Tofacitnib and Ruxolitinib are believed to help alopecia areata because they are JAK3 Kinase inhibitors. But, Quercetin, Curcumin, EGCG have shown strong kinase inhibiting attributes.  And, JAK3 is one of them. There are newer forms (Quercetin Phytosome, Cucurmin Phytosome) which are more readily absorbed than other forms. Has anyone tried these orally or topically and seen any benefit? EGCG is readily absorbed, but, Quercetin and Curcumin are not easily absorbed.  The newer forms might change that issue.  After a biopsy determined I had a variant form of alopecia areata (more patchy diffuse form), I tried topical Green Tea / 40% EGCG formulation, and had a very good response.  Unfortunately, I increased the dosage and developed an allergic response and had to stop using. I lost most of the gains.  I am currently re-attempting and so far there is no allergic reaction at 1% in EtOH dose.  I am going to add Quercetin / Curcumin topically and orally to see if I can get the same results as 2 years ago.   

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49729531_Quercetin_inhibit...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22042611

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I agree.  I believe the immune system is in control of every function in our body.  Even normal hair cycling is controlled by the immune system.  I did have success with Green Tea / EGCG.  But, then I also seem to have a less severe form of AA.  I am interested to see how these new forms of Quercetin and Curcumin Phytosomes which are water soluble will affect things topically and orally.  Both apparently have strong JAK3 Kinase inhibition properties as well as androgen receptor mediation.  If they can more readily reach the area of the follicle, they may have a more potent effect.  Previously, only a very small amount was actually absorbed.  I won the lottery with hair loss, as I have both AA and MPB.  

Hi Brainboy,
I am greatly intrigued by your knowledge that normal hair cycling is controlled by the immune system. Dr. Christiano seemed to suggest that mpb and Fpb may be immune system related. Can you direct me to any research that shows how this is the case? Thanks!

"Similarly, activated macrophages in the vicinity of the hair are found in the anagen to catagen stage in rats. Westgate postulated that during the end of anagen IV stage, there is an attack of macrophages on MHC class 1 negative keratinocytes of the hair bulbs. This it is believed triggers the onset of catagen. This theory however still needs to be substantiated by more convincing evidence. It is also notable that IL-1, TNF-alpha and FGF5, which are needed to induce catagen are all secreted by macrophages, suggesting a relation between the two." -- http://www.keratin.com/aa/aa009.shtml#03. The citation / refs for this are at the bottom of the link.

I have felt for sometime that the immune system is the feed back control center for all hair growth and cycling as well as most other functions in the body.  Even in normal hair growth, as indicated above, hair growth is switched on / off based on immune signals according to Westgate.  A very complex sequence of chemical reactions which are initiated by the immune system as a response to the local balance / endocrine & stimuli environment & the default DNA code.  The immune system's #1 job is to ensure that the DNA code / instructions are followed. (Even if that code gets messed up by external stimuli.)

Thank you, Brianboy, very much appreciate this!

Are again using curcumin?

Hi Brianboy,
Where do you purchase your topical formulations? Thank you.

Different sites on the net.  I am currently using Green Tea NuSci 50% EGCG and Thorne Quercetin Phytosome topically. I make a solution 1% GT EGCG; 1% Quercetin in 70% EtOH rubbing alcohol solution.  I am going to see how this goes in the next month.  I am also using topical minoxidil and a 50/50 topical gel (retin-a / hydrocortisone - minimum strengths).  Depending on response / irritation, I will adjust.  I previously found EGCG to be a strong hair growth stimulant at higher doses.  But, at higher doses it is also an irritant.  I am trying to find that sweet spot that I had success with previously.  (I didn't keep good records on my experiments. I just kept increasing the dose.) I'm not sure about Quercetin, but the science behind it seems valid. And with the new water soluble form, I'm hopeful. If I see a bunch of little hair stubble in 4 weeks, I'll know that's the percentage I will stay at. If I start seeing folliculitis, I'll know I have to back down. I'll keep you posted.

I was doing a little more research on quercetin and its effect on TGF-β1. "Immunohistochemistry indicated the formation of a “ring of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)” around the hair follicles, leading to the restoration of immune privilege of hair follicles and the protection of newly generated hair follicles against autoimmune destruction." (http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-03...) So, quercetin's positive effect on AA seems to be related to its ability to increase TGF-β1 which is integral to the restoration of the the immune privilege ring around the hair follicle.  "The effect of high concentration quercetin on LPS-induced abortion was more significant, and the rate of TGF-b1mRNA was increased to 13.52±0.58 .....". (http://www.academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-abstract/AA016...). Although the 2nd ref is unrelated to hair growth, it confirms quercetin's ability to raise TGF-β1 which is needed to restore the immune privilege for the hair follicle. The problem is raising quercetin to significant levels locally around the hair follicle to initiate the TGF-b1 ring. Quercetin Phytosome (water soluble) might offer higher concentrations to be available topically / orally.  Previously, quercetin was poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Topical of course would be better, as high doses orally can be problematic with side-effects. I am currently experimenting with topical quercetin phytosome.  Too early to speculate.

Keep us posted on this Brian

Update.  I am currently using a topical Green Tea EGCG (3%) in  EtoH / water solution (74ml) + 250 mg Quercetin Phytosome (0.4%) / Red Clover Root leaf extract (1/2ml), Rosemary Leaf extract (1ml) in the same solution.  I initially started with 1% GT EGCG solution and gradually increased to 3%. I am going to stay at this level for at least a month.  I have also added a Saba Gel (you can google this term and get some info). I made the gel myself by combining .025 retin-a gel + 1% hydrocortisone gel. This topical gel helps to reduce any residual inflammation that might be present.  I apply this treatment 2x daily.  So far, results seem to be positive.  Hair has stopped falling out and hair roots feel bristly, so I believe that is a good sign.  It has only been about a month, so still too early to make conclusions.  Will update.

If you manage to find a solution that doesn't involve big pharma for AA through herbs and online research it would truly be remarkable. 

Personally I've tried various vitamins, probiotics, a paleo diet and low-dose naltrexone with zero improvement. If something like this could work though it would be huge.  

Wish you the best of luck, and please keep the updates coming!

Wanted to give an update on my regimen with the 3% Green Tea EGCG extract solution.  I posted the exact formulation I am using in an earlier comment, so, not going to re-post that.  So far, most of my hair has grown back.  It is still somewhat sparse.  It has been about 4 months now, and I have hair growing back in all areas of the scalp that was affected.  It is still in the growth stages. I can feel lots of hairs still emerging from the scalp.  The hairs are not vellus, they are terminal hairs.  I apply the solution sometimes 3x per day (going thru a lot of solution, but, it's cheap and fairly easy to prepare).  So far, almost no folliculitis, so that is a good thing.  I may slowly up the percentage to 4% with the EGCG (because it does seem to be dose dependent), but, maybe not.  It is growing back slowly, and if time is the only factor .... I've got that.  If I stop for a day, the hair loss starts to increase within a 24 hr period.  So, apparently it is important to continue application indefinitely.  I'm ok with that.  I can comb the hair at this point, and I don't have to wear a hat anymore.  I hope it continues and becomes thicker over the next 6 months.  I will report again at that time.

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