Question about formulator

[choco]

Hi, I was planning on making a custom topical with the formulator but I hear you can't get amacha?

[DrYechiel]

We have had several customers asking for amacha. It is a hard-to-find ingredient in the US but we are still looking for a reliable supplier who meets our quality standards; we hope to find one soon.
However, the alleged TGF (transforming growth factor) down-regulation activity in amacha can be provided by other ingredients, including curcumin. I also believe that trying to interfere with growth factors is a great mistake since they have many responsibilities in a bio-system. It will not come as a surprise if one of the "still to be discovered" activities of TGF is supportive of hair growth. Anyway, I don't think that either amacha or curcumin can be a wrong choice in a topical scalp-care product since it is not likely than an excessive effect can occur from this ingredient. I also don't think the unavailability of this one ingredient should prevent you from seeking a scalp-care topical. In Japan, as you may well know, amacha is used as a sweetener and is extremely popular; so is balding.

[choco]

The thing is TGF-Beta 2 inhibition is what is most important to me in a topical. My hairloss was triggered by Accutane which dramatically increases TGF-Beta 2. Maybe curcumin is an option, have no idea if it's as effective as amacha though.

[DrYechiel]

If you don’t use retinoic acid anymore (in Accutane) your TGF levels will eventually return to normal. There is no need to reduce the levels below normal because TGF is a very important structural factor in keeping your scalp together. It also has many other benefits. If you want to use amacha or curcumin it will not hurt your scalp because you will not much tamper with normal levels of TGF.

[teacup]

I think what most people mean is that TGF-b is upregulated by DHT. So complete inhibiting is not necessary, only the upregulated part caused by DHT.

[DrYechiel]

Hello teacup,

Well then, a few days after the retinoic acid (Accutane) effect is gone, TGF leves will eventually normalize without any treatment. If some Accutane-related problems arise (swelling of coloration of skin) and persist, you should consult your physician. JuveLine and NanoScalp have high loads of botanicals containing ingredients which are anti-aromatase and anti-reductase in medicinal preparations.