Published Study: Emu Oil Enhances Effectiveness of Minoxidil

A study, evaluating the hair growth potentiating effects of Emu Oil on Minoxidil, was published in the acclaimed journal, Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dr. Holick, M.D., PhD. While at Boston University initially conducted research on the dermatological properties of topically applied Emu Oil, prompting him to file an extensive patent application both in the U.S. and Europe for its hair growth stimulation effects.

He found that emu oil applied to dermis produced an 80% increase in hair growth activity, and noted that hair follicles were more robust, and skin thickness had markedly increased. Retinoids, such as Retin A, and Tazorac, are the only other compounds regularly used in dermatology that reliably produce these skin thickening, anti-aging effects.

Scalp Thickness, Retin A, Emu Oil and Hair Growth

Dr. Schmidt, of Auburn University, concluded that Emu Oil is able to uniquely penetrate the dermis and carry active compounds through the skin where they can have an effect on the body.

A pilot study conducted in England, evidenced a hair growth stimulation effect of Emu Oil by itself, topically applied.

New Emu Oil Study from England 

Subsequent studies in the medical literature have confirmed the profound anti-inflammation effect of topically applied Emu Oil, which is believed to be the primary mechanism by which it stimulates hair growth.

This particular study is the first peer reviewed, PUBLISHED study which evaluates the effects of Emu Oil on the established (albeit anemic) hair growth effect of the long ago FDA Approved treatment for hair loss, 5% Minoxidil, (Rogaine). What was found is that using Emu Oil with 5% Minoxidil significantly enhanced the hair growth effects of 5% Minoxidil, compared to 5% alone.

Res Pharm Sci. 2014 Mar-Apr; 9(2):123-33.
Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion.
Shatalebi MA, Rafiei Y
Abstract

The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate a minoxidil emu oil emulsion with the purpose of improving minoxidil permeation into the skin, increasing hair growth, reducing skin irritation, and increasing consumer compliance. Minoxidil was dissolved in a solvent system. The emulsion was prepared by mixing the oil phase with minoxidil solution using different amount of various emulsifiers. Seventeen formulations were prepared and the most stable foamable emulsion was selected and evaluated for various pharmaceutical parameters such as homogeneity, pH, stability to centrifugal stress, freeze-thaw and foamability. The adopted formulation showed good pharmaceutical characteristics. In vitro release rate of the formulations were evaluated using Franz diffusion cell using phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and ethanol as the receiver medium at sink condition. The release rate of formulations was found to obey Higuchi kinetic model. Experimental animal study was performed to evaluate hair growth potential of the formulation. Different cyclic phases of hair follicles, like anagen, and telogen phases, were determined at one month period. Histological study after treatment with adopted formulation exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase (96%) which were higher as compared to marketed 5% minoxidil solution, and the control group (42%). From the animal study it was concluded that the selected formulation exhibited a significant potency in promoting hair growth in comparison with marketed 5% minoxidil solution Pakdaru.

Comment: What was unaccounted for in this study was a comparison of the hair growth stimulation effects of Emu Oil/Minoxidil combination, vs Emu Oil alone. Given the already available information on Emu Oil, it is entirely plausible that these effects could have been produced by Emu Oil, with or without Minoxidil. Nevertheless, it is validating to see a prestigious, peer reviewed, journal, publish a study on the hair growth potentiating effects of Emu Oil, even when used with a relatively weak, and arguably outdated hair growth stimulant-5% Minoxidil.

Even Extra-Strength Rogaine Offers Little Hope

Although Minoxidil is an FDA Approved treatment for hair loss, we generally discourage its particular use due to the often dramatic shedding that occurs shortly after its discontinuation. Even though gradual shedding is to be expected after discontinuing most treatments, this particular acute shedding effect appears to be unique to Minoxidil, and has even been published in the medical literature.

Post Rogaine Shed Documented in Archives of Dermatology

The findings of this Emu Oil/Minoxidil study could be clearly extrapolated to include not just Minoxidil, but other more advanced topical formulations, such as Dr. Proctors Advanced Hair Regrowth Formula, and the Anti-Aging Scalp Rejuvenation Serum, whose effectiveness could be also significantly enhanced by the concurrent usage of Emu Oil.

Dr. Proctors Advanced Hair Regrowth Formula, in addition to Super Oxide Dismutases (SODases), NO Upregulators, and Copper Peptides, contains Pyridine-N-Oxides, which is a more potent molecule than Minoxidil developed by Dr. Peter Proctor M.D., PhD. Dr. Proctors patented Pyridine-N-Oxides evidently do not cause an acute shedding upon discontinuation.

The Anti-Aging Scalp Rejuvenation Serum contains an Argan Fruit Extract (not oil) that stimulates the production of dermal stem cells, which are diminished in hair follicles affected by MPB. It also, by virtue of the inclusion of Pro-Anthocyanidin B-2 functions as a hair growth stimulant. Copper, with its anti-inflammation and 5 alpha reductase inhibition properties, is also part of this multi-component formulation.

Virtually any topical treatment can be enhanced with Emu Oil. The best way to use Emu Oil with other topical treatments is to apply the treatment first, and follow 5-10 minutes later with a few drops of Emu Oil. In addition to the existing hair growth stimulation effects of plain Emu Oil (low temperature processed) this will enhance the penetration and residence time; the amount of time active ingredients affect the follicles, of any treatment concurrently used.

It is also important to use low temperature processed Emu Oil as opposed to Emu Oil that has been processed at much higher temperatures, which is standard in the U.S. Low temperature processed Emu Oil has a significantly more pronounced anti-inflammation effect which is essential in stimulating hair growth.

Huge Quality (and hair growth potential) difference in commercially available Emu Oils