Durk Pearson, in his groundbreaking book Life Extension, in 1982, recommended high doses of anti-oxidants for treating hair loss. He was able, according to him, to completely halt the progression of his own case of MPB, and regenerate hair growth with the use of high doses of oral anti-oxidants combined with topical Polysorbate 80. Utilizing this strategy alone, without any pharmaceutical intervention, such as Minoxidil and Propecia, has enabled him to maintain his hair,(albeit grey) without any further loss, through today, 35 years later. The anti-oxidants used by Durk and other Life Extensionists at the time primarily consisted of high doses of Beta Carotene, Vitamins C and E, and Selenium, along with the amino acids Cysteine and Taurine. Durk stated in his book that if went off his anti-oxidant regime for even a few days, his shedding would dramatically increase. This concept was, and continues to be ridiculed by conventional medicine. The following just published studies, 34 years later, have vindicated Durk Pearson�s analysis and forward thinking on this issue.

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Dec 16
The role of oxidative stress in early-onset androgenetic alopecia.
Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in men. In the literature, although there are in vitro studies investigating the relationship between oxidative stress and AGA, any in vivo study does not exist.

AIM:
Our aim was to evaluate the oxidative stress status in male patients with early-onset AGA by measuring total oxidant levels (TOS), total antioxidant levels (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI).

METHODS:
Our study included 33 male patients with early-onset AGA and 30 healthy men between ages of 18 and 30 years old. TAS and TOS measurements were taken, and OSI was calculated.

RESULTS:
When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were compared between patient and control groups, there was no difference for TAS level, while TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patient group. In patient group, correlation between TAS, TOS, and OSI levels and age, and disease onset age and disease duration was evaluated. Highly significant negative correlation was determined between TAS level and both age and disease duration. When TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were assessed according to AGA stage, there was no significant difference between groups, while OSI level was significantly higher in patients with family history.

CONCLUSIONS:
We found increased oxidative stress in younger patients with early-onset AGA. There is need for further molecular studies on the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of AGA. We also think that systemic antioxidants can be promising in treatment of AGA, especially for young patients.

J Med Life. 2016 Jan-Mar;9(1):79-83
Oxidative stress in androgenetic alopecia.
Abstract

Rationale:Androgenetic alopecia is not considered a life threatening disease but can have serious impacts on the patient’s psychosocial life. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are considered responsible for the presence of androgenetic alopecia. Recent literature reports have proved the presence of inflammation and also of oxidative stress at the level of dermal papilla cells of patients with androgenetic alopecia Objective: We have considered of interest to measure the oxidative stress parameters in the blood of patients with androgenetic alopecia Methods and results: 27 patients with androgenetic alopecia and 25 age-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiols levels were measured on plasma samples. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) activities, and also non protein thiols levels together with TEAC activity were determined on erythrocytes samples No statistically significant changes were observed for TEAC erythrocytes, non-protein thiols, GPx and CAT activities. Significantly decreased (p<0.01) SOD activity was found in patients with androgenetic alopecia. For plasma samples decreased TEAC activity (p<0.001), increased MDA levels (p<0.001) and no change in total thiols concentration were found in patients when compared with the controls. Discussions: Decreased total antioxidant activity and increased MDA levels found in plasma samples of patients with androgenetic alopecia are indicators of oxidative stress presence in these patients. Significantly decreased SOD activity but no change in catalase, glutathione peroxidase, non protein thiols level and total antioxidant activity in erythrocytes are elements which suggest the presence of a compensatory mechanism for SOD dysfunction in red blood cells of patients with androgenetic alopecia.

      Antioxidants have significantly evolved over the last 35 years. Our treatment recommendations, in addition to modulating hormones and inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis, provide antioxidant protection in spades. In fact our primary treatment recommendations, confer a much higher level of antioxidant protection than can be obtained with even the highest doses of those used by Durk Pearson in 1982. 

      Among the most potent anti-oxidants that are directly documented to stimulate hair growth in published studies and the patent registry in our array of treatments are Super Absorbable Tocotrienols; 

Tocotrienols from Red Palm Oil Induce Hair Growth

      And the combination of Resveratrol and Super BioCurcumin

Patent: Pharmaceutical Composition Comprising Curcumin and Resveratrol for Hair Growth

      Anti-oxidants that also have a DHT reducing effect are Astaxanthin (combined with phytosterols), and Theaflavin(Black Tea). Propecia, the DHT reducing FDA approved drug for hair growth, in addition to having side effects, confers no Anti-oxidant protection whatsoever.

Stimulate Hair Growth and Have Younger Skin with Astaxanthin

Beyond Saw Palmetto: Natural Propecia Alternatives

      In addition to these specific compounds, it would be prudent, for health and overall antioxidant protection, to use a broad spectrum, high dose multi-component formulation, of which there are many to choose from. In addition to the basic anti-oxidants, high doses of Taurine are also recommended.