Peachfuzz

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Total Posts: 45

Member Since:
August 2010

August 31, 2010, 08:24 PM

Any thoughts on this?

A combination of soy isoflavones and capsaicin increases dermal levels of IGF-1 and promotes hair growth in humans and mice. While some in vitro studies have suggested IGF-1 to be deleterious to hair growth, this study shows that the result may be different in vivo.

The amounts used in the study are quite reasonable. Chilli, cayenne pepper and red pepper contain between 0.1 mg to 60 mg capsaicin per gram (link, link, link, link). Given that a tablespoon of ground spice weighs about 8 grams, one tablespoon of ground chili pepper would contain anywhere between 0.8 mg and 480 mg of capsaicin. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.

As for soy, the best source of isoflavones are soy beans, which contain about 200 mg isoflavones per 100 grams (link). Tofu contains ~35 mg per 100 grams, while soy milk contains only ~9 mg. Thus, to get the 75 mg used in the study, you would either need to eat about 40 grams of soy beans (dry weight), a little over 200 grams of tofu, or a little less than a liter of soy milk.

Both capsaicin and soy isoflavones (mainly daidzein and genistein) are also commonly available as supplements.

From:  http://inhumanexperiment.blogspot.com/2009/09/capsaicin-and-soy-isoflavones-grow-hair.html

~Peach

Immortal Hair

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Total Posts: 117

Member Since:
January 2010

[ # 1 ]

September 01, 2010, 01:50 PM

Peachfuzz - There are some problems with this.

#1 there is a study that shows that capsiacin inhibits hair growth, reduces anagen and promotes catagen phases (the opposite of what is desired).

Personally and as well as many others feedback has been less than favorable with cayenne.

It increases neuropeptides, which invite the sort of inflammation that aggravates stress induced neurotrophins.  This is very negative.

Regarding IGF-1, it’s about homeostasis.

Unfortunately, many posters have little idea that they are over simplifying by equating something as absolutely bad.

IGF-1 is necessary for hair growth, however there are better ways to increase IGF-1 without having to risk neuropeptide expression.

If IGF-1 levels are low, then Maca would be one way to increase it without any negative effect. 

Topical cayenne has a difference effect than internal for what it is worth, but not worth using.

The Zix Creator

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Total Posts: 511

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January 2010

[ # 2 ]

September 01, 2010, 02:47 PM

Might anything soy related elevate estrogen levels too?

Immortal Hair

Editor

Total Posts: 117

Member Since:
January 2010

[ # 3 ]

September 01, 2010, 02:53 PM

Soy may not be so good with the standpoint that most of it is genetically modified.

And when possible, fermented soy is much better than non-traditional soy (isolates).

In regards to soy and estrogen, the phytoestrogen from soy is actually positive, because it displaces more potent estrogens (usually xenoestrogens) from receptors and since soy-based estrogens are quite weak in activity, there is no real threat to estrogen levels.

Some may point towards goitrogenic effects with soy, but with enough iodine it’s a non-issue.

scottyc33

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Total Posts: 136

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May 2010

[ # 4 ]

September 01, 2010, 03:11 PM

Cayenne made my hair fall out.

Peachfuzz

Member

Total Posts: 45

Member Since:
August 2010

[ # 5 ]

September 01, 2010, 06:46 PM

I already take soy isoflavones to help with some post menopause issues. Miserable without it.  So I thought adding one extra thing won’t be so bad.  BUT it doesn’t seem to be a good thing.

~Peach

clgrey

New Member

Total Posts: 16

Member Since:
March 2010

[ # 6 ]

March 09, 2011, 04:31 PM

I have actually been using a cayenne mixture on my hair for some time now (basically vodka and cayenne - I can post more details if anyone is interested). I actually LIKE what is happening. Every night after I shower, I apply the mixture and I get a nice burn - sometimes even an intense burn, but never unbearable. There are a lot of posts about pealing and removing junk from the scalp, I feel that the increased heat and blood circulation helps me clean out the scalp (totally unscientific speculation!!)

Along with the lasering it is now a standard part of my protocol. Does it work? As with most other attempts, I am seeing more and longer “fuzz” - not sure what part of that I can attribute to laser vs. cayenne/capsicum - but I will consider this experiment a success once the fuzz switches over.