Method for treatment of hair loss with a combination of natural ingredients

#This work was not federally sponsored research or development.

#The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treating hair loss, particularly to compositions for treating hair loss by reducing the effects of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and most particularly to compositions for treating hair loss including three natural, active ingredients, caffeine, saw palmetto berry extract/derivative, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

#Millions of Americans experience some degree of alopecia, commonly referred to as “balding” or simply “hair loss”, resulting in ever-increasing amounts of money being spent in efforts to stop the loss and/or grow the hair back.

#The first formulation, found in to U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 11/242,207, filed on Oct. 3, 2005, included two topical dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) blockers, caffeine and a saw palmetto berry extract. Approximately 2400 bottles were manufactured and sold with great patient satisfaction and return of patients to purchase more. Significant clinical improvement was observed by experienced dermatologists with this formulation.

#The reduction of the previous caffeine concentration, an increase in saw palmetto extract concentration, and addition of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) (a potent naturally-occurring DHT blocker) were contemplated to enhance the hair growth product.

#The updated formulation, found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/441,063, filed on Feb. 9, 2011, included about 0.01 to 0.19 mg/ml of caffeine (about 0.001% to 0.019% weight of caffeine/final volume); about 0.01 to 0.2 mg/ml of saw palmetto berry extract (about 0.001% to 0.02% weight of saw palmetto berry extract/final volume); and about 75 to 150 mg/ml epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) (about 7.5% to 15% weight of EGCG/final volume).