Baldness, treatment of hair loss
The usual problem is is baldness from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) made from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which impacts the hair follicle. It was noticed early on that testosterone could be blocked by testicle removal, in which case the hair did not fall out. A more popular approach is to use saw palmetto with beta sitosterol to block 5-alpha-reductase, which also may be done with finasteride or dustasteride. L-lysine also blocks 5-alpha-reductase, although this approach is patented. Recently, we have read that green tea blocks DHT formation and stops baldness. Another approach is to use Rogaine, which is based on minoxidil. In this case the mechanism is not so clear. Also, lost hair may be restored with astragalosides such as astragaloside IV, because the process depends on changes in gene expression that follow cellular senescence. Experiments at Artandi Labs indicate that products like Terraternal Astragaloside IV skin cream, which counteract cellular senescence in the scalp, work to restore hair. Experimenters like Vince Giuliano also report hair growth returning subsequent to application of astragaloside IV.