DHT Blocker

Androgenic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern
baldness or female pattern hair loss, is the most common form of hair loss that
occurs in both men and women. Genetic factors and excess androgen hormone are
the two main causes of AGA (2).

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone that
plays a significant role in the development and regulation of male
characteristics. It is derived from testosterone through the action of the
enzyme 5-alpha reductase. While DHT is primarily associated with males, it is
also present in females, albeit in smaller amounts (7).

DHT is involved in the development of male genitalia during
fetal growth, the deepening of the voice during puberty, and the growth of
facial and body hair. However, DHT's effects are not limited to these areas. It
also has a significant impact on the hair follicles (7).

DHT has a strong affinity for androgen receptors in the
scalp, specifically those located in hair follicles. DHT can have detrimental
effects on hair follicles, especially in individuals genetically predisposed to
hair loss (8).

DHT can bind to androgen receptors on the hair follicles,
causing them to shrink and enter a state of miniaturization. This process is
known as androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. Over time, the
affected hair becomes thinner, shorter, and eventually stops growing
altogether, leading to visible hair loss (8).

Given DHT's role in hair loss, many hair restoration
approaches focus on inhibiting its production or reducing its activity. DHT
blockers, such as medications or natural supplements, work by interfering with
the conversion of testosterone to DHT or by arresting DHT from binding to
androgen receptors. These interventions aim to halt or slow down the
miniaturization process, promoting healthier hair growth and potentially
preventing further hair loss.

Our Formulation

Hair follicles undergo a cyclic process of growth, rest, and
shedding. Excess DHT shortens the growth cycle. Over time, it results in
thinner, weaker hair that eventually ceases to grow, leading to visible hair
loss.

In men, it typically starts with a receding hairline and
thinning at the crown, eventually progressing to partial or complete baldness.
Women, on the other hand, typically experience diffuse hair thinning across the
top of the scalp.

Unived’s DHT blocker not only targets DHT but also contains
nutrients and antioxidants that nourish the hair follicles. These ingredients
help strengthen the follicles, improve circulation to the scalp, and support
the growth of thick, healthy hair.

Beta-sitosterol: Beta-sitosterol has been found to inhibit
the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for
converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which helps to limit the
production of DHT in the body (1).

Pumpkin seed extract: Pumpkin seed extract contains
phytosterols, including delta-7-sterols, which have been found to effectively
inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which in turn reduces DHT levels (2).

Zinc: Zinc has been shown to inhibit the activity of the
enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Therefore it helps to limit the production of DHT in
the body. Zinc deficiency is associated with hair loss and shedding (3).

Green tea extract: Green tea is rich in antioxidants. The
polyphenol (EGCG) present in green tea has shown the potential to inhibit the
5-alpha reductase enzyme in laboratory studies. Green tea has anti-inflammatory
properties (4).

Vitamin D: Research has shown that individuals with
androgenic alopecia, a form of hair loss characterized by progressive thinning,
often exhibit low levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream. Vitamin D plays a
significant role in the differentiation of keratinocytes and the establishment
of a healthy hair growth cycle. In fact, hair follicles are known to have a
high concentration of vitamin D receptors, suggesting that a deficiency in this
vitamin may impact hair growth (5).

Grape Seed Extract (proanthocyanidins): Grape seed extract
is rich in antioxidants. By reducing oxidative stress, grape seed extract may
support a healthier scalp environment for hair growth (6).

Some studies suggest that grape seed extract may help
improve blood circulation. Better blood flow to the scalp ensures the delivery
of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which are crucial for optimal
hair growth and health (6).

References:

1. Zamani, P., Mokhtari, O., & Dehghanian, F. (2021).
Identification of beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol as possible inhibitors of 5
alpha-reductase 1: an in-silico study. Precision Medicine and Clinical OMICS,
1(1).

2. Cho, Y. H., Lee, S. Y., Jeong, D. W., Choi, E. J., Kim,
Y. J., Lee, J. G., ... & Cha, H. S. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on
hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative
medicine, 2014.

3. Kil, M. S., Kim, C. W., & Kim, S. S. (2013). Analysis
of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Annals of dermatology,
25(4), 405–409.

4. Kwon, O. S., Han, J. H., Yoo, H. G., Chung, J. H., Cho,
K. H., Eun, H. C., & Kim, K. H. (2007). Human hair growth enhancement in
vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Phytomedicine, 14(7-8),
551-555.

5. Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., &
Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review.
Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), 51–70.

6. Dhariwala, M. Y., & Ravikumar, P. (2019). An overview
of herbal alternatives in androgenetic alopecia. Journal of cosmetic
dermatology, 18(4), 966-975.

7. Kinter, K. J., & Anekar, A. A. (2022). Biochemistry,
dihydrotestosterone. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.

8. Ustuner E. T. (2013). Cause of androgenic alopecia: crux
of the matter. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 1(7), e64.