New Study: Oral Apple Polyphenol Extract Promotes Hair Growth
Polyphenols and ProAnthocyandins are naturally occurring compounds found in exceptionally high concentrations in Apples, Grape Seeds and Skin, Barley, and Green Tea that have been shown in comparative studies to exert hair growth stimulation effects that are superior to Rogaine (Minoxidil). In plants they function as a defense against damage by ultraviolet radiation and micro-organisms. Proanthocyanidins have been effectively used in medications designed to protect and preserve the micro-capillary vessels, and as anti-aging cosmetics to protect the skin. Systemically they have been used as anti-oxidants.
Several studies have been conducted on the hair growth stimulation effects of topically applied Procyanidin B-2, with positive results. This research culminated in the development of a topical Procyanindin B-2 compound, which has been commercially available in both Japan and Korea for several years.
Several selective protein kinase C inhibitors including procyanidins promote hair growth
Topical Procyanidin B-2 in a 1% concentration (same as used in research) is available in the U.S. as a component of the Anti-Aging Scalp Rejuvenation serum, which also contains a novel plant extract derived from the rare argan tree that stimulates the activity of self-renewing dermal stem cells. This serves to moisturize the scalp, provide nutrients to every strand of hair, and sustain a strong and extended hair growth cycle.
A study was just completed assessing the effects of oral Apple Polyphenols, a natural source of Procyanidin B-2, on a large subject pool with Androgenetic Alopecia.
The results showed hair growth stimulation effects of the oral extract far exceeded those produced in the topical studies. The topical studies showed a hair growth effect that was roughly equivalent to Rogaine, whereas the following study using an oral Apple Polyphenol produced results that are far superior to those of previously tested topical Proanthocyanidin B-2.
J Med Food. 2017 Sep 28. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.0016. [Epub ahead of print]
Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Tenore GC, Caruso D, Buonomo G, D’Avino M, Santamaria R, Irace C, Piccolo M, Maisto M, Novellino E.
Abstract
Several pharmaceutical products have been formulated over the past decades for the treatment of male and female alopecia, and pattern baldness, but relatively few metadata on their efficacy have been published. For these reasons, the pharmaceutical and medical attention has recently focused on the discovery of new and safer remedies. Particularly, great interest has been attracted by oligomeric procyanidin bioactivity, able to promote hair epithelial cell growth as well as to induce the anagen phase. Specifically, the procyanidin B2, a dimeric derivative extracted from apples, has demonstrated to be one of the most effective and safest natural compounds in promoting hair growth, both in vitro and in humans by topical applications. By evaluating the polyphenolic content of different apple varieties, we have recently found in the apple fruits of cv Annurca (AFA), native to Southern Italy, one of the highest contents of oligomeric procyanidins, and, specifically, of procyanidin B2. Thus, in the present work we explored the in vitro bioactivity of AFA polyphenolic extract as a nutraceutical formulation, named AppleMets (AMS), highlighting its effects on the cellular keratin expression in a human experimental model of adult skin. Successively, testing the effects of AMS on hair growth and tropism in healthy subjects, we observed significant results in terms of increased hair growth, density, and keratin content, already after 2 months. This study proves for the first time the impact of apple procyanidin B2 on keratin biosynthesis in vitro, and highlights its effect as a nutraceutical on human hair growth and tropism.
While the Japanese study used a topical lotion with the compound, this product is an oral (tablets) nutraceutic.
As mentioned , the information about the main compound are backed by some previous research by different authors, that are accessible from PUBMED.
The forcing and prolonging of Anagen phase of the hair follicle is the ultimate goal af every therapy. Androgenetic Alopecia consists in fact in the shortening of that phase, leading to Telogen faster, resulting in thinning and weak hairs. In this study, the oral consumption of concentrated Apple Polyphenols significantly prolonged the Anagen phase.
Here are some excerpts from the complete study:
The present study shows, for the first time, the impact of procyanidin B2, contained in apple natural extract, on keratin biosynthesis in vitro, and represents the first attempt of its oral administration to humans as a potential hair growing nutraceutical agent.
Study participants were recruited by the Samnium Medical Cooperative (Benevento, Italy). Patients were enrolled in November 2015. Patients aged 30-83 years were eligible for enrollment if they showed evidence of pattern baldness.
A total of 250 eligible patients were randomly assigned to two groups to receive AppleMets( AMS) or AMSbzs supplements.
The two subgroups were instructed to take two capsules of, AMS, (400mg each).
In vitro AMS supplementation strongly enhances keratin content in human skin cells. Among them, oligomeric procyanidins have also shown remarkable hair growth stimulant effects invitro and in vivo being able to promote hair epithelial cell growth and anagen induction of the hair cycle. In particular, procyanidins B2 and B3 show evidence of protective actions versus apoptosis in hair epithelial cell cultures, thereby restricting catagen induction in the hair cycle.
The same effects have been reported with minoxidil and finasteride (an inhibitor of type II 5a-reductase, Merck) therapy for androgenetic alopecia.
The level of efficacy of 1% procyanidin B2 is concluded to compare favorably with minoxidil and finasteride therapy.
In conclusion, male and female pattern baldness is a highly common condition affecting 50% of the adult population, and potentially causing a significant negative impact on the quality of life. The results of this clinical trial,in combination with in vitro evidence of increased cellular keratin content, provide strong support that a dietary supplement acting as a nutraceutical and based on a procyanidin B2-containing AFA natural extract can effectively promote hair growth and improve skin quality,at once increasing hair density, weight, and keratin content.
AppleMets is an Apple Polyphenol Extract, that contains 400 mg per capsule. The suggested dose is 2 capsules a day. Applewise is a significantly more concentrated 50% Polyphenol Extract from organic apples. Due to its much higher concentration, 1 capsule a day is recommended as opposed to 2.
AppleMets has only been on the market in Italy for a few months , retails for 30 Euros (about $37 US)for a 30 day supply. Applewise is available for significantly less at $21.00 US for a month supply. Either one can be used in conjunction with any other treatment for hair loss. Both supplements offer a plethora of additional health and anti-aging benefits, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction, collagen enhancement, and increased micro-capillary circulation, which has implications for age related thinning of hair as well as Androgenetic Alopecia.