Regrow Your Hair, Starting Now
 A New Science Now series from New Health & Longevity and Apple Poly LLC

Current Science on TGF-β as a Biochemical Target in Hair Loss
Addendum: Potent natural inhibitors of TGF-β

    Background:  As a downstream factor in the androgen cascade, TGF-β is increasingly recognized as a critical chemical mediator of catagen, and may prove to be a more effective target than DHT. A growing consensus among leading hair loss researchers holds that TGF-β causes premature entry into catagen, and that TGF-β, rather than dihydrotesterone itself, may be the primary agent responsible for follicle miniaturization and dysfunction.

    A growing body of evidence suggest that TGF-β inhibitors may prevent premature entry into catagen, lengthen the anagen phase of hair growth, and prevent miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles. Currently, there are few pharmaceuticals tested to effectively suppress TGF-β. There is evidence to suggest that both finasteride and minoxidil may suppress TGF-β to some degree, but not as a primary mechanism of action.

    Two natural compounds have been reported to date as suppressing TGF-β directly in hair follicle cells: procyanidin b-2 derived from apples, and procyanidin b-3, present in apples and barley. Both compounds have been reported to neutralize the effects of TGF-β in hair follicle cells.

    Because TGF-β is a recognized factor in the progression of many different types of cancer, kidney function and diabetes, these areas of research provide evidence that several other natural compounds are also potent inhibitors of TGF-β. One of these compounds, the curcuminoid polyphenol extracted from turmeric (yellow curry root) may prove to be the most potent suppressor of TGF-β.

    The papers below identify several more safe phytochemical compounds that counteract TGF-β, including polyphenols from tea, curry, cocoa, and ginkgo biloba.