Potassium ion channels have been implicated in a vast array of diseases, ranging from hepatitis C to diabetes. They are also found within the dermal papilla cells in human hair follicles. People experiencing hair loss have been found to show reduced potassium channel activity. This finding provides a novel therapeutic approach to target hair loss. The consequences of reduced potassium channel activity are impaired membrane potential and interrupted ion transportation across the hair follicle’s cellular membranes – resulting in shrinking follicles and thinning hair.
Based on this research, Oxford Biolabs devised TRX2® – the first food supplement to use potassium chloride and L-carnitine-L-tartrate as part of its active ingredients. TRX2® consists of natural substances that our body normally produces at sufficient levels in those with a full head of normal hair.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of a potassium channel in interaction with TRX2 potassium channel opening property – © Oxford Biolabs Ltd
TRX2® is a composition of normal metabolites that has been shown in laboratory experiments to positively influence hair by
- maintaining the membrane potential of hair follicles,
- stimulating the de novo synthesis of potassium channels,
- restoring potassium channel activity and functionality, and
- hyperpolarising hair follicles.
Up until 2015, the TRX2® formula was available only in capsule form. Now, the TRX2® product range comprises not only TRX2® Molecular Food Supplement for Hair, but also topical solutions, TRX2® Hair Revitalising Foam and TRX2® Hair Revitalising Lotion.
Boosting Energy Levels in Hair Follicles*
In 2007 Foitzik et al demonstrated that L-carnitine-L-tartrate promotes human hair growth; suggesting that L-carnitine stimulates scalp hair growth by upregulation of proliferation and downregulation of apoptosis in follicular cells, in other words by increasing the energy supply to the massively proliferating and insatiable anagen hair matrix – energy that is also required for the full biological activity of potassium channels in hair follicles. TRX2® products are the first to use potassium chloride and L-carnitine-L-tartrate as part of their active ingredients.
Maintaining The Cell Membrane Potential of Hair Follicles*
The membrane potential is the result of charge separation between the inner and outer surfaces of a cell’s membrane. The membrane potential is primarily generated by the so-called sodium/potassium pump, a protein that transports sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell, both against their respective concentration gradients. This transport requires the utilisation of energy in the form of ATP. Potassium ions leaving the cell by their concentration gradient via potassium channels establish a charge separation, as anions are trapped inside the cell, thus creating the membrane potential. The dermal papilla cells of a healthy hair follicle (containing sufficient active potassium channels) have maximum membrane potential, sustaining the highest level of biological activity. However, as we experience hair loss, the membrane potential of these dermal papilla cells is diminished – a result of the impaired function of potassium channels within the hair follicle.
TRX2® contains a compound that stimulates the synthesis of cardiolipin, a key component of the inner membrane of the mitochondria, which are of extreme importance for the energy supply of the metabolically hyperactive dermal papilla cells in hair follicles. In short, TRX2® also helps to energise the cells of the hair follicle, providing an ideal environment for potassium channels to flourish and function at peak efficiency.
Stimulating de novo Synthesis of Potassium Channels in Hair Follicles*
The specific potassium channel found in human hair follicles has three major amino acid components: L-Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine (often referred to as BCAA).
By incorporating these components into our proprietary complex, our team has successfully found a way to replenish the membrane potential of hair cells and stimulate the synthesis of new potassium channels within hair follicles.
Stimulating Potassium Channel Activity & Functionality*
Physiologically, the potassium channels of hair follicles are regulated by intracellular levels of nucleotides (e.g., ATP and ADP). Therefore, the electrical activity of a cell’s membrane is linked to its metabolism; a relationship that controls many diverse cellular functions.
The TRX2® complex contains several sources of ATP. TRX2® activates the transport of high-energy, food-derived products into the body’s mitochondria, where they are ultimately converted into ATP. This captured energy revitalizes potassium channels and is necessary for the regulation of ion transport across the cellular membranes.
Hyperpolarising Hair Follicles*
The TRX2® complex, similar to the drug-based treatment minoxidil (Rogaine™, Regaine™ or RIUP™), has several properties of known potassium channel openers. By hyperpolarising the hair follicle’s plasma membranes, TRX2® is formulated with the purpose of increasing the size of shrunken follicles.
The proprietary complex contains a natural vitamin, niacin, which is structurally related to minoxidil. In combination with the other compounds included in the TRX2® formulation, niacin helps keep potassium channels open over time and supports the functioning of hair follicles.
Percutaneous delivery pathway of the active ingredients of TRX2®
The hair follicles and associated sebaceous glands form a significant part in the percutaneous delivery pathway since they interrupt the skin barrier. They reach deeply into the dermis and are in contact with the vascular system of the skin (Czarnetzki et. al. 1992). The hair follicle, as a physiological hole in the skin, has been shown to be a well-protected long-term reservoir that can store the active compounds of topically applied solutions (Lademann and Patzelt 2014). Consequently, molecules are able to penetrate deeply into the hair follicle in the direct vicinity of the hair root, allowing maximum impact of the active compounds’ concentrations (Meidan et al. 2005, Vogt et al. 2005, Knorr et al. 2009).
Minoxidil – a known potassium channel opener
Topically applied minoxidil is one of the most widely used treatment options for male and female pattern hair loss. However, being a highly potent drug, minoxidil has well-documented side effects and measurable changes disappear within months after discontinuation of treatment (read more) . Originally minoxidil was developed as an oral antihypertensive drug, but a frequent side effect was hair growth. The detailed mechanism of action of minoxidil on hair follicles is unclear. However, as a known potent potassium channel opener, it can be assumed that the drug targets the same protein structures (potassium channels) as TRX2® does.
In 2015 Oxford Biolabs launched two new topical products: TRX2® Hair Revitalising Foam and TRX2® Hair Revitalising Lotion. Both of them are based on the same effective formula, and contain the same active ingredients, as TRX2® capsules. This means that consumers can now choose which TRX2® product, or product combination, to use to target their particular areas of thinning hair.
Compared to minoxidil, TRX2® is a naturally-based, drug-free formula, designed to nourish hair follicles with specific compounds. There are no side effects, no complications and no hassles – just noticeable, honest results.
The bioactive compounds of TRX2 ® are embedded in a proprietary potassium channel-stimulating complex and delivered to the hair follicles via the bloodstream by taking capsules orally or directly to the hair follicles by applying topical solutions.
The bioactive compounds of TRX2 ® are embedded in a proprietary potassium channel-stimulating complex and delivered via the blood stream
to the hair
follicle for
maximum
benefit.
Uncovering the right formula of natural ingredients was a tremendous undertaking. Our dedicated team of scientists needed to design a range of new research methods specifically for the purpose of targeting potassium ion channels for hair growth. After trying hundreds of different formulations of micronutrients, we perfected the TRX2 ® formula that includes a plethora of unique and powerful ingredients. This approach has allowed our company to succeed where others have failed. Our product works with your body, not against it, to protect hair follicles from damage and degradation.
Listed below are some of the specific beneficial effects observed at both the cellular and visual levels:
Cellular level
- Increased membrane potential of dermal papilla cells in hair follicles
- De novo synthesis of potassium channels
- Enhanced potassium channel activity & functionality
- Hyperpolarised hair follicles
This product is specifically designed for customers experiencing the early stages of hair loss (Norwood 1-4). Some of the benefits reported by those who regularly take three TRX2® capsules per day include:
Visual level
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The cessation of hair loss
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Hair growth – including in frontal and temple areas
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Visibly stronger & thicker hair shafts