Everyone should have this herb in their regimen

[The Natural]

Years ago, I abandoned my mission to "block DHT," per se, and instead, sought out herbal supplements which could lower inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels, facilitate the metabolism of insulin, and remove heavy metals.

Curcumin is an herb capable of doing all of these things and more. I can't help but feel that, if properly absorbed (via a synergistic herb like resveratrol and/or fat soluble substance like milk), curcumin is the best herb for our health, in general, and our hair, in particular.

 

[The Natural]

Dermal fibrosis in male pattern hair loss: a suggestive implication of mast cells

Won CH, Kwon OS, Kim YK, Kang YJ, Kim BJ, Choi CW, Eun HC, Cho KH.

"A relationship has been suggested between mast cells (MCs) and male pattern hair loss (MPHL), because of histological evidence of perifollicular fibrosis and increased mast cell numbers. Two paired punch biopsies were taken from balding vertexes and non-balding occipital promontory areas of ten patients with MPHL (Ludwig-Hamilton IIIv to IV) and from five normal subjects aged from 20 to 35 years. Masson trichrome and Victoria blue staining were performed to observe collagen frameworks and elastic fiber structures. Numbers of immunoreactive MCs stained with anti-tryptase or anti-chymase antibody were counted. It was found that collagen bundles were significantly increased in balding vertexes than in non-balding occiput scalp skin. A near 4-fold increase in elastic fibers was observed in both vertex and occiput scalp skins with MPHL versus controls. Total numbers of MCs (tryptase-positive) in site-matched scalp samples were about 2-fold higher in MPHL subjects than in normal controls. Percentage elastic fiber (%) was found to be relatively well-correlated with tryptase and chymase-positive MCs. These findings suggest that accumulated MCs might be responsible for increased elastic fiber synthesis in MPHL, and indicate that future investigations are warranted."

Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

http://ajp.amjpathol.org/cgi/content/full/171/6/1872



Effects of Curcumin on Histamine Release from Mast Cells

Agung Endro Nugroho, Zullies Ikawati, and Kazutaka Maeyama

"Curcumin reportedly has anti-allergic effects and can inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells. In the present study, fourteen analogues of curcumin were studied for their effects on histamine release from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. After screening, four selected compounds: 2,5-bis(4-hydroxybenzylidene)cyclopentanone; 2,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)cyclopentanone; 2,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylidene) cyclopentanone; and 2,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-diethylbenzylidene)cyclopentanone were studied for their concentration-dependent effects on histamine release and Ca2+ uptake. In RBL-2H3 cells and rat peritoneal mast cells stimulated with antigen or compound 48/80, respectively, the methoxy-hydroxy analogue was more potent than curcumin in inhibiting histamine release. In contrast, the inhibitory effects of methyl/ethyl analogues were less potent than those of curcumin. Moreover, these compounds abrogated histamine release induced by increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in response to stimulants such as thapsigargin and ionomycin. These compounds also showed potent inhibitory effects on 45Ca2+ uptake in RBL-2H3 cells. The mechanism of the inhibitory effects of these curcumin analogues on histamine release appeared to be related to blockade of Ca2+ signaling events. These results provide useful information to guide the development of new synthetic compounds for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases related to histamine or mast cells."


1) Department of Pharmacology, Informational Biomedicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine

2) Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University

3) Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University

 

[The Natural]

On the very first page of "The molecular targets and therapeutic uses of curcumin in health and disease," by Aggarwal, Surh and Shishodia, it reads:

"Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral,
antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential
against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s
disease, and other chronic illnesses. These effects are mediated through the regulation of various transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other enzymes. Curcumin exhibits activities similar to recently discovered tumor necrosis factor blockers (e.g., HUMIRA, REMICADE, and ENBREL), a vascular endothelial cell growth factor blocker (e.g., AVASTIN), human epidermal growth factor receptor blockers (e.g., ERBITUX, ERLOTINIB, and GEFTINIB), and a HER2 blocker (e.g., HERCEPTIN). Considering the recent scientific bandwagon that multitargeted therapy is better than monotargeted therapy for most diseases, curcumin can be considered an ideal 'Spice for Life'."

 

[JugZ]

This is of course very interesting.

What's also interesting is that curcumin can be found in turmeric which if you like indian food can be found in curry dishes.

If this is such a good thing to have in your diet and can reduce hairloss then why is male pattern baldness so common in India?

I'm not disputing it's health implications just posing another question

 

[The Natural]

I assume that turmeric used as a culinary spice and turmeric extract (standardized to a certain amount of curcumin per) used for medicinal purposes are two very different things.

 

[Jacob]

No clue how much is in it..but it's in the Gold 360 I take.

 

[abcdefg]

Maybe so but I remember reading it has potential to be dangerous in large amounts and has some unknowns just like lots of these natural supplements everyone gets excited about. How much does it take to stop or help with male pattern baldness no one knows.

 

[The Natural]

Turmeric has been used for 4000 years. And you may be surprised to know that in high amounts (eight grams - 15 times higher than daily recommendations) is not toxic:

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1171 ... t=Abstract
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18628464

How much curcumin is required to experience its anti-inflammatory effects will depend upon its purpose of use, and may vary from person to person. For our purposes, consider something like Jarrow curcumin 95 500 mg., which I've used before successfully (with resveratrol to stop dandruff, slow, then stop my shed altogether). One of these capsules a day was enough for me. Jarrow's suggested use has, over the years, gone from 1-5 capsules daily, to 1-2 capsules daily, and now just "1 capsule per day," which seems to support statements that curcumin "may act as either an agonist or antagonist on sensory fibers."

Comparatively, a study of curcumin and resveratrol on male pattern baldness used 600 mg. of vitamin C, 600 mg. of wheat germ (vitamin E source), 80 mg. of curcumin, 40 mg. of resveratrol, and 50 mg. of capsaicin.

And the results were impressive: "...while the group treated with resveratrol and curcumin showed with great surprise a reduction, sometimes also relevant, in variable time periods. Moreover, during this testing, the patients treated with resveratrol and curcumin surprisingly showed positive improvements in the treatment of psoriasis and the attenuation and even a stop of the hair loss, a reduction of the hair graying and the rebirth of hair in bald areas sometimes even of the original color too."

 

[JimmyL]

I've used curcumin for almost 18 months, with a break of 1 month in between. During that 1 month, I got a dandruff problem. After beginning again, it stopped. So I agree with The Natural, definitely try it out.

Just to be clear, I'm not stating that it will stop hair loss.

 

[The Natural]

I have not used a dandruff shampoo (e.g. T-gel) in three years, since the addition of curcumin (and resveratrol) to my regimen.

 

[The Natural]

Curr Pharm Des. 2010;16(7):884-92.

The promise of slow down ageing may come from curcumin.
Sikora E, Bielak-Zmijewska A, Mosieniak G, Piwocka K.

Laboratory of Molecular Bases of Ageing, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland. [email protected]

Abstract
No genes exist that have been selected to promote aging. The evolutionary theory of aging tells us that there is a trade-off between body maintenance and investment in reproduction. It is commonly acceptable that the ageing process is driven by the lifelong accumulation of molecular damages mainly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by mitochondria as well as random errors in DNA replication. Although ageing itself is not a disease, numerous diseases are age-related, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders and others, likely caused by low grade inflammation driven by oxygen stress and manifested by increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, encoded by genes activated by the transcription factor NF-kappaB. It is believed that ageing is plastic and can be slowed down by caloric restriction as well as by some nutraceuticals. As the low grade inflammatory process is believed substantially to contribute to ageing, slowing ageing and postponing the onset of age-related diseases may be achieved by blocking the NF-kappaB-dependent inflammation. In this review we consider the possibility of the natural spice curcumin, a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent and efficient inhibitor of NF-kappaB and the mTOR signaling pathway which overlaps that of NF-kappaB, to slow down ageing..

 

[The Natural]

Curcumin synergizes with resveratrol to inhibit colon cancer.

Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(4):544-53.

Majumdar AP, Banerjee S, Nautiyal J, Patel BB, Patel V, Du J, Yu Y, Elliott AA, Levi E, Sarkar FH.

John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, 4646 John R, Room B-4238, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. [email protected]

Development and progression of many malignancies, including colorectal cancer, are associated with activation of multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, inhibition of these signaling pathways with noncytotoxic natural products represents a logical preventive and/or therapeutic approach for colon cancer. Curcumin and resveratrol, both of which inhibit the growth of transformed cells and colon carcinogenesis, were selected to examine whether combining them would be an effective preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for colon cancer. Indeed, the combination of curcumin and resveratrol was found to be more effective in inhibiting growth of p53-positive (wt) and p53-negative colon cancer HCT-116 cells in vitro and in vivo in SCID xenografts of colon cancer HCT-116 (wt) cells than either agent alone. Analysis by Calcusyn software showed synergism between curcumin and resveratrol. The inhibition of tumors in response to curcumin and/or resveratrol was associated with the reduction in proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis accompanied by attenuation of NF-kappaB activity. In vitro studies have further demonstrated that the combinatorial treatment caused a greater inhibition of constitutive activation of EGFR and its family members as well as IGF-1R. Our current data suggest that the combination of curcumin and resveratrol could be an effective preventive/therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.

 

[The Natural]

With respect to curcumin bioavailability:

1. A site (www.turmeric-curcumin.com) states, "The use of the chemical piperine from pepper, trade-named Bioperine, was a poor attempt at increasing bioavailability at the expense of the epithelial lining of the stomach, small intestine and bowels... If you want to use capsules, make certain they DO NOT contain a pepper extract that is advertised to improve bioavailability."


2. This is from Dr. Ray Sahelian:
Q. It is my understanding, that based on prior research, that curcumin bioavailability is compromised and in turn the absorption and therapeutic blood levels are low. I also understand that various research trials are demonstrating the concurrent use of piperine, which enhances the absorption and bioavailability. I am curious if your research supports this as well and if there is any further information that you might have to support this fact.

A. We have not seen convincing research that indicates piperine is needed for curcumin absorption or bioavailability. Almost all studies with curcumin have not used any piperine, therefore we tend to understand that curcumin works well by itself.

3. But Dr. Weil states, "Neither curcumin nor turmeric taken orally is well absorbed unless taken with black pepper or piperine, a constituent of black pepper responsible for its pungency. When shopping for supplements, make sure that the one you choose contains black pepper extract or piperine. (If you're cooking with turmeric, be sure to add some black pepper to the food.). Be patient when taking turmeric supplements: the full benefits may not be apparent for eight weeks."

On a personal note, I tried curcumin with Bioperine seven or eight years ago, and it upset my stomach something terrible. Since then, I have used curcumin with out Bioperine.

4. From an online ehow article: "...Consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper as well, to help boost your turmeric and make it more effective." And this echoes what the makers of Capsures, a curcumin and resveratrol hair loss supplement, have already suggested.

 

[The Natural]

Brands:

Meriva phytosomes (Doctor's Best, Thorne Research, Source Naturals) are popular. And I have used Jarrow's curcumin successfully.

Life Extension's BCM-95® Bio-Curcumin® caused many users to shed hair. LEF products tend to be the most expensive. And their dose dependent philosophy about virtually everything is not always accurate, I have found.

 

[Joe-1991]

I assume that turmeric used as a culinary spice and turmeric extract (standardized to a certain amount of curcumin per) used for medicinal purposes are two very different things.

You f*****g idiot. You think that Tumeric that Indians have used for years in there curry's is inferior to the modern day supplement version?

On the topic of inflammation and balding, below is the blog of a harvard biologist who talks about inflammation being involved in balding and persistant finasteride side effects.

http://coolinginflammation.blogspot.com/

If you guys are looking to keep inflammation in the body to a minimum you are best of eating a low carb diet with lots of veggies. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil and probiotics are two core supplements.

Garlic and ginger are worth looking into.

 

[The Natural]

You f****ing idiot. You think that Tumeric that Indians have used for years in there curry's is inferior to the modern day supplement version?

On the topic of inflammation and balding, below is the blog of a harvard biologist who talks about inflammation being involved in balding and persistant finasteride side effects.

Joseph (may I call you, "Joseph"), there is a difference.

Turmeric used by Indians in curry is much less potent and much less expensive than the extract form used by practitioners in the studies provided.

Now, you would do well to take five minutes out of your "vyast" day to first, look up the word, "extract," then, have someone (perhaps your mommy or your daddy - if you know 'em), preferably with English reading and speaking skills, explain its definition to your simple ***.

 

[slurms mackenzie]

I assume that turmeric used as a culinary spice and turmeric extract (standardized to a certain amount of curcumin per) used for medicinal purposes are two very different things.

You f****ing idiot. You think that Tumeric that Indians have used for years in there curry's is inferior to the modern day supplement version?

Susan, do you mind if i call you Sue?

A little bit rude don't you think, would you talk to someone like that in real life?

The modern day supplement of curcumin is different from tumeric used in food.

Whether or not it's superior i don't know, do you? Do you have some evidence?

If you do, please post it, cheers love.

 

[The Natural]

"Another mechanism by which curcumin benefits those with hair loss has been elucidated. In addition to its ability to down-regulate the inflammatory cytokine, tgf-b, and its likely effects on Substance P, which was detailed in an Italian patent in our last update, it has been shown to specifically inhibit 5 alpha reductase type 2, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone(DHT).

This newly identified mechanism would, by itself, appear to suggest that systemic, oral use of Curcumin would have significant benefits for hair growth. 5 alpha reductase type 2 is predominately responsible for the amount of DHT in circulation, and is the mechanism by which Propecia functions. The beauty of Curcumin is that it addresses multiple other mechanisms for hair growth and instead of side effects has significant health and anti-aging benefits.

Curcumin as Type II inhibitor
Establishment of type II 5a-reductase over-expressing cell line as an inhibitor screening model.

Sunhyae Janga, Young Leea, Seong-Lok Hwangb, Min-Ho Leeb, Su Jin Parkb, In Ho Leeb, Sangjin Kangb, Seok-Seon Rohc, Young-Joon Seoa, Jang-Kyu Parka, Jeung-Hoon Leea and Chang Deok Kima, , aDepartment of Dermatology and Research Institute for Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea bLG Household and Health Care Research Park, Daejeon, Republic of Korea cOriental Medical College of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea Received 2 November 2006; accepted 14 March 2007. Available online 22 June 2007.

Abstract Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most potent male hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia. The type II 5a-reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone (T) to DHT, therefore it can be expected that specific inhibitors for type II 5a-reductase may improve the pathophysiologic status of androgenetic alopecia. In this study, we attempted to establish the reliable and convenient screening model for type II 5a-reductase inhibitors. After transfection of human cDNA for type II 5a-reductase into HEK293 cells, the type II 5a-reductase over-expressing stable cells were selected by G418 treatment. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed that type II 5a-reductase gene was expressed in the stable cells. In in vitro enzymatic assay, 10 ?g of stable cell extract completely converted 1 ?Ci (0.015 nmol) of T into DHT. The type II 5a-reductase activity was inhibited by finasteride in a dose."