Probico also known as PBCo, is a comprehensive formulation consisting of proanthocyanidin, biotin, and coenzyme Q10. Probico addresses three primary causes of hair loss: amino acid deficiency, inadequate hair synthesis, and follicle inflammation, excluding the hormonal imbalance and blood circulation issues which require prescription medications.

Chemical description

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The key characteristics of the components of Probico are as follows:

Proanthocyanidin

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Proanthocyanidin, a natural compound, particularly Proanthocyanidin B2, is highly impactful on hair and is abundantly found in Annurca apples. Research indicates that Proanthocyanidin influences the mitochondria in hair roots, stimulating them to generate ATP through the β-oxidation of fats, thus conserving amino acids for keratin synthesis. This results in the preservation of essential amino acids like glutamine and glycine, preventing their oxidation and promoting keratin synthesis and hair growth. Proanthocyanidin also increases the expression of VEGFA (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A) and FGF-7 (Fibroblast Growth Factor-7), transitioning hair follicles from the resting phase to the growth phase, thereby increasing hair thickness and density. Additionally, it preserves follicular cell viability by significantly controlling oxidative stress and limiting cell oxidative damage.[1][2][3][4]

Biotin

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Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that is rapidly excreted and easily degraded. Humans and other multicellular eukaryotes cannot synthesize biotin directly, making continuous supplementation essential to prevent deficiency. Biotin is crucial in fatty acid synthesis, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and the carbon-adding reactions in glucose metabolism, all vital for metabolic processes, including hair synthesis. A deficiency in biotin can lead to dermatitis, growth cessation, hair weakening, and hair loss. However, excessive intake can cause acne.

Coenzyme Q10

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Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a non-protein, non-polar molecule. With age, its biosynthesis decreases, necessitating supplementation through diet or supplements. It plays a crucial role in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration, producing ATP and exhibiting antioxidant properties. Coenzyme Q10 reduces inflammation in hair follicles, decreases cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and angina, and inhibits the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) and IL-6 (Interleukin 6). It also works synergistically with Vitamin E and Vitamin C to maintain antioxidant functions, thus it is recommended to take Coenzyme Q10 with these vitamins for optimal benefits.[5][6][7]

References

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  1. ^ Badolati, Nadia; Sommella, Eduardo; Riccio, Gennaro; Salviati, Emanuela; Heintz, Dimitri; Bottone, Sara; Di Cicco, Emery; Dentice, Monica; Tenore, Giancarlo; Campiglia, Pietro; Stornaiuolo, Mariano; Novellino, Ettore (2018-10-02). "Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation". Nutrients. 10 (10): 1406. doi:10.3390/nu10101406. ISSN 2072-6643. PMC 6213762. PMID 30279339.
  2. ^ Tenore, Gian Carlo; Caruso, Domenico; Buonomo, Giuseppe; D'Avino, Maria; Santamaria, Rita; Irace, Carlo; Piccolo, Marialuisa; Maisto, Maria; Novellino, Ettore (2018-01-01). "Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in a Randomized Clinical Trial". Journal of Medicinal Food. 21 (1): 90–103. doi:10.1089/jmf.2017.0016. ISSN 1096-620X. PMC 5775114. PMID 28956697.
  3. ^ Lee, Young In; Ham, Seoyoon; Lee, Sang Gyu; Jung, Inhee; Suk, Jangmi; Yoo, Jinhee; Choi, Su-Young; Lee, Ju Hee (2022-12-09). "An Exploratory In Vivo Study on the Effect of Annurca Apple Extract on Hair Growth in Mice". Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 44 (12): 6280–6289. doi:10.3390/cimb44120428. ISSN 1467-3037. PMC 9776982. PMID 36547089.
  4. ^ Piccolo, Marialuisa; Ferraro, Maria Grazia; Maione, Francesco; Maisto, Maria; Stornaiuolo, Mariano; Tenore, Gian Carlo; Santamaria, Rita; Irace, Carlo; Novellino, Ettore (2019-12-13). "Induction of Hair Keratins Expression by an Annurca Apple-Based Nutraceutical Formulation in Human Follicular Cells". Nutrients. 11 (12): 3041. doi:10.3390/nu11123041. ISSN 2072-6643. PMC 6950555. PMID 31847069.
  5. ^ Dabbaghi Varnousfaderani, Sara; Musazadeh, Vali; Ghalichi, Faezeh; Kavyani, Zeynab; Razmjouei, Soha; Faghfouri, Amir Hossein; Ahrabi, Sana Sedgh; Seyyed Shoura, Seyyed Morteza; Dehghan, Parvin (2023). "Alleviating effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: results from an umbrella meta-analysis". Frontiers in Pharmacology. 14: 1191290. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1191290. ISSN 1663-9812. PMC 10442645. PMID 37614320.
  6. ^ Sood, Brittany; Patel, Preeti; Keenaghan, Michael (2024), "Coenzyme Q10", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 30285386, retrieved 2024-06-23
  7. ^ Hajiluian, Ghazaleh; Heshmati, Javad; Jafari Karegar, Sahar; Sepidarkish, Mahdi; Shokri, Ali; Shidfar, Farzad (2021). "Diabetes, Age, and Duration of Supplementation Subgroup Analysis for the Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". Complementary Medicine Research. 28 (6): 557–570. doi:10.1159/000515249. ISSN 2504-2106. PMID 33866314.