ArticlePDF Available

Effect of gelatin-cystine and serenoa repens extract on free radicals level and hair growth

Authors:

Abstract

The influence of gelatin-cystine and serenoa repens on hair growth was studied through a long period application (50 weeks) of a new cosmeceutical lotion. On 48 volunteers (24 women and 24 men) aged between 21 and 38 years, affected by androgenetic alopecia (type III and IV according to Hamilton). 12 subjects also took a diet supplement (4 pills per day) based on gelatin- cystine. The solution and the diet supplement (placebo and active) were assigned in a randomized double-blind manner. Hair mass and the mean hair number were controlled according to Price et al. Exclusion criteria included use of topical or oral drug or diet supplement within the previous six months. The obtained results showed an increase of hair mass from 20 to 30% (p<0.005) together with a contemporary increase of hair number (from 17 to 27%) (p<0.005) compared to the placebo for subjects using the lotion only. With the diet supplement a further increase of 50% (p<0.005) in hair growth and a significant decrease of blood ROS (Reactive Oxigen Species) were obtained.
... SP's antiandrogenic properties, minimal side-effect profile [16], and low drug interaction potential have prompted its use as a complementary alopecia remedy [1,16,17]. The extract has been evaluated for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) [18][19][20][21], telogen effluvium (TE) [22][23][24][25], seborrheic dermatitis [26,27], and facial sebum [28], as a monotherapy or in combination with other supplements, in oral and topical formulations. In this review, we will systematically describe SP extract's efficacy for the treatment of hair loss conditions and associated side effects. ...
... A systematic review was completed searching the National Library of Medicine through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochran databases, without date limits, in January 2019, using the following terms: (saw palmetto and hair loss); (saw palmetto and androgenetic alopecia); (saw palmetto and natural supplement and alope- The above search generated 9 articles using oral and topical supplements containing SP, with a total of 381 patients, for the treatment of alopecia (Fig. 1). Four RCTs [18][19][20][21], 2 prospective cohort studies [24,29], and 1 case report [30] described the effects of topical or oral SP extract for the treatment of AGA. The efficacy of SP-containing products in treating TE was described in 2 case reports [25,30], 1 RCT [21], and 1 prospective cohort study [24] (Table 1). ...
... The use of topical SP and oral gelatin-cystine supplement caused a further increase of approximately 50% in all hair growth parameters (p < 0.005) when compared to use of either agent alone. Both topical SP and gelatincystine supplement were well tolerated, and no adverse events (AEs) were reported [18]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Saw palmetto (SP), a botanical extract with antiandrogenic properties, has gained commercial popularity for its purported benefits on hair regrowth. To summarize published evidence on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of supplements containing SP in the treatment of alopecia, we conducted a PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database search using the following terms: (saw palmetto and hair loss), (saw palmetto and androgenetic alopecia), and (saw palmetto and natural supplement and alopecia). Five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 2 prospective cohort studies demonstrated positive effects of topical and oral supplements containing SP (100–320 mg) among patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and telogen effluvium. Sixty percent improvement in overall hair quality, 27% improvement in total haircount, increased hair density in 83.3% of patients, and stabilized disease progression among 52% were noted with use of various topical and oral SP-containing supplements. SP was well tolerated and not associated with serious adverse events in alopecia patients. Although robust high-quality data are lacking, supplements containing SP may be a treatment option for patients with AGA, telogen effluvium, and self-perceived hair thinning. Further large-scale RCTs focusing on the sole contribution of SP to hair growth outcomes are needed to confirm efficacy and determine long-term adverse events.
... Actualmente, los tratamientos de primera línea para la AGA en los varones son los fármacos antiandrógenos por vía oral, inhibidores de la 5-α reductasa: dutasterida y finasterida; es de elección dutasterida pues inhibe las dos isoenzimas de la 5-α reductasa, mientras que finasterida inhibe únicamente la isoenzima tipo 2. En diferentes ensayos clínicos, dutasterida ha mostrado que tiene un perfil de seguridad similar a finasterida, siendo su eficacia clínica mayor [21]. Así mismo, Sabal serrulata tiene la capacidad de inhibir las dos isoenzimas de la 5-α reductasa en tejido prostático humano [22], aunque otros estudios han demostrado que la ingesta oral de Sabal serrulata y determinados complementos nutricionales podrían aumentar el número de cabellos en pacientes que padecen AGA [23,24]. ...
... Both cystine and methionine have been shown to improve hair growth in AGA patients [14, 15••]. In 24 patients with AGA, oral administration of combined cystine, methionine, histidine, zinc, and copper led to a significant mean change in total hair count [14]. Millet seed, rich in sulfur containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine, used in combination with L-cystine and calcium pantothenate, produced a significant increase in anagen rate compared to baseline [16]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Purpose of Review Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of non-scarring alopecia, affecting millions of men and women in the United States (U.S.). This review highlights alternative and complementary treatment options for AGA. Recent Findings The treatment regimens for AGA have increased in pharmacotherapeutics, surgical, and complementary (CAM) categories. Each of the different treatment approaches can now be utilized by dermatologists to combat patient hair loss. Summary The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only two agents to treat AGA: prescription-only, oral finasteride and over-the-counter (OTC), topical minoxidil. Increased availability of therapies claiming hair regrowth properties, coupled with limited pharmacotherapeutic options for AGA, lead patients to seek alternative treatments. Increased awareness of the current evidence supporting complementary and alternative therapies among dermatologists will facilitate appropriate and timely education of AGA patients.
... Oral administration of L-cystine (70 mg) used in combination with retinol increases both hair density and anagen rate [37]. The combination of L-cystine, histidine, and copper significantly increases the total hair count after 50 weeks in patients with AGA [38]. In summary, L-cysteine plays a central role in the maintaining of hair health. ...
Article
Full-text available
Hair loss is a disorder in which the hair falls out from skin areas such as the scalp and the body. Several studies suggest the use of herbal medicine to treat related disorders, including alopecia. Dermal microcirculation is essential for hair maintenance, and an insufficient blood supply can lead to hair follicles (HF) diseases. This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of some nutritional compounds containing flavonoids for their potential beneficial features in repairing or recovering from hair follicle disruption. We started from a query for “alopecia” OR “hair loss” AND “Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.“ (or other six botanicals) terms included in Pubmed and Web of Sciences articles. The activities of seven common botanicals introduced with diet (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Malus pumila Mill cultivar Annurca, Coffea arabica, Allium sativum L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rosmarinum officinalis L., Capsicum annum L.) are discussed, which are believed to reduce the rate of hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. In this review, we pay our attention on the molecular mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of the aforementioned nutritional compounds in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies. There is a need for systematic evaluation of the most commonly used plants to confirm their anti-hair loss power, identify possible mechanisms of action, and recommend their best adoption.
Article
Objetivo: aportar notas históricas sobre el empleo de los recursos vegetales en la elaboración de productospara el cuidado de la piel y recoger hechos científicos que nos definen la actualidad del tema.Método: búsqueda bibliográfica a través de las bases de datos: Scopus, WOS, Google Scholar y The PlantList y otras web botánicas.Resultados y discusión: el cuidado de la piel y la cosmética forman parte de nuestra vida diaria, de ahíque el uso de preparados para este fin haya aumentado significativamente en los últimos años. A partirde una bibliografía reciente, citamos 78 taxa botánicos (algas, helechos y plantas con semilla, hongosincluidos) relacionados con hechos históricos y conocimientos científicos actuales.Conclusión: Los derivados de los vegetales se consideran seguros para la salud, suponen una granfuente de metabolitos secundarios y han sido y son materia prima para la elaboración de productos quecuidan la piel.
Chapter
Cysteine is a sulfur-containing, α-amino acid with the chemical formula O2CCH(NH2)CH2SH. Cysteine is unique amongst the 20 natural amino acids as it contains a thiol group. It is classified as a conditionally non-essential amino acid since the human body can naturally synthesize it [1, 2]. Like other amino acids, cysteine has an amphoteric character and is extensively used as an additive in the food industry, mainly in bakery, in the production of flavors, and as a processing aid [3]. When used as a food additive, it is labeled as E920 [4].
Chapter
Pantothenic acid or Vit B5 is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient. Vit B5 was discovered in 1933 by Williams et al. during their studies on microbial growth factors [1]. Pantothenic acid is the amide between pantoic acid and β-alanine, with the latter playing a vital role in the crystallization and subsequent artificial production of Vit B5, first achieved in 1940. The name of pantothenic acid derives from the Ancient Greek word “πάντοθεν = from everywhere”, indicating its widespread occurrence in nature since small quantities of Vit B5 are found in nearly every known food. Remarkably, only one of the popular foods lacks pantothenic acid, and that is olive oil.
Presentation
Full-text available
Medical evidences of the therapeutic effect of edible gelatin on telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia in both men and women Medical evidences of the therapeutic effect of edible gelatin on telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia in both men and women This lecture is dedicated in memory of Dr. Zeev Pam, dermatologist 1953-2013 This lecture is dedicated in memory of Dr. Zeev Pam, dermatologist 1953-2013
Article
It is known how noticeable modifications may be induced in the high sulphur content proteins of wool, by enrichment of the diet of sheep with cysteine or sulphur amino acids. It is also well known how the oral ingestion of gelatin significantly increases hair diameter and the degree of hardness of finger and toe nails. To the end of verifying the possible stimulating selective action performed by cystine and gelatin in the keratinization processes of the hairy structures, it was controlled: amino acids content in hair of normal rat after oral ingestion of a controlled quantity of gelatin-cystine added in the diet. The same experiments have been carried out on rats in which the condition of sufference of the hair was induced by means of a biotin-free diet. From the obtained data it seems that gelatin-cystine, added in the diet of normal or suffering rats, helps to modify the cysteine content of the sulphur-rich hair proteins (+ 50% abt.). The diet supplement bring about a considerable increasing of CYS (+ 35%) with a decreasing of GLY (- 15%).