Alpha-5-Reductase
The enzyme which interacts with testosterone, changing it into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing hair thinning and hair loss in women and men (MPB, or male pattern baldness).

Anagen
The active hair growth phase in the hair growth cycle. Typically lasts for about 4 to 5 years.

Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss that results from a genetic predisposition that makes follicles sensitive to the effects of DHT. This is the most common form of hair loss and can also affect women. Other terms for this condition include: MPB, male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and hereditary Alopecia.

Apigenin
A nonmutagenic bioflavonoid (bioflavanoids maintain the walls of small blood vessels) commonly found in leafy plants and vegetables (e.g., parsley, artichoke, basil, celery). Current research trials indicate that it can reduce DNA oxidative damages. It is used in Procapil® for its vasodialative properties, increasing circulation through blood vessels which helps send nourishment to thinning hair.

Biotin
B vitamin (C10H16N2O3S) essential for cellular growth in the body, as well as the activity of many enzyme systems. Commonly found in many dermatologist-recommended hair loss treatments for its key role in the manufacturing of healthy hair.

Biotinyl GHK
Another term for "biotinyl tripeptide-1", the foundation of Procapil®.

Catagen
Typically occurs during the 5th year of Anagen. A period of regression of the hair follicle.

Collagen IV
A component of cellular membranes, similar in function to Laminin as an adhesive surface for the growth of epithelial cells. Provides a 'scaffold' for the assembly of other membrane components through interactions with substances like Laminin. Plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, adhesion, and tissue formation.

Dermo-Epidermal Junction
The layer of skin at which cells are most actively engaged in reproduction, where hair follicles are rooted. Research indicates that this is the zone where DHT is most active, leading to MPB (male pattern baldness).

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
The compound into which testosterone is converted in tissue where it exerts its hormonal effect, the leading cause of hair thinning and hair loss. DHT is produced when testosterone interacts with alpha-5-reductase enzymes.

Hair Cycle
The three phases of hair development, growth, maturity, and shedding known as Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.

Laminin-5
A membrane molecule that provides an attachment surface in a wide variety of cell types including epithelial cells in the skin and scalp. Helps cells bind together in conjunction with Collagen IV to facilitate cellular communication, preventing hair loss.

MPB
Acronym for Male Pattern Baldness, a condition of cranial hair loss and hair thinning caused primarily by dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Oleanolic acid
Oleanolic acid possesses antioxidant properties which have a beneficial effect on the hair, making it stronger and less susceptible to hair loss. Its anti-inflamitory properties aid in reversing the damage caused by DHT. Oleanolic acid also has the ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Telogen
Resting phase during which the hair follicle sheds.

Tripepdide-1
A specialized synthetic molecule containing three amino acid residues - glycerine, histidine and lysine. Considered a protein derivative. Used frequently as a skin-conditioning agent for its role in building and preventing the break down of collagen. A foundation substance in Procapil®, it facilitates cellular communication within collagen and laminin which prevents DHT related hair thinning and hair loss.