Nutraceuticals known to promote hair growth do not interfere with the inhibitory action of tamoxifen in MCF7, T47D and BT483 breast cancer cell lines.

Background: Hair loss/thinning is a common side effect of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer therapy. Some nutraceuticals known to promote hair growth are avoided during breast cancer therapy for fear of phytoestrogenic activity. However, not all botanical ingredients have similarities to estrogens, and in fact, no information exists as to the true interaction of these ingredients with tamoxifen.

Oral and Topical Administration of a Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves the Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects - A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Purpose: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in humans, affecting self-esteem and emotional well-being. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of VISPO, a standardized saw palmetto oil (2-3% β-sitosterol), in subjects with mild-to-moderate AGA.

Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-arm clinical study, 80 healthy male and female subjects aged 18-50 years were randomly allocated (1:1:1:1) to receive either 400 mg capsules of VISPO or 5 mL of a topical formulation containing 20% VISPO or the respective placebo once daily for 16 weeks.

The Potential Role of Nutraceuticals as an Adjuvant in Breast Cancer Patients to Prevent Hair Loss Induced by Endocrine Therapy.

Nutraceuticals, natural dietary and botanical supplements offering health benefits, provide a basis for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Use of CAM by healthy individuals and patients with medical conditions is rapidly increasing. For the majority of breast cancer patients, treatment plans involve 5-10 yrs of endocrine therapy, but hair loss/thinning is a common side effect.