The Emu is an Ostrich- like bird that is native to the continent of Australia which has been used by the Aborigines for centuries as a treatment for a variety of different dermatologic disorders. Emu oil itself comes from a thick pad of fat on the back of the bird that was provided by nature to protect the animal from the extreme temperatures of the Australian Outback.

Dr. Michael Hoilck of Boston University found that Emu Oil had a profound stimulatory effect on hair growth in animal models, prompting him to initiate a patent application for its use for that specific purpose. A subsequent study on Emu Oil and hair growth done in England found a cosmetically significant hair growth stimulation effect in humans with Androgenetic Alopecia after 5 months of daily usage. Emu oil and its benefits for skin aging have been recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey show and the Dr. Oz show.

Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia are generally less effective in the hairline versus the crown. This is well documented to be the case in extensively studied, pharmaceutical treatments like Rogaine, Propecia, and Avodart. As detailed in one of our prior publications, Emu Oil for a variety of reasons, is particularly effective in the frontal hairline, typically stimulating vellous growth, (visible peach fuzz) within a few weeks, which becomes terminal over time with continued application. Emu Oil, though highly effective as a treatment by itself, can be combined with any other topical treatments, i.e. Rogaine, (which we generally don’t recommend), Dr. Proctor’s Advanced Thinning Hair Formula, and Virgin Coconut Oil, to enhance their penetration.

Unfortunately, not all Emu Oil produces hair growth stimulation effects. The hair growth effects of Emu Oil largely depend on two factors, the diet consumed by the Emus, and the amount of heat used in the rendering process.

The following study found “considerable variability” in potency in the commercial oil samples. They further concluded that:

“These studies point to the need for more rigid quality control before considering such a (now proven) traditional medicine as a complementary therapy.”

In the long version of the study itself, it was found that the slight majority of oil samples failed to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity, which is the primary mechanism by which it stimulates hair growth.

Emu oil(s): A source of non-toxic transdermal anti-inflammatory agents in aboriginal medicine
M. W. Whitehouse, A. G. Turner, C. K. C. Davis and M. S. Roberts

“The ‘oil’ obtained from emu fat can be a very effective inhibitor of chronic inflammation in rats when applied dermally (with a skin penetration enhancer). Assays for this activity using the adjuvant-induced arthritis model have shown:

i. Considerable variability in potency in the commercial oil samples;

ii. Little or no correlation of activity with colour or linolenic acid content of the oil;

iii. Relative stability of some active oils (to heat, ageing at room temperature);

iv. The bulk of the anti-inflammatory activity was present in a low triglyceride fraction; and

v. Potential arthritis-suppressant/immunoregulant activity of these active fractions.

These studies point to the need for more rigid quality control before considering such a (now proven) traditional medicine as a complementary therapy.

Repeated applications of selected oils did not induce any of the more prominent side-effects associated with NSAIDs (e.g. platelet inhibition, gastrotoxicity) or certain anti-arthritic drugs (proteinuria, leukopenia).”

Comment
Emu Oil should ideally come from birds that are allowed to roam free and graze in a natural environment, foraging on indigenous plants, not the nutrient void, antibiotic laced; grain/corn based commercial feed, given at the vast majority of most Emu Ranches in the U.S. The oil from Emu’s that feed in the wild is much higher in lignans and proanthocyanidins, significantly enhancing its anti-inflammatory and thus hair growth stimulation, effects. It has been established that grass fed beef contains a much higher level of omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants , compared to the predominantly antibiotic laden, grain fed beef whose fat, due to its proportionally higher omega 6 content, is actually conducive to inflammation. The same holds true for the fat from Emus.

Rendering is a process by which solid fat is turned to liquid, In the U.S., the average temperature for rendering Emu Oil from the fat pad is 90 degrees Celsius, or194 degrees Fahrenheit. In Australia the rendering temperature at select facilities is 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius. Although Emu Oil is relatively heat resistant, even brief exposure to heat approaching 200 degrees can compromise its efficacy.

There are sound commercial reasons for using higher heats in the rendering process. The higher heats dramatically speed up oil production, and enhance profitability. These higher heats, however, have a negative effect of the anti-inflammatory properties, and thus hair growth stimulation effects of the oil.

Emu ranches have sprung up all over the U.S. in the last 4-8 years. Many sell oil, often in bulk at very cheap prices.

When buying Emu Oil there are no telltale signs that indicate the amount of heat used in rendering and diet consumed by the bird. The oils are visually indistinguishable in this regard. Before using the oil you would be well advised to contact the manufacturer and ask questions about diet and rendering temperatures. If the answers you get are vague i.e. “we use the standard amount of heat”, or even if you are told that the “feed” they are given is “organic,” then keep moving. The standard amount of heat used in the U.S. is high enough to compromise the efficacy of the oil, and “feed,” organic or not, is still corn based, yielding a less than optimal fatty acid profile.

If the oil was produced by American ranchers, then it is in all likelihood rendered at higher temperatures and comes from Emus that not unlike Cattle, are grain fed with anti-biotics.

The Emu Oil made available at MPB Research comes from Australian Ranchers whose Emus are free range roaming, and who slowly render the oil at a low temperature of 104 degrees, Fahrenheit. Our Emu Oil remains one of the most cost effective topical interventions for Androgenetic hair loss, costing most less than $13.50 U.S. a month at a daily usage rate. Our Emu Oil is often concurrently used as a firming, anti-aging facial treatment, due to its documented ability to stimulate DNA repair and collagen production.

Related Articles:

Emu Oil Hairloss and Frontal Regrowth

Topical Emu Oil and Coconut Oil for Hair Loss- A Potent Combination

Scalp Thickness, Retin A, Emu Oil and Hair Growth

Revita, the result of years of continuous research at Divine Skin Laboratories, is hands down the best shampoo for Androgenetic hair loss.

      Significantly, Revita is by design, formulated without Sodium Laurel Sulphate,(SLS), a common lathering ingredient in most shampoos concluded by many in the research community to have a destructive effect on the protein structure of the hair. However, based on the documented hair growth effects of Ketoconazole and Piroctone Olamine based shampoos like Nizoral and Folicure, which do contain SLS, it is unlikely that its presence precludes their hair growth benefits. It does seem plausible though, that their hair growth effects would be even more significant without it. Despite the omission of SLS in Revita, it lathers as easily and as well as any shampoo that does include it.

      Revita not only contains Ketoconazole, the active ingredient in Nizoral Shampoo, it also contains a host of other ingredients that have documented support in both the medical literature and patent registries for the treatment of hair loss.

      This cutting edge shampoo maintains the non-balding anagen to telogen ratio of hair growth with a combination of anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-DHT agents that synergize against androgen induced follicular atrophy and miniaturization. Revita also contains ingredients that are pharmacologically considered to be hair growth stimulants.

      For optimal efficacy, DS Laboratories uses a gentle, chemical-free extraction process to preserve the molecular integrity and bioactivity of the active ingredients. Revita is also distinct in this regard.

      Revita contains an ingredient extracted from apples recently discovered for its hair growth benefits in Japan, procyanidin B-2, which has demonstrated through clinical trials to promote growth at the hairline as effectively as extra strength minoxidil does at the vertex.

      Several active ingredients simultaneously function to address the established mechanisms of AGA.: Copper peptide complex counters the age related degenerative processes of skin and hair, that are much accelerated in AGA. Spin traps neutralize free radicals. Ketoconazole, also the active ingredient in Nizoral Shampoo, which is documented to have hair growth effects, reduces irritation, inhibits dht binding to receptor sites, and down-regulates sebum emission. Rooibos stimulates micro-circulation and contributes anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

      Other compounds increase hair shaft diameter: Methylsulfonylmethane is a super nutrient for the skin. Amino acids construct proteins that add tensile strength to hair. Emu oil contributes fatty acids for conditioning and hydration. Biotin is the major B vitamin that is a membrane stabilizer and ameliorates shedding.

      Hair growth stimulation components add to Revita’s effectiveness: Caffeine stimulates growth of the hair follicles. In fact there is a patented and published caffeine based shampoo sold in Germany under the name Alpecin, for the treatment of AGA Carnitine tartrate helps to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal currency of bio-energy.

      Besides cleansing the scalp gently, high-performance Revita, unlike Nizoral Shampoo, leaves the hair feeling soft, manageable, and smelling pleasant.

REVITA HELPS TO PREVENT BALDNESS WITH EVIDENCE BASED COMPOUNDS
       Revita appears to work from early-stage baldness prevention through late-stage regrowth treatment. Again, this is because Revita simultaneously combines many highly effective compounds known to preserve and regrow hair.

      These include gentle natural cleansers, plus anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-hormonal agents, as well as compounds for hydration, nutrition, stimulation, and reconstruction.

      Synergy between these leading-edge ingredients means Revita can immediately stave off hair loss and with continual usage, facilitate regrowth. Following are the multiple active ingredients and by link, a summation of the basis for their usage:

Revita, is unique in that it is the first shampoo that comprehensively addresses the implicated mechanisms of Androgenetic hair loss. Virtually all shampoos on the market contain SLS, which as mentioned, can actually exacerbate problems. DS Laboratories formulated Revita as a breakthrough product, containing high concentrations of documented, evidence based, compounds, formulated with cost as no object. DS Labs occasionally tweaks Revita to keep it as cutting edge as possible.

      The synergistic effects of these ingredients, especially the concurrent usage of Ketoconazole, Apple Polyphenols, and Caffeine, sets Revita light years ahead as a hair loss treatment, amazingly in the form of a shampoo.

2. Follicure para Caspa

Folicure para Caspa,(translated-Folicure for dandruff) is a Piroctone Olamine (PO) based anti-dandruff shampoo available over the counter in Europe and Latin America. PO shampoo has been shown to reduce shedding and increase hair shaft diameter in those with Androgenetic hair loss (AGA) even better than Nizoral Shampoo when analyzed in side by side studies. Being that AGA is a progressive miniaturization of hair in the pattern areas, the reversal of this process-actually increasing hair shaft diameter would be considered curative. PO shampoo, compared to Nizoral and Head and Shoulders, was found to be the best at increasing hair shaft diameter. The study detailing these effects can be found here

      PO shampoo has been found to have these effects at a usage rate of 2-3 times a week. Folicure para Caspa is incredibly economical. One bottle costs $24.95 US, and last about a year at that usage rate. For a readily available source of this shampoo, call 1-888-577-4247.

3. Nizoral Shampoo

The hair loss prevention benefits of this shampoo were spuriously discovered by the bodybuilding community and steroid users in the 90’s.

      In a nutshell, those who were on cycles of steroids – notorious for creating scalp itching and inflammation, and accelerating Androgenetic hair loss – found that this shampoo substantially reduced, and in some cases eliminated steroid induced hair loss. This effect was detailed by Michael Mooney in several articles on Nizoral and hair loss in Muscle Media 2000. Subsequent studies published in the Medical literature confirmed that its active ingredient, Ketoconazole, effectively counters MPB via several mechanisms, namely the neutralizing of inflammatory cytokines, malesszia yeast, and the inhibiting of dht binding to receptor sites.

      Do not confuse the shampoo with Nizoral tablets, (prescribed for chronic and severe yeast infections) which are so toxic I wouldn’t give them to my dog. Nizoral shampoo has been tested and shows no traces of systemic absorption

      Nizoral , like PO shampoo, is effective at a usage rate of 2-3 times a week. One can optimally rotate Nizoral Shampoo with another hair growth stimulating shampoo, such as Revita, Follicure, or Dr Proctor’s Hair Regrowth Shampoo, none of which require daily usage for therapeutic effect.

4. Dr. Proctor’s Hair Regrowth Shampoo

A shampoo developed by Houston based Dr. Peter Proctor, MD, PhD, one of the top reseachers and leading authorities in the world in the treatment of hair loss. He personally holds 7 patents in the area of hair loss treatment, and has developed state of the art comprehensive topical treatments which combine NO up-regulators, vaso-relaxants, hair growth stimulants, and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors.

      This shampoo addresses hair loss from a pure hair growth stimulant mechanism as opposed to an anti-inflammation or anti-DHT mechanism of action. It contains an abundant supply of Pyridine-N-Oxides, which is a vasodilator that has the same core technology as minoxidil, without the documented acute effluvium, (shedding) that is documented to occur with Rogaine upon cessation of usage. Like Nizoral and Folicure, the hair growth benefits of Dr. Proctor’s Hair Regrowth Shampoo occur at a 2-3 times a week usage rate. Due to its unique mechanism of action in regards to hair growth stimulation, it can be rotated with other shampoos for a comprehensive shampoo based treatment effect. The sole usage of this shampoo is enough, in many cases, to halt further progression of MPB, according to Dr. Proctor.

5. Head and Shoulders

Yeah, you read that that right!! The same anti-dandruff mainstay that has been around longer that I can remember was shown to actually stimulate hair growth the same amount as minoxidil in one study. Don’t get too excited-to say something grows hair as well as minoxidil isn’t saying a whole lot. Its effects in this regard are likely due to its active ingredient, Zinc Pyrithione’s ability to partially inhibit 5 alpha reductase. In another side by side study, with Ketoconazole and PO shampoos, it reduced shedding and sebum emission. However, unlike the other two, it failed to reverse the progressive miniaturization of hair diameter seen in MPB. Nevertheless, the evidence does suggest that Zinc Pyrithione shampoos do have some benefit to those with MPB, and essentially cost nothing.

      Again, there are shampoos that address several of the underlying mechanisms of AGA, not shampoos that simply add temporary hair shaft volume via coating the hair shaft, such as Biotin, keratin, and Panthenol based shampoos. Many of these volumizing shampoos cleverly imply they help with thinning hair, but don’t do a damn thing for hair loss itself, only temporarily helping with the appearance of thinning hair. That would be a non-issue to us if only it didn’t cause people to inadvertently turn their backs on those shampoos that actually do.

Related Articles:

Emu Oil and Frontal Regrowth

Circulation is Implicated in Hairloss

New Dandruff Shampoo for Hairloss

The mechanisms by which Soy Isoflavone Extract impacts Androgenetic Hair Loss are well established. The singular consumption of Soy lowers DHT by 15%. The COMBINATION of Soy Isoflavones and Green Tea lowers DHT by 80% in animal models, and as discussed in a recent update, confers specific anti-inflammatory benefits on androgen induced inflammation. Soy Isoflavones also facilitate Equol production. Equol is, as you may already know, an anti-androgen that essentially handcuffs DHT, neutralizing its effects. A subset of the Asian population are genetic Equol producers, who not surprisingly, have no MPB. Studies have shown that the sole inclusion of dietary soy or Isoflavones will eventually after several months, turn genetic Equol non-producers into Equol producers.

      Equol production can be rapidly facilitated in genetic non-producers by combining Soy Isoflavones, Green Tea Extract, Sea Vegetables and Pro-biotics, in particular Bacillus Coagulans. It is this very combination that is a patent pending treatment for MPB. According to its producer, Bear Biotech, shedding rapidly subsides with its use in 2-3 weeks.

      The cosmetic benefits of Soy Isoflavone consumption don’t stop there. Recent studies have shown oral Soy Isoflavone consumption stimulates collagen production and firms facial skin. Here is one of the first studies published:

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2007 Feb;53(1):57-62A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to clinically evaluate the effect of soy isoflavone aglycone on the aged skin of middle-aged women. Twenty-six women volunteers in their late 30s and early 40s were randomly assigned to receive either a test food (13 women, the test food group) or a placebo food (13 women, the control group). These groups were given the test food (40 mg of soy isoflavone aglycone per day) and placebo, respectively, for 12 wk. The extent of linear and fine wrinkles at the lateral angle of the eyes was selected as the major evaluation criterion to assess the effects of foods, and the wrinkles’ area ratio was used as the evaluation parameter. The extent of skin microrelief at the lateral angle of eyes and that of malar skin elasticity were used as secondary evaluation criteria, and the skin microrelief’s area ratio and recovery of skin elasticity were used as the respective evaluation parameters. These parameters were assessed 4, 8, and 12 wk after the start of the test food or placebo intake. The test food group showed a statistically significant improvement of fine wrinkles at week 12 (p<0.05) and of malar skin elasticity at week 8 (p<0.05), compared with the control group. Although there was no significant difference between the test food group and the control group regarding effects on skin microrelief at lateral angle of the eyes, a significant intragroup improvement was observed at week 8 in the test food group (p<0.05). As for the test food safety, none of the subjects presented adverse symptoms during the study period or discontinued the intake of the test food. These data indicate that the oral intake of 40 mg soy isoflavones per day improves the aged skin of middle-aged women.

Oral intake of soy isoflavone aglycone improves the aged skin of adult women.

Izumi T, Saito M, Obata A, Arii M, Yamaguchi H, Matsuyama A

Abstract

You can be assured that these benefits are not specific to women only.

L’Oreal’s subsidiary Inneov, producer of the hair loss treatment pill Hair Mass, also has several other cosmeceuticals dealing with skin aging. There foundation formula, “Anti-Age Fermete” is a combination of Vitamin C and Soy Isoflavones which they say, based on their research, “firms and re-densifies” skin, increasing collagen production by 64%, increasing its’ tensile strength and “snap back.” The effects were found to get progressively better over a period of 6 months, resulting in a “tighter “ skin appearance in all subjects. More information can be found here.

      Although preventing and treating Androgenetic hair loss will always be our main focus, the prevention and treatment of skin aging, particularly facial skin aging, comes a close second. The gratification I get from maintaining a full head of hair would be compromised to say the least if it were accompanied by a face of loose, sagging, cross linked leather that was indistinguishable from a Gucci Bag or Willie Nelson.. I take a perverse pride at 52 in still being occasionally and suspiciously carded for wine purchases. My topical facial regime has for years consisted of Retin A, Emu Oil, and an Organic Sunscreen (Soleo is by far my favorite) used as a daily moisturizer. Although I’ve surfed avidly for decades, my skin has remained almost as smooth as a baby’s ass. I unfortunately can’t say that about most of my surfing contemporaries, who from a dermatological standpoint (due to years of UV exposure), resemble the homeless. What I’ve used internally for “hair growth” has definitely helped. It is good to know that a significant portion of our hair protocol recommendations, such as Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones, play a documented role in keeping my skin smooth and taught as well. In future updates we will periodically discuss skin aging and how best to address it both from an external and internal standpoint, and provide legal sources for Retin A that don’t require a prescription. Our goal is not to age gracefully and in good health, our goal is not to age at all…

The mechanisms by which Soy Isoflavone Extract impacts Androgenetic Hair Loss are well established. The singular consumption of Soy lowers DHT by 15%. The COMBINATION of Soy Isoflavones and Green Tea lowers DHT by 80% in animal models, and as discussed in a recent update, confers specific anti-inflammatory benefits on androgen induced inflammation. Soy Isoflavones also facilitate Equol production. Equol is, as you may already know, an anti-androgen that essentially handcuffs DHT, neutralizing its effects. A subset of the Asian population are genetic Equol producers, who not surprisingly, have no MPB. Studies have shown that the sole inclusion of dietary soy or Isoflavones will eventually after several months, turn genetic Equol non-producers into Equol producers.

      Equol production can be rapidly facilitated in genetic non-producers by combining Soy Isoflavones, Green Tea Extract, Sea Vegetables and Pro-biotics, in particular Bacillus Coagulans. It is this very combination that is a patent pending treatment for MPB. According to its producer, Bear Biotech, shedding rapidly subsides with its use in 2-3 weeks.

      The cosmetic benefits of Soy Isoflavone consumption don’t stop there. Recent studies have shown oral Soy Isoflavone consumption stimulates collagen production and firms facial skin. Here is one of the first studies published:

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2007 Feb;53(1):57-62A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to clinically evaluate the effect of soy isoflavone aglycone on the aged skin of middle-aged women. Twenty-six women volunteers in their late 30s and early 40s were randomly assigned to receive either a test food (13 women, the test food group) or a placebo food (13 women, the control group). These groups were given the test food (40 mg of soy isoflavone aglycone per day) and placebo, respectively, for 12 wk. The extent of linear and fine wrinkles at the lateral angle of the eyes was selected as the major evaluation criterion to assess the effects of foods, and the wrinkles’ area ratio was used as the evaluation parameter. The extent of skin microrelief at the lateral angle of eyes and that of malar skin elasticity were used as secondary evaluation criteria, and the skin microrelief’s area ratio and recovery of skin elasticity were used as the respective evaluation parameters. These parameters were assessed 4, 8, and 12 wk after the start of the test food or placebo intake. The test food group showed a statistically significant improvement of fine wrinkles at week 12 (p<0.05) and of malar skin elasticity at week 8 (p<0.05), compared with the control group. Although there was no significant difference between the test food group and the control group regarding effects on skin microrelief at lateral angle of the eyes, a significant intragroup improvement was observed at week 8 in the test food group (p<0.05). As for the test food safety, none of the subjects presented adverse symptoms during the study period or discontinued the intake of the test food. These data indicate that the oral intake of 40 mg soy isoflavones per day improves the aged skin of middle-aged women.

Oral intake of soy isoflavone aglycone improves the aged skin of adult women.

Izumi T, Saito M, Obata A, Arii M, Yamaguchi H, Matsuyama A

Abstract

You can be assured that these benefits are not specific to women only.

L’Oreal’s subsidiary Inneov, producer of the hair loss treatment pill Hair Mass, also has several other cosmeceuticals dealing with skin aging. There foundation formula, “Anti-Age Fermete” is a combination of Vitamin C and Soy Isoflavones which they say, based on their research, “firms and re-densifies” skin, increasing collagen production by 64%, increasing its’ tensile strength and “snap back.” The effects were found to get progressively better over a period of 6 months, resulting in a “tighter “ skin appearance in all subjects. More information can be found here.

      Although preventing and treating Androgenetic hair loss will always be our main focus, the prevention and treatment of skin aging, particularly facial skin aging, comes a close second. The gratification I get from maintaining a full head of hair would be compromised to say the least if it were accompanied by a face of loose, sagging, cross linked leather that was indistinguishable from a Gucci Bag or Willie Nelson.. I take a perverse pride at 52 in still being occasionally and suspiciously carded for wine purchases. My topical facial regime has for years consisted of Retin A, Emu Oil, and an Organic Sunscreen (Soleo is by far my favorite) used as a daily moisturizer. Although I’ve surfed avidly for decades, my skin has remained almost as smooth as a baby’s ass. I unfortunately can’t say that about most of my surfing contemporaries, who from a dermatological standpoint (due to years of UV exposure), resemble the homeless. What I’ve used internally for “hair growth” has definitely helped. It is good to know that a significant portion of our hair protocol recommendations, such as Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones, play a documented role in keeping my skin smooth and taught as well. In future updates we will periodically discuss skin aging and how best to address it both from an external and internal standpoint, and provide legal sources for Retin A that don’t require a prescription. Our goal is not to age gracefully and in good health, our goal is not to age at all…

Related Articles:

Green Tea/Soy Combination additional mechanisms that benefit hairloss

Literature Review: Soy NOT Feminizing, Beneficial for Hair

Scalp Thickness, Retin A, Emu Oil and Hair Growth

Facilitating Equol Production for Hair Loss Treatment

      The following article, from a Massachusetts General Hospital publication validates what we posited, based on evidence several years ago. Despite the position of orthodox medicine, which states that circulation has absolutely nothing nothing to do with Androgenetic Alopecia, there appears to be much evidence to the contrary. DHT-mediated inflammation damages and deprives follicles of blood and nutrients.

      A study in Japan found that blood flow to the scalp of young men diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) was 2.6 times lower than in the normal control group. A research team at L’Oreal’s subsidiary, Inneov, identified diminished circulation as a critical element of the balding process that needs to addressed in the treatment process, if one is to obtain cosmetically significant results.

      Diminished peripheral circulation has also been implicated in what is termed “senescent” or age related thinning, a universally occurring condition that results in thin, wispy, see-through hair, that is common in both genders in their late 50’s and beyond. This is a type of hair loss that occurs independent of, though is often in a worse case scenario juxtaposed on, Androgenetic hair loss.

      Androgen-induced inflammation can wreak havoc on micro-circulation in MPB, and is the reason inflammation looms so problematic. Countering inflammation and enhancing or preserving micro-capillary circulation, can often successfully prevent further hair loss and re-grow hair in varying degrees, precluding the need to resort to the cruder approach of having to use often side effect laden anti-androgens, such as Propecia, Avodart,or Spironolactone.

Blood Vessels Hold the Key to Thicker Hair Growth

MGH researchers have succeeded in growing hair faster and thicker in mice, thanks to a protein that promotes blood vessel growth in their skin. The protein-treated mouse hair follicles — while no greater in number than those of normal mice – are individually bigger. Collectively, they increase the total volume of hair by 70 percent. This study appeared in the Feb. 19 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

If the protein has the same effects in humans, it could lead to the first angiogenic therapy for male pattern baldness. “In male pattern hair loss, it’s not that the follicles are gone. They’re just miniature follicles,” says Michael Detmar, MD, of MGH Dermatology and lead author of the study. “If anyone could find a way to make the follicles bigger, men might grow hair again.”

The discovery that increasing blood flow to the scalp helps stave off baldness may be old news to many barbers. For years, they have been advising clients to massage their scalps as a way of stimulating circulation and hair growth.

A few scientific studies have suggested that people with hair loss may have fewer blood vessels. But prior to the MGH study, no one had actually measured how closely blood vessel growth is correlated with hair growth, or what might cause scalp vessels to grow in the first place.

To explore these questions, Kiichiro Yano, a research associate in MGH Dermatology, and his colleagues compared two groups of mice, one normal and one genetically programmed to produce an abundance of VEGF, a protein known to trigger blood vessel growth. The VEGF-enhanced mice grew hair faster and thicker in the first two weeks of life than did the control mice.

The VEGF-enhanced mice also regrew hair faster. Shaved 8-week-old VEGF mice not only grew hair back sooner, they also exhibited a 30 percent increase in hair follicle diameter just 12 days after hair removal. “By overall volume, the hair was about 70 percent thicker than in wild-type mice,” says Detmar.

Blood vessels located in the skin surrounding the pumped-up hair follicles were 40 percent larger in diameter than those found in normal mice, suggesting that the VEGF-mediated angiogenesis was causing the hair to grow faster and thicker.

When normal mice were treated with an antibody that blocks VEGF activity and then shaved, their hair grew back slower and was thinner than the untreated mice. Twelve days after hair removal, the VEGF-deprived mice still displayed bald spots and overall reduced hair growth. “By modulating VEGF, we can directly influence the size of the hair follicles,” says Detmar.

As for how the VEGF-inspired blood vessels are plumping up the hair shafts, the researchers believe they may be delivering an extra supply of growth factors, in addition to oxygen and nutrients. Detmar and his colleagues are developing a technique to deliver VEGF topically to the scalp. “The question now is can we by this method improve hair growth in humans?” he says. “Applying it to humans will be the big challenge.”

      Preserving and enhancing micro-capillary perfusion(circulation ) to benefit hair growth and myriad other health concerns, without waiting for the arrival of a VEGF timulating protein to hit the market, can be accomplished several ways.

      Hyperbaric Oxygen- Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) has been anecdotally reported on many occasions to stimulate hair growth as a side effect when used in treating other conditions. Typically administered in pressurized tanks that can seat many people, it dramatically increases oxygen in the tissues of the body. It also stimulates angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels in areas that have compromised blood flow. This can be due to long standing inflammation and associated fibrosis(like MPB), or even necrosis,(tissue death) caused by injury,and radiation, including brain tissue. HBO is typically delivered for most long standing conditions in 20-40 sessions or “dives.” As a treatment for hair loss it is prohibitively expensive, however the oft reported occurrence of hair growth underscores the effects of acute blood vessel formation on hair growth.

      Trental and Vitamin E- Trental, (Pentoxyfilline) in combination with Vitamin E, has been shown to be a powerful promoter of new blood vessel growth. Trental is a prescription drug that is used for the treatment of intermittent claudation, ie lack of circulation in the lower extremities. So potent are its effects, particularly when combined with Vitamin E, that it is used as a treatment for radiation necrosis of the brain, a situation whereby surrounding brain tissue has associated fibrosis and/or literally died as a potentially debilitating side effect of cerebral radiation treatments, typically for tumors or venous malformations. Not surpringly, hair growth is another reported side effect of this treatment. A closely related drug-theophylline, was patented in combination with Ginkgo Biloba and other co-factors, as a hair loss treatment. Xanthine compound formula for hair loss

      Procyanidins-It is purified from grape seeds. It has proven to have potent scavenger capacity for free radicals.For the purposes of hair growth It has been also found that it stabilizes the capillary walls and prevents increased permeability which stops the edema in inflammatory reactions. (Zafirov D. Bredy Dobreva G. Litchev V. Papasova M. Acta Physiologica et Pharmacologica Bulgarica 16 (3). 1990. 50-54). Keeping healthy capillaries promote the blood supply of the hair follicles which make it, together with growth factors, potentially effective in high enough doses, as a singular treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia. Hair growth is frequently reported in response to using Grape Seed Extract in doses of 400 plus milligrams a day.

      Ginkgo Biloba- It is used in traditional medicine to help enhance memory, brain function and also treats circulatory disorders. Ginkgo supplements help to grow blood vessels and like the prescription drug Trental, also help to treat a condition called intermittent claudication, which is poor circulation in the legs. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that Ginkgo Extract improves blood circulation by reducing the stickiness of blood platelets and dilates blood vessels.

Improved haemorrheological properties by Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb 761) in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with retinopathy.

Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;23(4):615-21

Abnormal haemorrheological property changes in erythrocyte deformability, plasma and blood viscosity, and blood viscoelasticity may play very important roles in the development of microangiopathies in diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we demonstrate the improvement in abnormal haemorrheological parameters in DM with ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract 761. Haemorrheological parameters before and 3 months after Ginkgo biloba oral ingestion were determined in 25 type 2 DM patients with retinopathy. These parameters included lipid peroxidation stress of erythrocytes, erythrocyte deformability, plasma and blood viscosity, blood viscoelasticity, and retinal capillary blood flow velocity. After taking Ginkgo biloba orally for 3 months, the blood viscosity was significantly reduced at different shear rates. Viscoelasticity was significantly reduced in diabetic patients by 3.08 +/- 0.78 (0.1 Hz). The level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 30%; however, the deformability of erythrocyte was increased by 20%. And lastly, retinal capillary blood flow rate was increase. In this preliminary clinical study, 3 months of oral administration of Ginkgo biloba significantly reduced MDA levels of erythrocytes membranes, decreased fibrinogen levels, promoted erythrocytes deformability, and improved blood viscosity and viscoelasticity, which may facilitate blood perfusion. Furthermore, Ginkgo biloba effectively improved retinal capillary blood flow rate in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

      Bilberry- has a long medicinal history in Europe. It has been used to treat anything from kidney stones to Typhoid fever. During World War 2 British pilots noted that Bilberry jam before a flight dramatically improved night vision. Modern research now supports these claims. Bilberry contains anthocyanosides which are potent antioxidants which strengthen blood vessels and capillary walls, improve red blood cells, stimulate blood vessel growth, and stabilize collagen tissues such as tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in skin.. In addition, it helps to maintain the flexibility of red blood cells, allowing them to pass through the capillaries and supply oxygen. The herb is an established vasodialator that opens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Since the eyes and hair follicles have a high concentration of capillaries, bilberry may be particularly helpful in improving eyesight and helping hair growth. The herb has been shown to improve night vision, slow macular degeneration, prevent cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Published studies have shown improvement in eyesight, circulation, angina, stroke and atherosclerosis. It is also used to improve varicose veins and has anti-aging effects on collagen structures, helping to maintain skin firmness as one gets older.

      Here’s an excerpt from Natural News .com discussing vitamin E in this regard.
Disclaimer: Consider this feature on Vitamin E purely informational as there are no quoted studies by which to evaluate these assertions, to warrant any kind of recommendation. Nevertheless an interesting read.

      “Vitamin E- is a vital nutrient known mainly for its benefits to heart health. But vitamin E has many other properties that maintain health and has long been used both internally and externally. Vitamin E has been shown to help with the growth of hair as well as preventing hair loss. The exact mechanism is not known but vitamin E may prevent hair loss by the same mechanism that it prevents heart problems. Vitamin E helps with the growth of capillaries. When there are more capillaries, the circulation improves and it is thought that the improved circulation to the scalp is the trigger for preventing hair loss.”

      “Vitamin E grows hair because it causes capillary growth, vitamin E can help hair to grow. The increased circulation speeds the growth of hair in many people. The additional nutrition can prevent split ends, help heal hair damaged by excessive use of a hair dryer, and cure dry hair as well.”

      Inversion Boots- Several have reported to me that they have grown hair by hanging upside down for several minutes a day. I cannot vouch for the credibility of these reports. I personally invert for 10-15 minutes a day, not for the effects on hair, but because of the mental clarity it imparts,and postural/abdomen reducing benefits. It stretches and decompresses your spine to the point where you literally feel like the parking brake is off for the remainder of the day. My hair is in excellent shape, and I have no idea if this factors into it.

      Scalp Massage- Many swear by this but there is no evidence on its sustained impact on micro-capillary circulation. However it feels great and definitely wouldn’t hurt.

      As discussed, there is irrefutable evidence that diminished micro-circulation *is* implicated in MPB. and not surprisingly that new blood vessel formation causes hair growth in animal models. The traditional medical line, that circulation has absolutely nothing to with hair loss, can itself be dismissed as an old wives tale, especially in light of recent evidence.

Related Articles:

Ginkgo Biloba, Microcapillary Circulation,Hair Growth

Grape Seed Extract Benefits Hair loss via Multiple Mechanisms

New Super Absorbable Tocotrienols

A Hairloss Treatment Pill for Men and Women from L’Oreal

This study evaluating the en vivo anti-inflammatory effects in an androgen mediated model of inflammation, of the combination of Green Tea and Soy, bodes well for its effects on the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia, (AGA)) for several reasons.

One of the most notable is its ability to decrease the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor, an inflammatory messenger that has been termed the ‘Hair Follicle Assassin’ by several researchers. In this study, it was found that the *combination* of Soy and Green Tea, not the singular presence of either, produced these anti-inflammatory effects on androgen mediated inflammation.

Curcumin analogues have also been found to be powerful inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor, explaining in part, its hair growth effects when orally combined with Resveratrol.

An additional cosmetic benefit of Soy Isoflavones has to do with its effects on the retardation of skin aging.Soy Isoflavones used internally are well documented to improve and maintain skin’s firmness and increase skin thickness. They are used in Inneov’s premiere anti skin- aging cosmeceutical, Anti-Age FERMETE. In combination with Lycopene and Vitamin C they found that internally consumed Soy Isoflavones stimulate collagen production by 64%.

As you may know from our previous updates, Inneov uses Green Tea Extract in part because of its’ anti-inflammatory benefits, in their hair growth formulas for men and women. Internally consumed Green Tea has also been shown in studies to confer a UV protective on skin, important for those with AGA, as it is among other mechanisms, found to be a UV-aggravated dermatosis.

Inneov, the French anti-aging research subsidiary of l’Oreal and Nestle is a company whose developments we monitor and track closely. Their emphasis on usable, evidence based interventions on both hair loss and skin aging is an emphasis we albeit narcissistically, passionately share.

In previous articles and studies the ability of the combination of Soy and Green Tea to lower serum dht , (by an astounding 80%), facilitate Equol production, regulate SHBG, and its implications for the prevention/treatment of AGA were discussed, and are here for your perusal in our featured articles.

J Nutr Biochem. 2010 Aug 27.

Dietary soy and tea mitigate chronic inflammation and prostate cancer via NFkappaB pathway in the Noble rat model.

Hsu A, Bruno RS, Löhr CV, Taylor AW, Dashwood RH, Bray TM, Ho E.

Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkappaB) have been implicated in prostate cancer development; thus, dietary factors that inhibit NFkappaB may serve as effective chemo-preventative agents. Prostate cancer risk is significantly lower in Asian countries compared to the United States, which has prompted interest in the potential chemopreventative action of Asian dietary components such as soy and green tea. This study examined the effects of dietary soy and tea on NFkappaB activation and inflammation in vivo using a hormone-induced rat model for prostate cancer. Male Noble rats implanted with estradiol and testosterone were divided into 4 dietary groups: control, soy, tea, or soy+tea. NFkappaB activation and inflammatory cytokines were measured post implantation. The combination of soy and tea suppressed NFkappaB p50 binding activity and protein levels via induction of IkappaBalpha. Soy and tea also decreased prostate inflammatory infiltration, increased Bax/BcL2 ratio and decreased protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta compared to control. Soy and tea attenuated prostate malignancy by decreasing prostate hyperplasia. These effects were not apparent in groups treated with soy or tea alone. The ongoing in vivo studies thus far suggest that combination of foods, such as soy and tea, may inhibit hormone-induced proinflammatory NFkappaB signals that contribute to prostate cancer development.

Related Articles:

Soy Isoflavone Supplements Lower DHT and Stimulate Equol Production

Facilitating Equol Production for Hair Loss Treatment

Literature Review: Soy NOT Feminizing, Beneficial for Hair

Both finasteride, and Tea catechins reduce serum DHT. Why no side effects for Tea catechins ??

Fibrosis Leads to Destruction of Hair Follicles in Advanced cases of MPB

Propecia Reduces DHT by 71% Black Tea Reduces DHT by 72%

Soy May Help Men Protect Against Baldness, Prostate Cancer and Heart Disease

Significantly Enhanced Absorption of Green Tea

Soy Isoflavones Lower Serum DHT

Green Tea Raises SHBG-Hairloss/MPB Benefit

Green Tea ans Hairloss

  A Hairloss Treatment Pill for Men and Women from L’Oreal

      When a major International corporation such as L’Oreal patents treatments for both men’s and women’s hair loss, this would have to be considered significant news to hair loss sufferers. Patents in this area cost on average $600,000, and can take years to obtain. It is highly unlikely that a major corporation will move forward with the patent process and monetary investment unless they are reasonably sure in advance that they have something that works.

      In this case L’Oreal and Nestle teamed up in a joint venture and formed the subsidiary “Inneov,” headquarted in France, specifically to market “nutricosmetics,” a niche allowing them to move researched products much faster to commercial availability than the traditional drug approval route, which takes billions and many more years. Not that this is an inexpensive venture-the initial investment into L’Oreal’s and Nestle’s Nuricosmetic research was approximately $594 million.

      Chief among their initially marketed Nutricosmetics in 2004 was a Taurine based treatment for women’s hair loss known as HairMass. The sales of HairMass wildly exceeded projections, and was being used successfully in significant numbers by men as well as women. Consumers in Europe are now able to buy Inneov pills specifically designed to thicken men’s hair. The success men were already having using Hair Mass designed for women notwithstanding, L’Oreal/Inneov have tweaked the original Taurine/Green Tea/Grape Seed/Zinc based Hair Mass formula to make it more effective for men, by adding phytosterols, principally beta sitosterol, to inhibit 5 alpha reductase and reduce DHT binding/activity in the hair follicle.

      Here is an excerpt from a business journal discussing the L’Oreal/Nestle joint venture:

“Scientists have also expanded the product line of nutricosmetics for Inneov, L’Oreal’s line of edible beauty supplements, developed with Swiss food giant Nestle, launched in 2004. The promise is simple: take one of the little dark pink pills every day, and the firmness of your skin will improve. By the end of 2004, consumers were able to buy Inneov pills to thicken hair and firm skin. They currently have a pill to enhance sun protection. “We started with a product that demonstrably shows you have firmer skin,” Owen-Jones . L’Oreal’s CEO stated. “This is not snake oil.”

“L’Oreal is convinced that boomers will fight aging to the death and so demand more and more scientific solutions to that annoying biological problem. Company research shows that L’Oreal’s consumer used to be between ages 20 and 50. Now they’re between 15 and 70. Their relatively new Nutricosmetic, “Inneov Homme Anti-Chute” (Translated-Inneov Men’s anti-fall out) has received uniformly positive reviews, and sales have exceeded original expectations.”

In this feature, we will delve into the ingredients, mechanisms and data of this men’s hair growth formula, and show how you can replicate it at a more potent, higher milligram dose at a fraction of the cost. Much of what you will read has been provided by Inneov, and is in French and translated by us into English. There are versions in various languages on their website: Inneov.com, but unfortunately as of yet, not English. We apologize in advance for any awkwardness in the phraseology as a result of our translation.

INNEOV HOMME ANTI-CHUTE
(IINNEOV MEN ANTI-HAIR FALL OUT)
      Inneov’s exclusive formula is able to naturally pass in the blood and reach inside the capillary bulb and dermal papilla.

      Active ingredients have been selected to help combat 4 biological mechanisms of men’s androgenetic hair loss.

      It is designed to promote manufacture of a strong thick hair.

      It reduces fall out and increases capillary density.

      L’Oreal’s hair biology researchers have highlighted the central role of the dermal papilla in anchorage and strength of the hair.

      Located at the base of the bulb, highly irrigated by a network of blood microvessels, dermal papilla provides an anchor for the hair, controlling its growth impulses and diameter. As long as the dermal papilla is healthy it stimulates the cells of the matrix multiplication, and hair remains firmly anchored, thick, and durable.

      4 processes can singularly or simultaneously undermine this effect.

* Excess 5 alpha reductase activity.

*Localized inflammation of the follicle.

*Stiffening or rigidification of the bulb-Fibrosis.

*Decrease of blood microcirculation.

       OUR EXCLUSIVE, PATENTED FORMULA:
Pine Phytosterols:
Properties-highly concentrated source in phytosterols (99%, 100mg.), of which the primary constituent is Beta Sitosterol, extracted from Pine Fiber in an environmentally friendly process.
Mechanism of action-5AR is an enzyme that is involved in both prostate disorders and MPB. On the basis of the results obtained with phytosterols on the prostate, researchers have investigated their effects on male hair loss, and have found significantly positive results.

Zinc Gluconate:
Properties- Natural mineral, 5 mg.

Mechanism of action-Zinc mildly inhibits 5ar and participates in the synthesis of keratin.

Taurine:
Properties-Free form amino acid made in synthetic form. Dose close to 3 times the average dietary intake.

Mechanism of action-protects the hair follicles (and other organ systems in the body) from fibrosis, battling the over production of collagen. Taurine is therapeutically used in high doses to treat and prevent Acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity Cirrhosis of the Liver, Cystic Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Fibrosis, among many other conditions.

Green Tea and Grape Seed Polyphenols:
Properties-2 plant extracts rich in polyphenols.

Mechanisms of action:

- protect follicle from localized inflammation.

- protect microcirculation to revive the intake of essential nutrients to the bulb.

STUDIES/EFFICACY
Efficacy measured in clinical studies under dermatological control.Innéov Homme:

Anti-hair loss benefits from a clinical study carried out on 102 subjects during 16 weeks with a daily intake of 2 capsules, following a strict and rigorous methodology.The measured clinical results concern:* Slowing down of the hair loss process* Capillary density, which relates to the number of hairs anchored by cm.* Quality of hair and more particularly hair strength and thickness.

Slowing Hair Fallout/Reduction in shedding:

      For 2 months, The Following results were noticed:* 76% say the product significantly reduced or completely stopped shedding and subjectively increased hair density.* 83% reported their hair is stronger, its quality has improved.

      At the 8 week point the research was already seeing positive results. They analyzed the ratio of hair in the shedding, ( telogen) phase versus the amount of hair in the growth, (anagen) phase at baseline, 8 weeks, and again at 16 weeks. This process of analyzing anagen to telogen ratio, in addition to actual hair counts is an established and widely used method to determine the efficacy of hair loss treatments, including many trials on Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral Shampoo.

      At baseline they found that both the supplemented and un-supplemented, placebo groups had a shedding (telogen) percentage of approximately 27% and a growth (anagen) percentage of 74%, fairly standard for men afflicted in the early or middle stages of Androgenetic Alopecia.

      At the 8 week point they found that the un-supplemented, placebo group, showed a shedding percentage decrease of 1% and the supplemented group showed a shedding decrease of 19%. The un-supplemented group showed a 1% increase of hair the growth,(anagen) phase and the supplemented group showed a 6.9% increase in the the growth (anagen) phase. Bear in mind that both finasteride and minoxidil show virtually no effect at the 2 month point.

      At the 4 month, (16 week) point, the placebo group showed a shedding/telogen rate of 28%, 1 percentage point above baseline at the beginning of the study. The supplemented group, by contrast, showed a 29.5% decrease in the shedding /telogen rate.

      In hairs found to be in the growth/anagen phase, the unsupplemented placebo group showed a regression to below baseline levels by 3%. The supplemented group, again in even more stark contrast, showed an 11.3% increase in hair in the anagen phase, showing a measurable, clinically significant effect.

Hair Density       Hair density measurements (hair counts) were taken in the pattern hair loss area in a .651cm2 at baseline, 8 weeks and again at 16 weeks.

      At baseline, it was found that both supplemented and placebo groups had an average of 115 visibly measurable, terminal hairs in the measured area. At 8 weeks the placebo group showed a 2% increase to 118 hairs, and the supplemented group showed a 9.4 % increase in hair counts. At 16 weeks the placebo group regressed to baseline levels of 115 hairs, and the supplemented group showed a 13.8% increase to 137 hairs in the measured area. Neither finasteride nor minoxidil have shown comparable increases in hair counts over a 16 week period.

      In addition to the clinical study, a use test was conducted on 123 volunteers for only 8 weeks. 76% reported the product reduced shedding and was beginning to re-densify hair. 83 % reported their hair as “stronger and better.” It is likely there would be an even higher number of positive reports at the 16 week point.

                       Week 1 Week 16

                        Week 1 Week 16

                       Week 1 Week 16

                        Week 1 Week 16

      Inneov’s Homme The combined milligram total for a daily dose of this product is 700mg.

      Anti-Chute fortunately can readily be replicated at a more potent, much higher milligram dose, for significantly less, at least for those living in the US.

      The most essential ingredient in both the men’s and women’s formulas is one of the cheapest-Taurine. The amount of Taurine used in this formula is 150mg. Taurine can be used in higher milligram doses, for a greater therapeutic, fibrosis prophylaxis benefit. Taurine is cost negligible, completely safe and is used in doses of several grams a day to enhance cardiac functioning, increase fast twitch muscle ratio/ production in Athletes, enhance energy production and to treat various fibrosis conditions, body wide, ie lung, liver fibrosis, etc.

      The active constituent studied in Pine Phytosterols in the men’s formula is beta sitosterol. Beta sitosterol is well documented to be beneficial for prostate function, and has one positive published study evaluating its effects on hair growth. Inneov’s research team found it inhibited/reduced 5 alpha reductase activity and lowered DHT levels in the scalp areas affected by pattern hair loss. Super Saw Palmetto with Beta Sitosterol contains Beta Sitsterol in a dose of 90mg, in addition to the active constituents of a European patented critical deep CO2 Extract of Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto, as you may know, inhibited DHT binding to receptor sites in all tissue samples analyzed in one study.

      .The Ultra Natural Prostate Formula contains 180 mg of Beta Sitosterol in a daily dose, along with the critical extract of Saw Palmetto and lignans from Norway Spruce and Flax, that down-regulate Androstenedione, an androgen involved in balding that is typically left unaccounted for in the treatment process. The multi-ingredient Ultra Natural Prostate Formula has benefits for hair that go well beyond the local 5AR enzyme inhibiting properties of Pine phytosterol (beta sitosterol) alone.

      Grape Seed Extract is used to protect micro-capillary circulation. Grape Seed Extract has been recommended by us for years for this very reason. Because of this specific mechanism, it also protects against senescent, or age related thinning of the hair, which occurs independent of hormone mediated hair loss in aging individuals. Grape Seed Extract w/Resveratrol and Pterostilbene contains 100mg of pharmaceutical grade Grape Seed Extract per capsule along with 20mg of Resveratrol and .125mg of Pterostilbene, which in addition to added hair growth benefits, activates Sirtuin 1, the “longevity gene.”

      Green Tea Extract, like Grape Seed Extract is used in the women’s formula “Hair Mass” as well as the men’s. Mega Green Tea Extract has the polyphenol equivalant of 10 cups of Green Tea. It is a 98% extract that contains 45% EGCG (326.25mg per capsule) the most documented therapeutic anti-inflammatory constituent of Green Tea. Taking 1 capsule of Green Tea daily is far more economical and practical than consuming 10 cups of Green Tea.

      Zinc Gluconate can be substituted with a more bio-available form of Zinc-Zinc monomethionine, also known as OptiZinc, which is cost neglible, and confers more therapeutic benefits than the lower cost versions such as Zinc gluconate or sulfate.

      Since our feature on L’Oreal’s women’s formula, “Hair Mass” and follow up recommendations , the feedback from both genders has been positive. With Hair Mass and/or Inneov Homme Anti-Chute, you will get in addition to hair growth improvement, a large spectrum of anti-aging benefits. Given the ingredients of this formula, there is absolutely no reason why it would not be equally, if not more efficacious in dealing with women’s hair loss.

Related Articles:

L’Oreal patents an oral hairloss treatment

Nestle and L’Oreal Launch a New Taurine Based Pill for Hairloss

More Evidence for Taurine

Fibrosis Leads to Destruction of Hair Follicles in Advanced cases of MPB

Grape Seed Extract Benefits Hair loss via Multiple Mechanisms

Of all the compounds so far recommended in our treatment protocol topical Emu Oil has consistently gotten the most positive feedback in regards to frontal regrowth, with many users experiencing the initiation of vellous (fuzz) growth within weeks.

It is a given in hair loss treatment that frontal regrowth is much more difficult to attain than regrowth in the vertex or crown. This especially holds true of the “FDA approved ” compounds Rogaine and Propecia, as test data have shown them to be of virtually no use in stimulating frontal regrowth. Why this is the case is unclear, and has been a source of frustration to those who respond well in the crown , only to have their hairline stay in its receded state. In this article we will review the medical properties of topical Emu Oil, to give a clearer understanding of the multiple mechanisms by which it supports hair growth.

The emu, Dromaius nova hollandiae, is a flightless bird part of a group called ratites which also includes the ostrich and the kiwi. Modern Australians learned early on from the aborigines the many valuable qualities in the emu and its oil. The earliest research studies in emu oil come from Australia, and Australia continues to export emu oil to this day.

In the United States today there is a growing network of research labs interested in emus and their incredible oil. This animal that was originally imported as an oddity, a rare species with unique attributes, has become the source of an oil that in its pharmaceutical grade form, is worth close to a thousand dollars per gallon on the current wholesale market. Most people agree it is cheap at even this price considering its health promoting characteristics.

Emu oil is rendered from a thick pad of fat on the back of the bird that was apparently provided by nature to protect the animal from the extreme temperatures in its Australian homeland. The fat is carefully rendered to prevent the formation of trans fatty acids, 100 pounds of fat producing anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds of pale yellow oil. Correctly processed oil is almost 50% monounsaturated fatty acids with the rest of its make up being saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. (See Table 1) Studies at the Occupational Dermatology Laboratory of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and elsewhere have shown that “70% of the fatty acids in emu fat are of the unsaturated variety.” These are the fatty acids that help protect one’s heart. The second conclusion of this study was that oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid is the largest component of emu oil, that and this fatty acid may well be the main reason for this oil’s amazing ability to penetrate the skin and carry with it hair growth stimulating medications.)

Emu oil is almost 100% triglyceride in nature which makes it an almost completely neutral lipid. Researchers feel that the reason that it penetrates human skin so readily is that it has a total lack of phospholipids. Human skin is phospholipid deficient which means that there is no phosphorus in human skin. Anything put on human skin and scalp that has phosphorus in it will not penetrate because skin is programmed to keep such penetration from happening. Conversely, anything such as emu oil that is phospholipid deficient, i.e. has no phosphorus, will penetrate right in and take with it any medicinal materials added to it. Even on its own without added materials emu oil has amazing hair growth properties.

Properties of Emu Oil
The most important property of emu oil has already been mentioned. It is highly penetrating. This ability to penetrate the stratum corneum barrier of the skin, brought about by the high levels of oleic acid mentioned earlier, has in it the basis for many new uses in the future. Emu oil could be combined with various medicinals or cosmetic materials to take them beneath this barrier and could do it relatively more cheaply and as effectively as the costly liposomes and iontophorisis now available. At the present time, physicians in Australia specializing in hair growth are using emu oil for this penetrating ability because it gets into the scalp and enhances the potency of topical medications, in addition to making them last lasts longer.

It is anti-inflammatory, which may be in part why it stimulates hair growth. Four Australian inventors have isolated a yellow-colored component in emu oil that appears to be at least one of the active ingredients causing the oil’s anti-inflammatory activity. They have patented the substance they isolated, and this patent, or other research, could lead to new anti inflammatory medicines in the future that are without side effects, are non-irritating, which continue to work and are not thrown off or rejected by the body, and which are far less expensive than current anti-inflammatories are. There is much anecdotal material available on the anti-inflammatory abilities of emu oil. It has been shown to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, to reduce recent bruising and muscle pain, and ease sports related muscle strains as well. Perhaps most significantly it has been shown to inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnf-a), an inflammatory cytokine that has been shown to be involved in male pattern balding.

Emu Oil has also been shown to be a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor in target tissues when topically applied, which likely contributes significantly to its hair growth properties.

Emu oil is a good emulsifier, has good “blendability.” This means that it has the ability to blend oil and water together and produce a cream that does not feel oily on the skin or scalp. The problem is that most topical hair loss treatments do not penetrate the skin barrier very well. As we have seen above, however, emu oil can penetrate the skin barrier and do so without leaving an oily residue behind. This bodes very well for its future use in cosmetics as well as pharmaceutical uses.

A third important property of emu oil is that it is bacteriostatic. Tests show that in its pure state, emu oil grows no bacterial organisms. Pure pharmaceutical grade emu oil has a long shelf life for this reason and also because of its low levels of polyunsaturated fats which are the most subject to oxidation and eventual rancidity. This bacteriostatic activity will be of great help in future uses both cosmetically and pharmaceutically, and is essential for treating hair loss, as bacterial infiltrates have been shown to be present in MPB.

Emu oil has no potential for irritation of the skin and scalp. It is shown to have no side effects, and this means that even at full strength, emu oil has irritation levels so low that they are the same as those found in putting water on the skin, i.e. nonexistent. This enhances its abilities in topical hair loss treatment and sports medicine as well. This characteristic is unusual and it also betters its position as an anti-inflammatory because most of the anti-inflammatory drugs are irritating and have side effects.

Emu oil isnon-comedogenic, that is to say it does not clog up pores and thus does not cause pimples when used. This cannot be said for mineral oil (one of the current, popular carrier oils in cosmetics and rubbing oils) which causes outbreaks of pimples when used.

It is a good moisturizer which adds to its protective ability and promotes anti-aging of the skin. Researchers believe that its unique combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids may be an explanation for its ability to enhance the willingness of the upper layers of the skin to hold water. Like Viviscal, an expensive marine protein extract, It increases the thickness of human skin and scalp 2.5 times (which is thinner in MPB, and cures perifollicular inflammation, an inflammation present around hair follicles affected by MPB. There is much anecdotal material regarding its anti-aging and wound healing abilities. Stories of the oil being applied to burns and causing them to heal at a far faster rate abound.

The anti-aging factor in emu oil was proven in a study at the Boston University School of Medicine in which a pharmaceutical grade emu oil was topically applied to depilitated mice in a for a two-week-long period in a double-blind study using corn oil as the control substance. The processed emu oil produced a 20% increase in DNA synthesis which meant that the growth activity of the skin of these animals had a 20% increase. Also the hair follicles were much more robust and the skin thickness had increased as well. Dr. Michael Holick, MD, Ph.D. who conducted these tests said they also discovered that “over 80% of hair follicles that had been asleep were woken up and began growing hair.” He explained that hair follicles go through stages from resting to growth and back to sleep again, and that they awoke these hair follicles by stimulating them which indicates that it stimulates skin growth as well.

Cautions
As with any product which is galloping from obscurity to explosive use, we would be remiss if we didn’t say “buyer beware” before we closed this article. Emu oil was approved by the FDA for use in July of 1992, and the least we can ask is that it be pure and correctly processed. Both anecdotal evidence and research suggest that it does all the things that have been discussed in this article. To attain these effects, the oil you utilize must be processed properly. There are some important questions and considerations.

· Is the oil free from contamination by hormones which can be generated if the bird is processed inhumanely, and is the oil free from blood and meat residues from improper handling?

· Has the oil been processed in such a way that trans fatty acids are not produced?These come into being when any oil is processed at too high a heat and are the cause of many health related problems because they are non-natural and not usable by the human body.

· Is the product completely free of solvent extractors used in processing? And is the company processing the oil willing to certify that this is so? The best oils whether from emus or vegetable oils are made without solvent processing because this method of processing heats the oil to temperatures that of necessity produce the unwanted trans fatty acids mentioned above, besides leaving non-edible solvent residues in the finished product.

· Has the oil been refined by use of degummers(to remove stickiness from the oil)or a corrosive base material such as sodium hydroxide used to remove phospholipids and other protein like substances which can cloud the oil? These steps are not desirable because the degummers also remove calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, chlorophyll, lecithin and other phospholipids which enable the oil to penetrate the skin.

Have synthetic anti-oxidants or preservatives been added to the oil? Correctly processed emu oil free from blood or body residues is naturally bacteriostatic and these steps are not needed.

The above are just a few of the more pressing questions that should be asked when purchasing emu oil or indeed any oil that is to be used in or on the human body. The Emu Oil purchased through the MPB Buyer’s Club is a refined grade emu oil as used by Dr. Holick in his research. In all fairness , there may be other sources of Emu Oil that meet these standards as well, but the preceding questions should be asked nevertheless.

For hair regrowth in mice Dr. Holick applied Emu Oil three times a day. I like many others have experienced fuzzy regrowth in the hairline on a once a day application, which I do before bedtime, shampooing in the AM.

      People from Western cultures have a significantly higher incidence of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) compared to their Eastern counterparts. Also of interest is the fact that those of Asian descent residing in the US have a much increased incidence of AGA compared to those of the same ethnicity living in Asia.

      At the risk of offending Genetic predisposition purist, there are established environmental/dietary factors that appear to clearly influence the genetic expression of AGA. The dietary factors that are associated with a statistical reduction in the incidence of AGA in Asian cultures are Soy, Coconut, Flaxseed, and Sea Vegetables. The identified mechanisms induced by these dietary factors are the production of Equol, an anti-androgen, the down-regulation of Androstenedione, and the lowering of serum Dihydrotestosterone, (DHT).

      The dietary factors that appear at this point, most implicated with the stastistical higher incidence of AGA in Western cultures are High Fructose Corn Syrup, Wheat consumption, and Dairy consumption, all unfortunate staples of the American diet. The mechanisms associated with this are an increase in DHT, inflammation, and a decrease in SHBG, (which itself can increase estrogen and DHT) and insulin management.

      The following study explains the mechanism by which dairy can increase DHT, directly implicating it as a potentially aggravating dietary factor in the onset and progression of not only acne, but AGA as well. The pathogenesis of both acne and AGA are almost identical eg, Androgen initiation, bacterial infiltrates, local inflammation.

Dermatoendocrinol. 2009 Jan;1(1):12-6

Acne, dairy and cancer: The 5alpha-P link

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine (Dermatology); Dartmouth Medical School; Manchester, New Hampshire USA Abstract

A potent link to dairy seems to exist for three hormone-responsive glands. Acne, breast cancer and prostate cancer have all been linked epidemiologically to dairy intake. Although mechanisms postulated here remain to be accurately defined, the likely link involves Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 as a general stimulant, synergized by the steroid hormones present in milk. The IGF-1 may be either absorbed from milk, or stimulated by its ingestion, or both. The 5alpha-reduced compound 5alpha-pregnanedione (5alpha-P) present in milk is a direct precursor of dihydrotestosterone and may act through that pathway in prostate cancer, but 5alpha-P has also recently been shown to be capable of inducing estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, upregulating cancer cells’ sensitivity to estrogen. The introduction of exogenous hormones and growth factors into tissues that have not evolved defensive feedback inhibition of their corresponding endogenous sources is postulated as a direct stimulatory threat to these organ systems, whether for hyperplasia or neoplasia.

      Most consume dairy products because they are convinced or have been erroneously convinced that they are necessary as a source of Calcium. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Calcium in pasteurized cow milk is very poorly absorbed. There are also antibiotics, hormones, and residual pesticides to be concerned with. Soy and Almond milk are better sources of Calcium, and Soy milk alone, unlike cow’s milk, actually reduces, not increases, serum levels of DHT. Supplemental vitamin D3 significantly enhances Calcium absorption and may help with hair growth as well. Green, leafy vegetables are excellent sources of Calcium.

      While it is clearly established that AGA has a genetic etiology, there is an ever increasing body of evidence that there are environmental/dietary factors that enhance or diminish its expression. In the interest of halting AGA, you’d likely be well advised to curtail or eliminate your dairy consumption.

 

      Bear Biotech has developed a combination nutrient, probiotic compound to facilitate the production of Equol in genetic non-producers. Equol is, as you likely already know, a naturally occurring anti-androgen produced primarily from Daidzein (a constituent of Soy) and Green Tea in a significant subset of the Asian population. It essentially neutralizes the effects of, or molecularly “handcuffs” DHT, allowing them to remain free of Androgenetic hair loss.

      Bear Biotech’s patent pending product for facilitating Equol production in non-producers is comprised of Soy Isoflavones, Green Tea Extract, and particular Pro-biotics. There also are specific concurrent dietary recommendations comprised of the additional consumption of Yogurt and Soy Milk to the tune of two servings of each a day. Based upon our own subsequent review of the literature, we also recommend the addition of a Sea Vegetable/Iodine complex to further stimulate Equol production.Seaweed Added to Soy May Facilitate Equol Production

      Probiotics, more specifically the *exact* probiotics play a pivotal role in this conversion of Soy to Equol. In their publications thus far, Bear Biotech has remained nonspecific about the exact probiotic in question needed to facilitate this rapid conversion, referring to this tidbit of information as ”proprietary.”

      In a recent forum post however, Eric Murphy, President of Bear Biotech, revealed the probiotic in question as Bacillus Coagulans.

      The other array of acidodiphilus probiotics available in yogurt are are secondary or adjunctive to Bacillus Coagulans in this conversion process. A high dose of Bacillus Coagulans, Acidophilus, and digestive enzymes are combined in the probiotic/enyzyme formula, Enhanced Digestive Enzymes with Pro-biotics. This formula is ideal to take with Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones, Mega Green Tea Extract, and Sea Iodine to rapidly facilitate Equol production in genetic non-producers, of which the vast majority of Westerners unfortunately are.

To facilitate Equol production, you should take the following with a meal:
Enhanced Digestive Enzymes with Pro-biotics-2 capsules
Mega Green Tea Extract- 1 capsule
Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones-1 capsule
Sea Iodine- 1 capsule

According to Bear Biotech,doing so will quickly (within 2-3 weeks) reduce the shedding associated with, and halt the progression of Male and Female pattern balding. The ability of Equol to regrow hair that has already been lost remains unclear.

      According to clinical and laboratory analyses in Australia and the U.S., Emu Oil is a unique anti-inflammatory agent that can regenerate skin cells and grow healthy hair.

      What are the mechanisms by which Emu Oil stimulates hair growth? Studies have shown that Emu Oil *by itself* is an extremely penetrating anti-inflammatory agent that can rejuvenate skin cells and repair DNA. In essence it wakes up the inflamed and miniaturized hair follicles to the anagen (growth) phase. In addition, it also facilitates follicle regeneration and growth by increasing the synthesis of DNA in the epidermis. This results in the stimulation of skin regeneration and the proliferation of the cells around the hair follicle.

      From Dr Holick’s patent:

“Over 80% of hair follicles which were quiescent at the time of the initiation of the study, were stimulated by the application of the Emu Oil and began to produce a viable hair shaft. Typically, hair follicles go through stages from a quiescent phase, to an active hair-growth phase, and back to the quiescent phase again. The administration of Emu Oil was found to not only stimulate the hair follicles into the active phase, but it kept them in this phase during the entire period of administration, as well.”

      Again-all this from the singular application of Emu Oil.

      Virgin Coconut Oil also has properties that promote hair growth. 50% of coconut oil is comprised of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. Lauric acid has a strong anti-bacterial activity against propionbacterium. Propionbacterium plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia. Propionbacterium exists in the sebaceous glands of the facial skin and scalp. Propionbacterium initiates an inflammatory response, resulting in the production of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to gradual catabolism of the affected hair follicles.

      In a later finding, Holick and Kinney also reported that some of the cosmetic properties of the oil appear to be synergistically increased when used in combination with phospholipids from other oils used in cosmetics such as palm, borage and coconut. I have often wondered how combining Emu Oil with other oils, Virgin Coconut in particular, would impact its efficacy.

Why Virgin Coconut Oil?

      Because Virgin Coconut Oil has antibacterial, anti-inflamatory, and antiandrogenic effects that directly address mechanisms associated with MPB.

      Propionbacterium is also present in and primary in the development of acne. Lauric Acid from Coconut Oil is actually 15 times more potent at eradicating propionbacterium in acne than benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to treat acne but has significant side effects such as redness and dry skin due to the toxicity. Lauric acid from Coconut Oil has no side effects, stimulates skin repair mechanisms, and will moisturize, not dry the skin. Topical application of lauric acid, has been shown to kill Propionbacterium and diminish inflammation. Coconut Oil is 50% lauric acid, topical application of Coconut Oil has therapeutic potential for the treatment of MPB and acne by killing propionbacterium , therefore, terminating the inflammatory response that propagates Androgenetic Alopecia and Acne Vulgaris.

      Coconut Oil also down regulates the production of DHT, which is a major player in MPB and acne. As you likely already know, Testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT increases sebum emission, creating a conducive environment for propionbacterium, thus inflammation, to proliferate. It is established that the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme is significantly more elevated in areas prone to acne and Androgenetic Alopecia.

      Several studies have conclusively shown that lauric acid reduces 5-alpha reductase activity, and inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Another concluded that lauric acid inhibited the activity of 5-alpha reductase by 50%. One study in particular found that consumption of Coconut Oil in rats, like finasteride and saw palmetto, reduced enlarged prostate glands that had been experimentally enlarged with androgen administration.

      As an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase vis a vis its lauric acid content, Coconut Oil both internally and topically applied makes a plausible intervention for both hair loss and acne.

      As reported by Holick and Kinney, the cosmetic properties of both Emu Oil AND Coconut Oil would be synergistically enhanced when used in combination with each other. In fact, Emu Oil is a naturally penetrating substance that even out performs liposomes in its ability to deliver its own and other therapeutic compounds into the deepest layers of the dermis, (skin).

How is Emu Oil able to penetrate so deeply?

      Emu oil carries compounds piggyback style into cells. Unlike man-made liposomes which are substances that act like a bubble encasing compounds to penetrate into the skin, refined Emu Oil will carry substances much deeper than other methods, literally into the bloodstream, according to studies. Emu Oil, and DMSO, a byproduct of Pine Trees are the only known substances that can penetrate all 7 layers of skin and literally reach the cartilage, muscles and joints. Liposomes, as described above, typically carries compounds into the fourth and fifth layers but not all the way through to the muscles and joints. Mink Oil, traditionally considered an excellent penetrant, gets to the skin’s third layer. Emu Oil is rightfully referred to as the natural liposome and is used as a carrier for other treatment agents.

      A liposomal delivery of Coconut Oil as a treatment for acne is currently under investigation at the prestigious University of California at San Diego, (UCSD). UCSD News Release

      They are essentially refining a “smart” liposomal delivery system for Coconut Oil using nanoparticles. According to Holick and Kinney, you can accomplish the same thing and get additional anti-inflammatory benefits by mixing and simultaneously applying Emu Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil.

      Emu Oil has established hair growth stimulating properties. Topical Coconut Oil is used as a hair growth stimulant and Coconut Oil consumed is considered a curative for Prostate disorders in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine. There now appears to be a plausible scientific basis for these claims.

      Given the identified synergy of the combination of refined Emu Oil with other therapeutic phospholipids, (oils), it would appear likely that the topical combination of Coconut Oil and Emu Oil would make a good thing for hair growth even better. The best way to do this is to first aply a few drops of Emu Oil to affected areas,(hairline or crown). Follow up with a 50/50 mix of Emu Oil with Virgin Coconut Oil and leave on ideally overnight or at the very least 20 minutes prior to shampooing. You won’t need a conditioner, your hair will maintain a nice texture and sheen after shampooing and rinsing, and the oils will add extra volume by thickening the hair shaft diameter and preventing any SLS induced protein loss during the shampooing process.

      It would also be prudent to consume 2-3 tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil a day, which in addition to myriad health benefits,(not the least of which are thyroid regulation and bodyfat reduction) inhibits DHT. Virgin Coconut Oil is available at any health food store.

      The oral consumption of Emu Oil does provide many health benefits, and is used in several alternative Cancer treatment centers, but is generally cost prohibitive in significant dietary quantities.