Our literature searches go well beyond Pubmed, the search engine primarily used in the US. A recent review of Embase (Excerpta Medica database, the most used internationally) revealed a study of interest in The African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology that has obvious implications for the treatment and prevention of hormonal hair loss. It revealed that the internal consumption of Lauric and Myristic acid present in naturally high quantities in Coconut Oil, prevented testosterone stimulated prostate enlargement and more importantly lowered both intra-prostatic and serum levels of DHT, comparable to finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) in a mammal model. 

Combination of lauric acid and myristic acid prevents benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH symptoms in animal model
Anup A. Patil, Veeresh B, and Adikrao Yadav
Department of Pharmacology, Gourishankar College of Pharmacy, Limb, Satara, India
G Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy,Hydrabad, India.

Benign and uncontrolled growth of prostate gland is known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It is a common health issue that affects 8% of all men at the age of 40, 60% of men in their 70s, and 90% of those greater than 80 years of age. In this study, we investigated whether a combination of lauric and myristic acid improved BPH in a testosterone propionate (TP) induced model of BPH in rats. BPH was induced in the rats with a subcutaneous injection of TP (3 mg/kg) and combination of different doses of lauric acid and myristic acids given every consecutive day for 4 weeks. Combination of lauric and myristic acid led to significant reductions in prostate weight and dihydrotestosterone levels in the serum and prostate. Therefore, combination of lauric acid and myristic acid was effective in reducing TP induced BPH in a rat model, and may be useful for the clinical treatment of patients with BPH.

       These results validate a prior study done in Cuba, which showed Coconut Oil reduced prostate weight comparable to Saw Palmetto Extract, but went further in evaluating it’s effects on DHT levels.

Flaxmeal, Coconut Oil and Hairloss

      The authors conclusion of this study, regarding the hormone modulating effects of Coconut Oil consumption, has direct implications for hair loss treatment:

CONCLUSION

      “Based on the results of present study, it is concluded that oral administration of combination lauric acid and myristic acid in a BPH rat model significantly decreased the prostate weight, prostatic epithelial hyperplasia, and DHT levels in the serum and prostate. These results indicate that combination of lauric acid and myristic acid may effectively inhibit the development of BPH and may be useful for treatment of BPH patients.However further study is required to explore the effects these two fatty acids on 5 αlpha reductase inhibitor activities and underlying major molecular mechanisms of their action.”

      By far the richest and most readily accessible source of both lauric and myristic acids is Coconut Oil.One tablespoon of Coconut Oil contains 7 grams (7,000mg) of lauric acid, and roughly 3 grams (3,000 mg) of myristic acid. By consuming 2-3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil a day, one can approximate the equivilant amount of lauric and myristic acid used in this study. Based on this recent and prior data confirming the anti-androgenic activity of Coconut Oil, we feel that for anyone dealing with either prostate enlargement or pattern hair loss (both genders), there is a rationale for its dietary inclusion.