Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid that can be found in rye, barley and wheat. It is produced by Malassezia furfur, a genus of yeasts that are naturally found on the skin and is claimed to be effective on a number of skin ailments such as mild to moderate acne and also as a hair growth supplement.

Corticosteroids are a group of natural and synthetic analogs (chemical cousins) of the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat hair loss caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that occurs when white blood cells attack hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the head and other parts of the body.

Have you ever wondered what your hair is made of? Hair is made up of a protein called Keratin. Keratins are proteins that are tough and insoluble and form the hard structures found in reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

Selenium is a mineral found in soil all over the world. Experts call it a trace mineral needed by humans, plants, and animals to function properly. It comes to us through the food chain first through the plant eaters and eventually to us by eating some type of meat.

Manganese is a metal that is widespread on the earth. It occurs naturally, as a grayish metal found in ore deposits. The spelling of this mineral can be somewhat confusing because it is so close to magnesium. The two are entirely different minerals.

This extract comes from the bark of the Pygeum tree that grows in the higher elevations in Africa. Natives have long used this herb to help conditions of the bladder. It is also useful for a condition called “old men’s disease.” In other words, it helps the male prostate.

Stinging nettle is a plant that has hairs on the stem that sting, hence the name stinging nettles. It populates the continents of Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. European settlers brought it to North America.

Sitostanol is a synthetic substance derived from a plant sterol, found in a variety of plants. In appearance, it looks like white wax. There has been a lot of excitement in the news about this substance and other plant sterols because they have a variety of health benefits.

Shark cartilage is quite literally, cartilage taken from a shark. A popular book once suggested that sharks don’t get cancer so taking their cartilage can fight and kill cancer. That myth has since been debunked, but now it is being acclaimed as a hair follicle stimulator.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate have been on the market for several years. Manufacturers have saturated the airwaves with commercials about the benefits of supplements in the fight against arthritis. Shark cartilage is another supplement that is sold in stores around the world.

Pantothenic acid is more commonly known as vitamin B 5. It is an important nutrient vital for a variety of bodily functions. As part of the broader the complex family of vitamins, this nutrient helps moisturize skin.

Chances are you’ve never even though about what hair is made of. Hair is made up of a protein called Keratin. Keratins are fibrous proteins that are tough and insoluble and form the hard structures found in reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, which includes us humans.

Ho Shou Wu is an herbal plant native to central and southern China and also widely grown in Japan and Taiwan. The herb is sometimes referred to as He Shou Wu or Fo Ti root.

Grapes have long been thought to be a healthy part of any diet. It goes back thousands of years. Patients made grapes into wine, and in some cases used as a replacement for water. Indeed the Bible mentions grapes as a calming agent for the stomach.

Gotu Kola is a small, annual herbaceous plant native to subtropical zones such as Sri Lanka, Australia, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Melanesia, New Guinea, India, China, Madagascar, and Africa. It grows along ditches and in low, wet areas.

Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family. It is known as vitamin B9. Chances are, you have heard of folic acid, unlike some of the other more exterior nutrients that your body needs.

Copper is not just a mineral that they use to make pennies. Copper is a metal that has long been used for a variety of things. Coins are just one of the many things that people have used copper since the beginning of recorded history.

                                                    Now Scientists are now studying the effects of substances like campestanol on blood levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood of humans. For a long time, scientists preferred the use of medications to control cholesterol levels. But drugs carry risks and side effects, so they are now researching to find out if plant sterols like campestanol can have a beneficial impact. Preliminary research has shown a positive effect from plant sterols on the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. However, experts caution that more research is needed.

Eleuthero ginseng, also known as Siberian ginseng, is a member of the ginseng family of plant roots. There are three different types in general, American, San qui and Oriental ginseng. There are differences between the tree types; however, the general effects are essentially the same. Ginseng has been used as a general cure all, to an energy booster and sexual enhancer as well as to assist in the treatment of hair loss.

Pumpkin seed extract is a natural protein compound that is derived from pumpkin seeds. It is high in zinc and a whole host of other nutrients. Touting medicinal claims such as treating the prostrate and removal of tapeworms, pumpkin seed extracts have also been linked to more and more beauty treatments as well as hair loss remedies for baldness and thinning hair.

Biotin is a water soluble B vitamin that naturally occurs in foods and is typically part of many daily supplements. Biotin is necessary for many of our body’s functions including: cell growth, metabolism of fats and amino acids, and the maintenance of blood sugar levels. The average diet provides approximately 30 – 50 mcg of biotin a day which is considered adequate. However, biotin can have therapeutic effects at higher levels and is considered non-toxic. Therefore, for those considered with skin, hair, and nail health, a dosage of 300 micrograms daily may be recommended.

Muria puama is an herb that has been around and in use for a very long time. In South America there is a lot of support for this herbs stimulating properties. One of its main uses is as an aphrodisiac and has been used as being all around beneficial to supporting men’s health. This herb grows on trees in the Brazil’s Amazon rain forest and the Guyana. The tree can reach such heights as 45 to 50 feet and gives off a light jasmine scent from its white, one-inch long flowers.

There are many natural plants and herbs that are used for medicinal purposes and this includes plants that claim to help stop hair loss or encourage the growth of hair. One of these plants is the nettle. We know by know that just because something claims to have medicinal powers doesn’t mean that actually do. So what are nettles? Do they cause hair growth? Are their side effects? Let’s begin by looking at what nettles are.

Magnesium is a mineral found within our bodies. It is essential for many different body functions including over 300 biochemical reactions. It is central to our good health. Half of the total magnesium in our body is found in our bones the other half works within the body tissues and organs.

Uva Ursi extract, which is also known as bearberry, has a long historical use in medicinal practices going all the way back to the 2^nd century. It was used by Native Americans to help with urinary tract infections and was still in use for that treatment until the discovery of the antibiotics we use today to treat that condition.

Zinc is the 23^rd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It also is essential for many of our body’s processes. In fact, it is needed for the proper functioning of over 300 different enzymes in the human body. It may also have antiviral properties as it has be shown to be beneficial in the healing of wounds.

Hair loss products are everywhere. They all make fantastic claims, some of which are true and others more questionable. Many of these products contain silica, claiming this ingredient helps the body grow better hair and nails. Let’s examine the evidence.