Apple polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. They help inhibit glycation and promote a healthy inflammatory response. Apple polyphenols also help support a healthy cardiovascular system, cell division, blood sugar levels already within normal range, and healthy immune function. Recent research has demonstrated hair growth benefits as well. “AppleMets” is an oral apple polyphenol based hair growth supplement developed in Italy specifically for the treatment of Male and Female pattern hair loss. Several recently published studies assessing its apparently positive effects on hair growth have appeared in the medical literature.

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.

     Note: Emu Oil has also been shown to significantly upregulate Keratin expression:
Cytoprotection, proliferation and epidermal differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells on emu oil based electrospun nanofibrous mat.

     Two follow-up studies by the same research team on Apple polyphenols conducted, the latest assessing its effects on chemotherapy induced hair loss, which were astoundingly positive. 

Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in a Randomized Clinical Trial

     A quote from the abstract hints at its mechanism of action. “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,”
     This investigation demonstrated that the oral administration of Apple Polyphenols was able to arrest chemo therapy induced hair loss in mice, at a dose that is readily achievable in humans. Taxane is considered one the most potent and of the worst chemo therapy agents for hair loss in general. No agent, prior to this study, has ever had success with preventing hair loss associated with Taxane.        

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Protect Murine Hair Follicles from Taxane Induced Dystrophy and Hijacks Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism toward β-Oxidation

     From the study: “AAE forces HFs to produce ATP using mitochondrial β-oxidation, reducing Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) rate and nucleotides production. As consequence, DNA replication and mitosis are not stimulated, while a pool of free amino acids usually involved in catabolic reactions are spared for keratin production. Moreover, measuring the effect exerted on Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) metabolism, we prove that AAE promotes hair-growth by increasing the intracellular levels of Prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) and by hijacking PUFA catabolites toward β-oxidation.” According to the research team, those who are undergoing Chemo Therapy should initiate oral Apple Polyphenols 2-3 weeks prior to its initiation, and 3 months post therapy, as many have experienced a delayed response with hair loss occurring well after they have completed their chemotherapy regimes.Applemets, which is the specific compound used in these studies contains a relatively modest dose of 400 mg of Apple Polyphenol Extract, along 55 mg of Selenium, 10 mg of Zinc (form unspecified) and 50 mcg of Biotin.
Apple Polyphenols are often taken at higher doses for a variety of health concerns, and are far less costly in the US compared to Europe.  A bottle of 30 Applemets capsules costs approximately $38.00 US, (not including shipping from Europe). the relative costs of supplements in Europe is significantly higher compared to the US.  AppleWise which is a more concentrated  and higher dose Apple Polyphenol Extract, has 600 mg per capsule, and cost $15.75 US, and is available directly from Florida based, MPB Research. The recommended dose of AppleWise is 1-2 capsules a day.