Use this helpful reference guide to find out more about the natural
ingredients in our products.
View
Herbal reference for NuHair® Hair Regrowth products
B
BLACK COHOSH (Cimicifuga racemosa) - A perennial herb
native to eastern North America with a long history of traditional use to support
overall well being of women during menopause and menstruation.1 Preliminary
laboratory research suggests black cohosh may interact with cell receptors associated
with mood, body temperature regulation, and sex hormone levels. 2†
BIOPERINE® (Piper nigrum, Piper longum) - A proprietary
ingredient consisting of the fruit extract of black or long pepper standardized
to 95% piperine3 It has been clinically shown to increase the bioavailability
of nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, thus helping to
make them more effective. † BioPerine® is a registered trademark
of Sabinsa Corporation.
BURDOCK (Arctium lappa) - Burdock grows in North America,
Europe, and northern Asia.4 Preliminary laboratory research indicates
that burdock root provides antioxidant, immune-supporting and other health benefits.
5,6 Topically, it is used to promote skin health.4†
C
CAYENNE (Capsicum frutescens) - A perennial shrub native
to tropical America. It is also known as chili or hot pepper. Topically, capsaicin
isolated from cayenne pepper, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration
as an over-the-counter analgesic.1 It has also been used as a deterrent
to thumb sucking and nail biting. Capsaicin has also been shown to enhance blood
flow to the skin by promoting vasodilation.1†
CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita) - An annual herbaceous
plant native to areas of Europe and Asia. Also known as German chamomile. The German
Commission E and other therapeutic monographs approve the oral use of chamomile
to support gastrointestinal health and topical use to support skin health.1
In one controlled clinical study, the therapeutic efficacy of a chamomile extract
on skin healing was investigated on 14 adults after receiving tattoos. The authors
report that after topical application of chamomile to the weeping area after dermabrasion
from tattoos, chamomile resulted in a significant decrease of the weeping area as
well as a drying tendency.8†
CHAMOMILE (Anthemis nobilis) - Also known as Roman chamomile.
Topically, it is used in ointments, gels, and creams to support the health of the
skin and mucous membranes. Orally used to support gastrointestinal health.4†
E
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) - A tall evergreen tree
native to Australia and Tasmania. Preliminary laboratory research suggests leaf
extracts or constituents of eucalyptus help support the integrity of skin. 9,10†
G
GINKGO (Ginkgo biloba) - Ginkgo is the world's most ancient
living tree.1 Ginkgo leaf provides antioxidant properties.11,12 Ginkgo
leaf products may benefit the central nervous system (CNS) and vascular conditions
by promoting circulation. Ginkgo leaf seems to promote blood flow to capillaries
throughout the body including the CNS, extremities, eyes, ears, and other tissues.
Ginkgo leaf likely supports circulation by decreasing blood viscosity and by affecting
vascular smooth muscles.1†
GOLDEN SEAL (Hydrastis canadensis) - Goldenseal is among
the top selling herbs in the American health products market.1 Topically
used to promote skin health. Orally used to support digestive health.4
Goldenseal contains a group of compounds called alkaloids. One alkaloid, berberine,
is thought to be responsible for many of goldenseal's health benefits.13,14†
H
HENNA (Lawsonia inermis) - In manufacturing, henna is
used in cosmetics, hair care products and hair dyes. Henna leaf is thought to possess
astringent and diuretic properties. Topically, henna is reported to be used to promote
a healthy scalp and other health benefits as well as for decorative henna "tattoos."
Orally, it is reported to be used to support gastrointestinal health.4†
HE SHOU WU (Polygonum multiflorum) - Also known as fo-ti.
This herb is used as an ingredient in hair and skin care products. It is used in
Traditional Chinese Medicine to help restore black hair and other signs of youth.
15 Components isolated from He Shou Wu have been shown to possess antioxidant
properties. In one animal study, topical application of a He Shou Wu extract was
protective against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation.16
It may have an anti-photo aging effect against UVB irradiation.†
HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum) - A deciduous
tree that is native to the central Balkan peninsula.1 Horse chestnut extract is
used to support vein health. It contains a compound called escin (aescin) that has
been shown to decrease the permeability of venous capillaries.1†
HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) - Horsetail is a perennial
plant that is common in the temperate northern hemisphere of North America, Europe,
and Asia.1 Preliminary research suggests that horsetail has antioxidant,
vasorelaxant, and other health benefits.17,18,19 Contains flavonoids
and a significant amount of silicon. The German Commission E and other therapeutic
monographs approve the topical use of horsetail extract to support healthy skin.
Orally, it is used to support healthy bladder function.1,20†
J
JOJOBA (Simmondsia chinensis) - In manufacturing, jojoba
is used as a component in shampoos, makeup, lotions, and in cleansing aids. It has
a long history of traditional use to promote healthy skin.4 Jojoba penetrates
skin and skin oils easily, unclogging hair follicles and preventing sebum build-up,
which could lead to hair loss.21
K
KUDZU (Pueraria lobata) - Contains isoflavones such as
daidzin, daidzein, genistin, and genistein. 22 Preliminary research suggests
that kudzu or its constituents decrease platelet aggregation and have vasorelaxant,
antioxidant, and other health benefits.23 Animal studies and one preliminary
human study found that extracts of kudzu containing a variety of isoflavones reduce
alcohol consumption.24†
N
NETTLES (Urtica dioica) - Stinging nettle is a perennial
herb. In manufacturing, stinging nettle extract is used as an ingredient in hair
and skin products. Leaves contain several nutrients and active ingredients such
as carotenes, vitamins C and K, potassium and calcium, beta-sitosterol, and flavonoids.
It has a long history of traditional use primarily as a diuretic and laxative. Orally,
nettle root is used to support prostate health.1 Topically, it is used
to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.†
P
PUMPKIN (Cucurbita moschata) - Pumpkin is an annual vine
native to America. Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamin E and carotenoids such as beta-carotene
and lutein.1 Pumpkin seed appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase - the
enzyme that converts testosterone to dehydrotestosterone.25 The German
Commission E and other therapeutic monographs approve pumpkin seed for the health
of the prostate and normal urination.1,26†
R
ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus officinalis) - Rosemary is a bushy
evergreen shrub.1 Topically, rosemary stimulates an increase in blood
supply. The German Commission E and other therapeutic monographs approve the oral
use of rosemary leaf for relief of digestive upset and topical use to support circulatory
health.1,27†
S
SAW PALMETTO (Serenoa repens) - Saw palmetto is a small,
low-growing palm tree, native to southeastern North America. The saw palmetto berry
supports normal prostate health and urine flow. It appears to inhibit the enzyme
that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Laboratory evidence suggests
that saw palmetto also inhibits the activity of two enzymes, lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase
(COX).1†
SOAP BARK (Quillaja saponaria) - Also known as quillaia.
Found in shampoos and hair tonic preparations. Soapbark contains tannins that have
strong astringent properties to help support the health of skin and mucous membranes.†
SOY (Glycine max) - Soy has been part of the Asian diet
for several thousand years. It contains compounds similar to estrogen called isoflavones
(genistein, daidzein). Orally, soy is used to promote heart health and relieve symptoms
of menopause.1†
T
TORMENTIL (Potentilla erecta) - Also known as bloodroot.
The astringent effects of the tannins found in tormentil help soothe mucous membranes.28
Topically, it is used to support the health of skin and mucous membranes.†
TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum) - A rich source of lycopene,
a phytonutrient associated with heart and prostate health.4†
U
UVA URSI (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) - An evergreen perennial
shrub that is native to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.1
Preliminary evidence suggests that the oral intake of uva ursi in combination with
dandelion supports bladder health in women.29 It also appears to provide
astringent effects. The German Commission E and other therapeutic monographs approve
the use of uva ursi leaf for urinary tract health.1,20,30†
References
1. Blumenthal M. ed. Herbal Medicine Expanded
Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications. 2000.
2. Rhyu MR, Lu J, Webster DE, Fabricant DS, Farnsworth
NR, Wang ZJ. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa) behaves
as a mixed competitive ligand and partial agonist at the human mu opiate receptor.
J Agric Food Chem. 2006;54:9852-9857.
4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, eds. PDR for
Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR; 2004.
5. Lin CC, Lu JM, Yang JJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory
and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. Am J Chin Med. 1996;24:127-137.
6. Kardosova A, Ebringerova A, Alfoldi J, et al. A
biologically active fructan from the roots of Arctium lappa L., var. Herkules.
Int J Biol Macromol. 2003:33;135-140.
7. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common
Natural Ingredients. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1996:115-117.
8. Glowania HJ, Raulin C, Swoboda M. Effect of chamomile
on wound healing: a clinical double-blind study [in German; English abstract]. Z
Hautkr. 1987;62:1262, 1267-1271.
9. Takahashi T, Kokubo R, Sakaino M. Antimicrobial
activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts and flavonoids from Eucalyptus maculata.
Lett Appl Microbiol. 2004;39:60-64.
10. Silva J, Abebe W, Sousa SM, et al. Analgesic and
anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus. J Ethnopharmacol.
2003;89:277-283.
11. Kudolo GB, Delaney D, Blodgett J. Short-term oral
ingestion of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) reduces malondialdehyde levels
in washed platelets of type 2 diabetic subjects. Diabetes Res Clin Pract.
2005;68:29-38.
12. Logani S, Chen MC, Tran T, et al. Actions of
Ginkgo biloba related to potential utility for the treatment of conditions
involving cerebral hypoxia. Life Sci. 2000;67:1389-1396.
13. Amin AH, Subbaiah TV, Abbasi KM. Berberine sulfate:
antimicrobial activity, bioassay, and mode of action. Can J Microbiol.
1969;15:1067-76.
14. Sun D, Courtney HS, Beachey EH. Berberine sulfate
blocks adherence of Streptococcus pyogenes to epithelial cells, fibronectin, and
hexadecane. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1988;32:1370-1374.
15. Bratman S, Kroll D. Natural Health Bible.
2nd ed. Prima Publishing. 2000.
16. Hwang IK, Yoo KY, Kim DW, et al. An extract of
Polygonum multiflorum protects against free radical damage induced by ultraviolet
B irradiation of the skin. Braz J Med Res. 2000;39:1181-1188.
17. Correia H, Gonzalez-Paramas A, Amaral MT, et al.
Characterisation of polyphenols by HPLC-PAD-ESI/MS and antioxidant activity in Equisetum
telmateia. Phytochem Anal. 2005;16:380-387.
18. Do Monte FH, dos Santos JG Jr, Russi M, et al.
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of
stems from Equisetum arvense L. in mice. Pharmacol Res. 2004;49:239-243.
19. Sakurai N, Iizuka T, Nakayama S, et al. Vasorelaxant
activity of caffeic acid derivatives from Cichorium intybus and Equisetum
arvense [in Japanese; English abstract]. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2003;123:593-598.
20. Bradley PR, ed.. British Herbal Compendium,
Vol 1. Bournemouth: British Herbal Medicine Assoc., 1992.
22. Fang C, Wan X, Tan H, Jiang C. Identification
of isoflavonoids in several kudzu samples by high-performance liquid chromatography
coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr Sci.
2006;44:57-63.
23 Yu Z, Zhang G, Zhao H. Effects of Puerariae isoflavone
on blood viscosity, thrombosis and platelet function [in Chinese; English abstract].
Zhong Yao Cai. 1997;20:468-469.
24. Lukas SE, Penetar D, Berko J, et al. An extract
of the Chinese herbal root kudzu reduces alcohol drinking by heavy drinkers in a
naturalistic setting. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2005;29:756-762.
25. Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P. Curcubita pep
L. Fitoterpia. 1997;68(4). In: Blumenthal M, ed. Herbal Medicine Expanded
Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications.
2000.
26. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
Exeter, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1996.
27. ESCOP Monograph on the Medicinal Uses of Plant
Drugs: Rosmarini folium. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Cooperative on
Phytotherapy; 1997.
29. Larsson B, Jonasson A, Fianu S. Prophylactic effect
of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: a preliminary report. Curr Ther Res.
1993;53:441-443.
30. Budavari S, ed. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia
of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 12th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck
& Co, Inc.; 1996.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
|