage, more is generally better when it comes to Grape Seed Extract. 100mg-200mg should suffice as a minimum to obtain its benefits for treating AGA.