dsade
NutraPlanet Fanatic
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As you can probably figure, we have had our hands full here at EvoMuse, with our release pace picking up speed. As promised a while ago, here is the meat of the VM Writeup.
I'm sure you don't care right now about the marketing paragraphs in the beginning and end, so let's get to it and I will edit those in later.
There is also an illustration here that I will upload to photobucket and try to get into the correct spot.
[h=1]Virile Mane Write Up[/h]
Ingredients & Function
[h=2]Baicalin[/h]As seen in the above below, the dermal papillae (DP) are little bumps sitting on top of the dermis, surrounding individual hair follicles like a ring. These cells are crucial components in nourishing hair and allowing for growth. They also contain androgen receptors, that when stimulated by the presence of dihidrotestosterone (DHT), will translocate to the cell membrane and allow for binding.
Excessive DHT binding at the papillae cells can be catastrophic for hair growth. Baicalin interferes with this process, stopping the translocation of the androgen receptor so DHT has no place to bind. In addition, baicalin has also been shown to upregulate DP cell proliferation which encourages new hair growth (1).
Baicalin has also been shown to promote angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) through activating a specific estrogen related receptor (ERRa), which causes production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (2).
Finally, It has been observed that all three PPAR subtypes are expressed in hair follicle cells, and that specific activation and inhibition of specific PPAR subtypes increases hair follicle survival (3). Baicalin has been shown to downregulate PPARy in multiple studies, which could aid in slowing hair loss.
[h=2]L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT)[/h]According to work from Foitzik et al., LCLT downregulates certain inflammatory cytokines (TGF-beta, caspase-3, caspase-7) in cultured hair follicles. These cytokines are responsible for the initial phase of hair follicle apoptosis, or cell death. LCLT also upregulates proliferation of keratinocytes (see image below), and increases the energy supply to follicles in the anagen phase (4,5).
6-Gingerol
6-Gingerol is included in the Virile Mane formula due to its potent interaction with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 functions as an integrator of endogenous and exogenous nociceptive stimuli. The painful response from the consumption of hot peppers, for example, is the result of TRPV1 activation.
TRPV1 exists all over the body, including skin tissue. The most researched ligand of this receptor is capsaicin, however, too potent of an activation depletes sensory nerves of a compound called Substance P. The same way that Capsaicin is used in Nociception (pain relief) is by depletion of Substance P. What we find in skin and hair follicles is that it is most desirable to activate the TRPV1 receptor without depleting Substance P completely.
Research has shown that a judicious amount of local TRPV1 activation can encourage hair growth (too much and we see a paradoxical effect) (6). 6-Gingerol does this by increasing the release of something called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from sensory neurons, which then increases local IGF-1 levels, encouraging growth of new hair (7,8).
As an added benefit, Gingerols inhibit expression of the COX-2 enzyme, by inhibiting expression of Interleukin-1b, thus resulting in reduced inflammatory response so detrimental to hair growth. (61)
[h=2]Beta Escin phosphatidylcholine complex[/h]Beta Escsin, aka, aescin, is the active component of Horse Chestnut and was chosen for its ability to enhance vascular microcirculation as well as act as an antioxidant. More blood flow to the scalp equals more nutrient delivery, and controlling oxidation reduce follicle damage to allow for more continuous turn over of the hair growth cycle (9–11). The phosphatidylcholine complex allows for better delivery to the target cells (12).
[h=2]Tocotrienols (from Palm Oil)[/h]Tocotrienols refer to four specific components of vitamin E found in high concentrations in palm oil. They have gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years due largely to the success of self-experimentation in various online hair loss support circles. The main mechanism of action is likely related to their unique and powerful antioxidant ability. They have been shown to increase the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, which typically decrease with age, encouraging hair loss due to unchecked oxidative stress.
A recent study found that subjects supplementing with tocotrienols increased hair growth by almost 35% over the placebo group (13). While no published data exists yet, another common user report from tocotrienol supplementation is darkening of hair back to its original color in addition to the regrowth.
[h=2]DL Panthenol[/h]This a racemic blend of the B5 provitamin, panthenol, which is converted in the body to pantothenic acid. It is believed that hair can efficiently absorb pantothenic acid where it can repair damaged proteins, improving health of the existing hair. It also acts as a humectant, meaning it pulls water from the air and attracts it to the hair to keep it moisturized and give it a shiny look.
[h=2]Manganese-copper-zinc complex[/h]These three nutrients tend to decrease with age and are critical for formation of SOD. When SOD is inadequately produced, superoxide levels stay above optimal; which gives the hair the signal to stop growing and fall out.
[h=2]Anthocyanin (dragon fruit)[/h]Responsible for providing dark colored pigmentation, anthocyanins can be found in a variety of fruit skins. The inclusion in Virile Mane is simply to increase blood flow to the scalp through a nitric oxide mediated mechanism, thereby improving nutrient delivery and oxygen to hair follicles (14,15).
[h=2]Coconut Oil[/h]Coconut oil has numerous benefits for hair and scalp health. The primary fatty acid in coconut oil, Lauric Acid, can penetrate the hair shaft allowing for protection against protein loss and moisture regulation, unlike mineral oils (16–19).
[h=2]Cholecalciferol[/h]Cholecalciferol, or Vitamin D3, is an important vitamin for maintaining hair growth, as evidenced by the appearance of vitamin D receptors in the dermal papilla (20,21). Vitamin D deficiencies are increasingly common, and without adequate D3 the hair loss/growth cycle is tipped very unfavorably. Recent research has shown Vitamin D3 and its analogues to regulate differentiation and proliferation of hair follicles, and help to kick-start the hair growing cycle (22–25).
[h=2]Menthol[/h]In the early 2000's, something called the TRPM8 protein was discovered in sensory neurons, which can be thought of as somewhat of a cousin to the TRPV1 receptor. Menthol binds to this receptor; which is what gives it the cooling property normally experienced only with actual temperature reduction (26). In Virile Mane, menthol has been included to soothe the scalp, improve blood flow, and enhance the delivery of other ingredients.
[h=2]Green Tea Catechins[/h]Catechins are considered a procyanidin, which are a form of flavonols found in various plants. Green Tea and its catechins have quite a bit of data backing their use for preventing hair loss and encouraging growth. Research shows an anti-apoptotic effect on the dermal pappilae under various conditions, including testosterone induced apoptosis, and has been shown to be effective for reversal of androgenic alopecia (27–30). It appears one of the main ways green tea catechins do this is by strongly binding to keratin and reducing oxidative stress that normally disrupts the hair turnover cycle (31).
[h=2]Apple Polyphenols[/h]Apple Polyphenols are another source of procyanidins, and in particular, a highly effective oligomer called Procyanidin B-2, which even as a standalone treatment has been said by researchers to show "potential as a promising cure for male pattern baldness" (32). Numerous studies under various parameters have demonstrated exceptional results for inducing the anagen cycle in humans, animals, in vitro and in vivo (33–36).
In one study, Procyanidin B-2 was about 220% more effective than Procyanidin C-1 at promoting growth in epithelial cells in vitro, and about equally effective as Procyanidin B-1 and Procyanidin B-3, which themselves were more effective than Minoxidil (37). In addition, Procyandin B-2's stimulation of cAMP and inhibition of PKC (which is a potent inducer of inflammation) are effective at stimulating Anagen phase. Virile Mane uses a potent Apple Polyphenol extract standardized for a high amount of Procyanidin B-2.
[h=2]Daphne Feddei (Daphne Factor F-3)[/h]Daphne Factor F-3, from the Daphne Feddei plant has several unique characteristics in regards to hair growth. A protein called Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) works in conjunction with DHT to start the catagen cycle, and in alopecia this can become far too dominant, encouraging excessive hair loss. The NT-4/DHT effect on hair loss is accelerated by androgens, and effectively curbed by Daphne Factor F-3 (38).
[h=2]Dieckol (ecklonia cava)/Aconiti Ciliare Tuber extract[/h]Dieckol is found in the edible seaweed ecklonia cava, and demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. A brand new study published in the Journal of Experimental Dermatology showed that dieckol was able to cause significant hair growth by stimulating both dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells (39). In addition to this, a previous study showed a positive effect from Dieckol on inhibiting the 5-ar enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT (40).
Aconiti Ciliare Tuber (ACT) extract is the first ingredient in the formula to target something called the Wnt/b-catenin pathway for hair growth. Recent research has shown ACT "has the potential to promote the induction of hair growth via activation of the stem cell activity of the dermal papilla cells" (41).
[h=2]Honokiol[/h]Honokiol is a lignan isolated from Magnolia, with proven research behind its ability to stimulate hair growth. Like some of the other ingredients in Virile Mane, honokiol suppresses factors that promote follicular apoptosis, in this case, the cytokine TNF-a (42). Another study showed that honokiol was able to stimulate hair growth on par with Minoxidil (43). And finally, it has also been shown to be another inhibitor of the 5-ar enzyme thereby reducing the loss of hair by limiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT (44).
[h=2]Sophora Flavescens extract[/h]Sephora Flavescens extract has been shown to stimulate growth factors like IGF-1 and KGF in papilla cells, while also inhibiting 5-ar activity, giving it another multi-angled attack at hair growth promotion (45). Another potential mechanism for Sophora Flavescens to reduce hair loss & promote growth, is by reducing the production of AGE's (the damaging binding of proteins to glucose) that tend to wreak havoc all over the body and accelerate various factors with aging (46).
[h=2]Polygonum multiflorum (PM)[/h]In the past few years, a couple of promising studies have been published showing great potential for Polygonum multiflorum for hair growth. One specific compound found in PM showed that it was able to outperform Minoxidil in the parameters tested (47). A second study showed PM to be effective at promoting hair growth in mice by initiating the anagen phase (48).
I'm sure you don't care right now about the marketing paragraphs in the beginning and end, so let's get to it and I will edit those in later.
There is also an illustration here that I will upload to photobucket and try to get into the correct spot.
[h=1]Virile Mane Write Up[/h]
Ingredients & Function
[h=2]Baicalin[/h]As seen in the above below, the dermal papillae (DP) are little bumps sitting on top of the dermis, surrounding individual hair follicles like a ring. These cells are crucial components in nourishing hair and allowing for growth. They also contain androgen receptors, that when stimulated by the presence of dihidrotestosterone (DHT), will translocate to the cell membrane and allow for binding.
Excessive DHT binding at the papillae cells can be catastrophic for hair growth. Baicalin interferes with this process, stopping the translocation of the androgen receptor so DHT has no place to bind. In addition, baicalin has also been shown to upregulate DP cell proliferation which encourages new hair growth (1).
Baicalin has also been shown to promote angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) through activating a specific estrogen related receptor (ERRa), which causes production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (2).
Finally, It has been observed that all three PPAR subtypes are expressed in hair follicle cells, and that specific activation and inhibition of specific PPAR subtypes increases hair follicle survival (3). Baicalin has been shown to downregulate PPARy in multiple studies, which could aid in slowing hair loss.
[h=2]L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT)[/h]According to work from Foitzik et al., LCLT downregulates certain inflammatory cytokines (TGF-beta, caspase-3, caspase-7) in cultured hair follicles. These cytokines are responsible for the initial phase of hair follicle apoptosis, or cell death. LCLT also upregulates proliferation of keratinocytes (see image below), and increases the energy supply to follicles in the anagen phase (4,5).
6-Gingerol
6-Gingerol is included in the Virile Mane formula due to its potent interaction with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 functions as an integrator of endogenous and exogenous nociceptive stimuli. The painful response from the consumption of hot peppers, for example, is the result of TRPV1 activation.
TRPV1 exists all over the body, including skin tissue. The most researched ligand of this receptor is capsaicin, however, too potent of an activation depletes sensory nerves of a compound called Substance P. The same way that Capsaicin is used in Nociception (pain relief) is by depletion of Substance P. What we find in skin and hair follicles is that it is most desirable to activate the TRPV1 receptor without depleting Substance P completely.
Research has shown that a judicious amount of local TRPV1 activation can encourage hair growth (too much and we see a paradoxical effect) (6). 6-Gingerol does this by increasing the release of something called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from sensory neurons, which then increases local IGF-1 levels, encouraging growth of new hair (7,8).
As an added benefit, Gingerols inhibit expression of the COX-2 enzyme, by inhibiting expression of Interleukin-1b, thus resulting in reduced inflammatory response so detrimental to hair growth. (61)
[h=2]Beta Escin phosphatidylcholine complex[/h]Beta Escsin, aka, aescin, is the active component of Horse Chestnut and was chosen for its ability to enhance vascular microcirculation as well as act as an antioxidant. More blood flow to the scalp equals more nutrient delivery, and controlling oxidation reduce follicle damage to allow for more continuous turn over of the hair growth cycle (9–11). The phosphatidylcholine complex allows for better delivery to the target cells (12).
[h=2]Tocotrienols (from Palm Oil)[/h]Tocotrienols refer to four specific components of vitamin E found in high concentrations in palm oil. They have gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years due largely to the success of self-experimentation in various online hair loss support circles. The main mechanism of action is likely related to their unique and powerful antioxidant ability. They have been shown to increase the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, which typically decrease with age, encouraging hair loss due to unchecked oxidative stress.
A recent study found that subjects supplementing with tocotrienols increased hair growth by almost 35% over the placebo group (13). While no published data exists yet, another common user report from tocotrienol supplementation is darkening of hair back to its original color in addition to the regrowth.
[h=2]DL Panthenol[/h]This a racemic blend of the B5 provitamin, panthenol, which is converted in the body to pantothenic acid. It is believed that hair can efficiently absorb pantothenic acid where it can repair damaged proteins, improving health of the existing hair. It also acts as a humectant, meaning it pulls water from the air and attracts it to the hair to keep it moisturized and give it a shiny look.
[h=2]Manganese-copper-zinc complex[/h]These three nutrients tend to decrease with age and are critical for formation of SOD. When SOD is inadequately produced, superoxide levels stay above optimal; which gives the hair the signal to stop growing and fall out.
[h=2]Anthocyanin (dragon fruit)[/h]Responsible for providing dark colored pigmentation, anthocyanins can be found in a variety of fruit skins. The inclusion in Virile Mane is simply to increase blood flow to the scalp through a nitric oxide mediated mechanism, thereby improving nutrient delivery and oxygen to hair follicles (14,15).
[h=2]Coconut Oil[/h]Coconut oil has numerous benefits for hair and scalp health. The primary fatty acid in coconut oil, Lauric Acid, can penetrate the hair shaft allowing for protection against protein loss and moisture regulation, unlike mineral oils (16–19).
[h=2]Cholecalciferol[/h]Cholecalciferol, or Vitamin D3, is an important vitamin for maintaining hair growth, as evidenced by the appearance of vitamin D receptors in the dermal papilla (20,21). Vitamin D deficiencies are increasingly common, and without adequate D3 the hair loss/growth cycle is tipped very unfavorably. Recent research has shown Vitamin D3 and its analogues to regulate differentiation and proliferation of hair follicles, and help to kick-start the hair growing cycle (22–25).
[h=2]Menthol[/h]In the early 2000's, something called the TRPM8 protein was discovered in sensory neurons, which can be thought of as somewhat of a cousin to the TRPV1 receptor. Menthol binds to this receptor; which is what gives it the cooling property normally experienced only with actual temperature reduction (26). In Virile Mane, menthol has been included to soothe the scalp, improve blood flow, and enhance the delivery of other ingredients.
[h=2]Green Tea Catechins[/h]Catechins are considered a procyanidin, which are a form of flavonols found in various plants. Green Tea and its catechins have quite a bit of data backing their use for preventing hair loss and encouraging growth. Research shows an anti-apoptotic effect on the dermal pappilae under various conditions, including testosterone induced apoptosis, and has been shown to be effective for reversal of androgenic alopecia (27–30). It appears one of the main ways green tea catechins do this is by strongly binding to keratin and reducing oxidative stress that normally disrupts the hair turnover cycle (31).
[h=2]Apple Polyphenols[/h]Apple Polyphenols are another source of procyanidins, and in particular, a highly effective oligomer called Procyanidin B-2, which even as a standalone treatment has been said by researchers to show "potential as a promising cure for male pattern baldness" (32). Numerous studies under various parameters have demonstrated exceptional results for inducing the anagen cycle in humans, animals, in vitro and in vivo (33–36).
In one study, Procyanidin B-2 was about 220% more effective than Procyanidin C-1 at promoting growth in epithelial cells in vitro, and about equally effective as Procyanidin B-1 and Procyanidin B-3, which themselves were more effective than Minoxidil (37). In addition, Procyandin B-2's stimulation of cAMP and inhibition of PKC (which is a potent inducer of inflammation) are effective at stimulating Anagen phase. Virile Mane uses a potent Apple Polyphenol extract standardized for a high amount of Procyanidin B-2.
[h=2]Daphne Feddei (Daphne Factor F-3)[/h]Daphne Factor F-3, from the Daphne Feddei plant has several unique characteristics in regards to hair growth. A protein called Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) works in conjunction with DHT to start the catagen cycle, and in alopecia this can become far too dominant, encouraging excessive hair loss. The NT-4/DHT effect on hair loss is accelerated by androgens, and effectively curbed by Daphne Factor F-3 (38).
[h=2]Dieckol (ecklonia cava)/Aconiti Ciliare Tuber extract[/h]Dieckol is found in the edible seaweed ecklonia cava, and demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. A brand new study published in the Journal of Experimental Dermatology showed that dieckol was able to cause significant hair growth by stimulating both dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells (39). In addition to this, a previous study showed a positive effect from Dieckol on inhibiting the 5-ar enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT (40).
Aconiti Ciliare Tuber (ACT) extract is the first ingredient in the formula to target something called the Wnt/b-catenin pathway for hair growth. Recent research has shown ACT "has the potential to promote the induction of hair growth via activation of the stem cell activity of the dermal papilla cells" (41).
[h=2]Honokiol[/h]Honokiol is a lignan isolated from Magnolia, with proven research behind its ability to stimulate hair growth. Like some of the other ingredients in Virile Mane, honokiol suppresses factors that promote follicular apoptosis, in this case, the cytokine TNF-a (42). Another study showed that honokiol was able to stimulate hair growth on par with Minoxidil (43). And finally, it has also been shown to be another inhibitor of the 5-ar enzyme thereby reducing the loss of hair by limiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT (44).
[h=2]Sophora Flavescens extract[/h]Sephora Flavescens extract has been shown to stimulate growth factors like IGF-1 and KGF in papilla cells, while also inhibiting 5-ar activity, giving it another multi-angled attack at hair growth promotion (45). Another potential mechanism for Sophora Flavescens to reduce hair loss & promote growth, is by reducing the production of AGE's (the damaging binding of proteins to glucose) that tend to wreak havoc all over the body and accelerate various factors with aging (46).
[h=2]Polygonum multiflorum (PM)[/h]In the past few years, a couple of promising studies have been published showing great potential for Polygonum multiflorum for hair growth. One specific compound found in PM showed that it was able to outperform Minoxidil in the parameters tested (47). A second study showed PM to be effective at promoting hair growth in mice by initiating the anagen phase (48).
