Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia. Often referred to as male or female pattern baldness, Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in both men and women. According to a study, this is a genetically predetermined disorder due to an excessive response to androgens, affecting up to 50% of men and women.
The Hair Growth Cycle To understand how He Shou Wu or PM (Polygonum Multiflorum) works, it's essential to know the stages of the hair growth cycle. There are four phases: anagen (growth), catagen (involution), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Anagen is the active growth phase, which can last for several years. Catagen represents the transition to the resting phase, while telogen is the resting phase itself. Exogen is when hair naturally sheds.
The Role of Dermal Papilla Cells (DPCs) Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are crucial for hair growth. They determine whether a hair follicle continues to grow (anagen) or enters a resting phase (telogen). They also produce growth factors that stimulate nearby keratinocytes, promoting hair growth. On the flip side, factors like transforming growth factors (TGF) can trigger the transition from anagen to telogen, leading to hair loss.
The Effect of Androgens Androgens, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are hormones that regulate male characteristics. In individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss (being more sensitive to androgens), DHT can bind to hair follicle receptors, causing the hair follicles to shrink over time. This leads to thinner and shorter hair, eventually resulting in hair loss.
Polygonum Multiflorum (PM), also known as He Shou Wu in traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of use in treating hair loss and premature graying. There are studies in mice that showed that PM increased the size and number of hair follicles and had anti-androgenic effects by inhibiting 5-α reductase, an enzyme linked to DHT production.
Another study published in 2020 focused on Polygonum multiflorum (PM) and its effects on cultured human DPCs. The results were nothing short of fascinating:
- Increased Viability: PM boosted cell viability and mitochondrial activity in DPCs, showing its potential to support hair health.
- Anti-Apoptotic Effects: PM increased the expression of Bcl2, an anti-apoptotic protein crucial during the growth phase (anagen), while decreasing BAD, a pro-apoptotic protein associated with hair regression (catagen).
- Combatting Hair Loss: PM showed anti-androgenic effects by reversing the impact of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent contributor to hair loss.
- Growth Factor Boost: PM increased the levels of growth factors such as IGFBP2, PDGF, and VEGF, all essential for robust hair growth.
Promoting Anagen and Delaying Catagen
One of the most exciting findings was that PM could prolong the anagen phase of hair follicles while delaying the entry into the catagen phase. This essentially means more time for your hair to grow and less time for it to regress.
A Natural Solution
He Shou Wu has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its multifaceted health benefits. It's celebrated for its potential to strengthen hair, promote hair growth, and delay premature graying, making it a prized component of holistic health practices.
In conclusion, it was strongly suggested in studies that He Shou Wu can support hair growth by extending the anagen phase and delaying the onset of catagen, all while counteracting the effects of androgens. It's a natural solution that holds the promise of healthier, more vibrant hair.
So, if you're on a quest for luscious locks, He Shou Wu might just be the answer you've been searching for!
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