The term alopecia refers to a range of conditions that are characterized by a quantitative reduction of hair in any region of the body that normally has it. Numerous conditions have been described that can induce a state of alopecia. Some are widely spread such as androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women. This condition most affects the 35-45 age group. Recent findings on the crucial role played by androgens and the possible involvement of stem cells suggest the use of therapeutic principals capable of modifying the action of androgens on the hair follicle and the tissue response of the stem compartment. The main goals of treatment of patients with androgenetic alopecia are aimed at preventing or improving miniaturization, prolonging the anagen phase, so that normalization of the follicular cycle can be achieved.

The biological concept of Telogen effluvium (T.E.) was first introduced in 1961 by Klingam, who noted that a variety of events (toxic, infectious, and metabolic causes) altering the normal hair cycle caused sudden and massive hair loss (during the telogen phase) over the entire scalp. This generally resolved spontaneously and completely, but was a source of anxiety for patients. Clinical experience in recent years has suggested the possible existence of various forms of T.E. related to the mode of onset and clinical course, which can be distinguished into: acute, subacute and chronic.

Individuals with acute T.E. complain of conspicuous and sudden hair loss lasting 2 to 3 months, which stops spontaneously, which is generally followed by complete regrowth. Women are more likely to be affected by chronic T.E.: these describe their hair as thicker than usual before the onset of the fall. However, this condition also affects males, particularly those with androgenetic alopecia, with the mechanism of delayed telogen effluvium: the onset is frequently sudden and alarms patients by its unusual intensity. One of the symptoms that in 30 percent of cases is associated with this type of hair loss is TRICODINIA, or, as patients often call it, scalp soreness (paresthesia), likened to needle pricks. In T.E., the duration of the fall can be very variable as it can occur for a few months or up to a few years without any seasonal fluctuation or spontaneous healing.

The combination of Restax Effluvium® cps and Restax Women’s Lotion® or Restax Men’s Lotion® has been shown to be effective in the treatment of TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM STRESS CORRELATED.

N-ACETILCYSTEINE (NAC) is the precursor to GLUTATIONE, but unlike glutathione itself, it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. At the CNS level it is then converted to glutathione, which in turn is converted to Cysteine, Glycine and Glutamate.

Cysteine dimerizes into Cystine, which is transported within astrocytes near the Accumbens Nucleus in exchange with glutamate. The increase in extracellular glutamate results in an inhibition of glutaminergic (excitatory) transmission, resulting in a predominance of GABAergic (inhibitory) transmission.

In addition, neuronal Glutathione modulates DOPAMINE release and NMDA receptor activity in the nucleus striatum and limbic system, particularly in the Nucleus Accumbens, systems that play a key role in several disorders.

In fact, Acetylcysteine has been successfully tested, in the treatment of schizophrenia, mood disorders (depression, mania), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and also in addictions, impulse control disorder such as TRICOTILLOMANIA.

NAC also has a potent antioxidant action as a glutathione precursor, so it is widely used and is being studied as a therapy to reduce the OXIDATIVE STRESS generated by the inflammatory cascade during Sars-Cov2 infection.

TRIPTOPHAN 5-HYDROXIDE is converted at the CNS level to Serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite. Serotonin also is a precursor of MELATONIN, directly involved in the hair cycle with antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects

BIOTIN is an important coenzyme for fat and carbohydrate metabolism: its deficiency causes alopecia, thinning, and loss of natural hair color.

ZINC GLUCONATE is an essential mineral on which numerous enzymatic activities depend; its deficiency can cause hair changes including TELOGENN EFFLUVIUM. Its organic gluconate form makes it well tolerated, absorbable and bioavailable. It is also useful in sebum-regulation by reducing seborrheic dermatitis.

The Men’s Lotion differs from the Women’s Lotion in the presence of Serenoa Repens extract and also the ratio of Chasteberry to Hops is 2:1 compared to the women’s formulation where the ratio is 1:2.

Dimethyl Sulfone enhances solubilization and release of all active ingredients.

Sphinganine is a natural skin sphingolipid of fundamental importance for its biological functions. It acts physiologically on hair loss by rebalancing its life cycle, nourishing the hair follicle and improving scalp health.

Sphinganine balances the natural hair cycle and promotes the Anagen phase:

-improves the quality of the scalp and hair

– naturally promotes hair growth

-physiologically rebalances the local skin microflora

-provides building blocks such as proteins and ceramides

-improves cell renewal capacity

-rebalances the hair life cycle by physiologically inhibiting 5 alpha reductase.

Agnocaste is a progestin natural that acts physiologically on the activity of adenylyl cyclase and thus on the glycolysis of the hair follicle, reduces the duration of the Catagen-Telogen phase by helping to activate Aromatase.

Hops contain phytoestrogens that activate P-450 Aromatase, physiologically inducing Estrone synthesis and activating the Anagen phase. Hops contain, among other constituents, Hopein, a natural substance that is considered the most potent plant estrogen known today. The discovery and characterization of this molecule are quite recent and have been studied in detail by researchers at the University of Ghent (Belgium), in collaboration with King’s College London, who have succeeded in isolating the substance, defining it chemically (8-prenylna ringenin) and testing it with respect to functionality on human physiology.

Hopein has been shown to be about 100 times more active than genistein or daidzein, pharmacological preparations having the same functionality on the female organism, partly due to its high bioavailability, that is, the property of a molecule to be absorbed, metabolized and, therefore not lost from the body. It is a phytoestrogen that physiologically increases estrone levels by activating the Anagen phase.

Ribes Nigrum is a natural anti-inflammatory in that it physiologically blocks the synthesis of local pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Serenoa Repens generates a physiological blockade of 5 alpha reductase, which has a higher expression in the scalp of men than women, also reduces miniaturization and sebum formation.

Serenoa Repens counteracts the action of dihydrotestosterone in two ways: it inhibits 5 alpha reductase coenzymes 1 and 2 in both prostate and follicular cells.

It thus reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone. It also inhibits binding between dihydrotestosterone and receptor in the pilosebaceous unit competitively: β-sitosterin binds to the receptor for dihydrotestosterone, thus preventing its action. It also acts peripheral receptor level without interfering with endocrine glands. Serenoa Repens also has a mild estrogen-like action. β-sitosterin undergoes aromatization and behaves as a weak estrogen, activating membrane adenylyl cyclase and stimulating matrix mitoses: thus contributing to Anagen maintenance and Catagen optimization.

In conclusion, Restax Effluvium® cps and the combination with Restax Women’s Lotion® or Restax Men’s Lotion® has been shown to be an effective synergistic therapy in the treatment of TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM STRESS CORRELATED in most patients.