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.
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