AnaGain, a hair loss treatment made from pea sprout extract, shows early promise for reducing hair loss and supporting hair growth. But evidence remains limited — it’s largely based on small, manufacturer-sponsored studies, so a lot more research is needed to establish the real world impact of AnaGain for hair loss.
Find out what AnaGain is, how pea sprout extract may support hair growth, and what the research says about its effectiveness and safety. Compare AnaGain with established treatments and explore who may benefit most from this proprietary hair loss treatment.
Key takeaways
AnaGain is a hair loss treatment containing pea sprout extract. It may support hair growth by increasing the expression of specific genes that influence hair growth, while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Studies have shown that AnaGain may reduce hair loss within 8 weeks, although key trials were manufacturer-sponsored and involved just 10 and 21 participants.
AnaGain is used in both oral and topical products. Both formulations appear to work, although more evidence is needed for both.
Safety and suitability remain uncertain. No known side effects have been established so far, but the limited research means more evidence is needed. AnaGain is most likely to be most appropriate for very early or mild thinning.
If you’ve tried AnaGain but are still struggling with hair loss, Wimpole can help. We provide hair loss consultations to help diagnose your hair loss and create a personalised treatment pathway based on your symptoms, circumstances and goals.
AnaGain is a patented hair loss ingredient made from pea sprout extract. It’s been shown to help reduce hair loss within 8 weeks and increase expression of specific genes involved in hair growth, according to a manufacturer-sponsored study [1].
AnaGain is used in many different hair growth products, including Hair Gain capsules and certain topical formulas.
Research shows that pea sprout extract consumption may increase the expression of the fibroblast growth factor‐7 (FGF7) and noggin genes, which are essential for hair growth [1]. In addition, pea sprout may help reduce inflammation and oxidative activity that can trigger or worsen hair loss [1-2].
One study found that FGF7 expression increased by 56% over two weeks in participants applying topical pea sprout extract to the scalp, while noggin expression rose by a huge 85% in the same period. (It’s important to note that this study was very small, investigating just 10 subjects, and was sponsored by the manufacturer).
Another manufacturer-funded study examining the effect of consuming 100 mg of pea sprout extract on hair growth found that 95% of 21 participants experienced reduced hair loss within 8 weeks [1]. On average, participants lost 33.9% less hair over this period.
Because AnaGain appears to prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, it may help improve symptoms of common types of hair loss including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss). Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties may also make it helpful in treating alopecia areata.
That said, AnaGain hasn’t been clinically tested against specific types of hair loss, so more research is needed to establish which types of alopecia it’s most effective for.
So far there are no known side effects of AnaGain, with researchers noting pea sprout extract was well-tolerated among subjects [1]. But with current research extremely limited by sample size, more evidence is needed to establish the true safety of this supplement.
AnaGain capsules can start reducing hair loss within as little as 28 days, according to early research [1]. Another study found that a topical serum containing AnaGain, Redensyl, Procapil, and Capilia Longa improved hair growth rate, thickness, and density after 30 and 60 days of treatment [3]. Hair growth rate increased by 10.52% within the first 30 days.
While both topical and oral AnaGain show promising results, the more concrete evidence so far is for oral AnaGain capsules. Oral AnaGain has shown genuine results in decreased hair loss, albeit in a very small sample of users [1].
Topical AnaGain also shows promise, but most of the evidence so far combines AnaGain with other proprietary ingredients [3]. Most commercially available hair loss treatments actually combine many of these ingredients, so this can help confirm the effectiveness of these formulas. But it does provide limited insight into the effectiveness of topical AnaGain alone.
There are two types of hair loss treatments that contain AnaGain: topical hair serums and oral capsules. Here are some of the best options.
Type: TopicalIngredients: 3% AnaGain, 5% Capixyl, 3% Redensyl, 3% Procapil, 4% Baicapil, saw palmetto extract for hairHow to use: Apply a few drops to your clean, dry scalp every day. Massage into the skin and leave it overnight.
Type: TopicalIngredients: AnaGain, Capixyl, Redensyl, Procapil, Baicapil, caffeine for hairHow to use: Apply to the scalp daily and massage into your scalp skin. Leave on overnight.
Type: OralIngredients: AnaGain, biotin, zinc, vitamin CHow to use: Take 2 capsules with breakfast every day for at least 3 months. Continue taking the capsules to retain the effects.
Type: OralIngredients: AnaGain, bamboo shoot extract, cynatine, moringa, niacin, zinc, vitamin B6, copper, biotinHow to use: Take 2 capsules with water every day. Continue taking the capsules to retain the effects.
There aren’t currently any contraindications for AnaGain use, so most adults can use it. Bear in mind this is based on very limited safety data, so if you experience any side effects like irritation (topical formulas) or digestive issues (oral capsules), it’s best to discontinue AnaGain.
Yes, it seems to be safe to combine AnaGain with treatments like Capixyl, Redensyl, and Baicapil, based on ingredients in popular commercially available treatments. Some studies have also tested various treatment combinations to confirm their safety and effectiveness [3-4].
AnaGain shows promise as both an oral and topical treatment for hair loss. But the evidence for AnaGain is still very limited, so it’s unclear to what extent it will really help improve your symptoms, especially if you have extensive or established hair loss.
Fortunately there are plenty of alternatives with a much stronger body of research to support their use. Minoxidil and finasteride are generally the first-line options for people with male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is also effective for other types of alopecia, including female pattern hair loss and stress-related hair loss.
It’s best to seek treatment advice from a hair doctor with knowledge of your specific symptoms and circumstances. But here’s when each of these treatments might be best suited:
The WImpole Clinic’s experienced team of hair loss specialists can help you find the right treatment for your symptoms. Book a consultation at your most convenient Wimpole location to get started.
Learn more about AnaGain for hair loss in these frequently asked questions.
AnaGain is derived from pea sprout extract, an ingredient which has shown promise for treating hair loss thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as enhancing the expression of genes that promote hair growth.
No studies have yet established exactly which types of alopecia AnaGain can help with, though it’s possible it could help treat stress-related hair loss. Stress can increase inflammation and oxidative activity, so the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of AnaGain may help negate these effects [5].
No, AnaGain is a completely different treatment to minoxidil. While AnaGain affects expression of specific genes and helps reduce follicle inflammation, minoxidil widens the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to feed the follicles.
Both AnaGain and minoxidil have been shown to prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, promoting longer hair growth (although minoxidil has a much wider, more established body of evidence to support this) [2, 6-7].
Research suggests you may see visible reductions in hair loss after 8 weeks of daily AnaGain use [1]. However, these findings are based on manufacturer-sponsored studies involving just 21 participants, so it’s best to temper your expectations until more evidence supports this timescale.
Stopping AnaGain may reverse any benefits from the treatment, so you’ll likely need to use it continuously to maintain the effects. If you want to stop the treatment, it’s safe to do so at any time.
It’s unclear which AnaGain hair serum will provide the best results, as most serums combine multiple ingredients to increase the chances of hair growth. Find out all the pros and cons of the best hair density serums compared.
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Dr Fotis Garagounis (GMC: 7634327) is a highly experienced hair restoration doctor whose skill and precision are reflected in the consistently strong results he achieves for his patients. With more than 18 years of experience and over 2,500 hair restoration cases to date, he has helped patients across Europe and the UK restore natural-looking hair density as well as their long-term confidence.
He graduated from Sofia University of Medical Sciences in 2001 before completing his specialisation in ophthalmology at Larissa General Hospital, where he also contributed to two European studies on glaucoma.
Alongside his specialist training, Dr Garagounis developed a strong commitment to hair transplantation and has spent nearly two decades refining his expertise in both FUE and FUT techniques. His work in Greece, Cyprus and London has given him extensive international experience, and he is known for his preference for manual FUE. He performs all graft extractions himself to ensure precision, graft integrity and patient safety.
Dr Garagounis holds full medical licences in Greece, Cyprus and the United Kingdom. He is an associate member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
