Alopecia Areata ('baldness in spots') is a form of hair loss, usually from the scalp, although it can affect other areas of the body. The hair loss mostly remains limited to the scalp but in certain cases it can extend to eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair (beard, mustache), nasal hair and give rise to bald spots anywhere in the body. Alopecia Areata is a common condition which arises largely due to a mix of immunological and hormonal factors.
Understanding Alopecia Barbae
hair is made up of a protein called keratin which is also the main
constituent of nails. A specialized structure inside the skin called
‘Papilla' produces the hair as shown in the figure. The papilla is
surrounded by a sac-like structure called the ‘Hair follicle' which also
surrounds rest of the hair root within the skin. The part of the hair
outside the skin surface is called as shaft.
Alopecia Areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the immune system of the body (which protects the body from bacteria and viruses) mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them. This leads to hair loss in the affected area.
What is Reishi Mushroom?
Regarded in Asia as the “herb of spiritual potency,” reishi mushroom has been in use for thousands of years alongside other herbs, like Cordyceps and Lions Mane. It goes by many names, including lingzhi and G. Lucidum, and grows at the base of deciduous trees.
The mushroom itself has a corky texture and is flat-topped. It typically has a red varnish and a kidney-shaped cap, and while other colors do occur, red reishi is the most well-known and studied.
With a variety of therapeutic uses, including immunomodulation and as an antioxidant, it’s no wonder that researchers have focused in on this versatile mushroom and studied it extensively.
But, the question we aim to answer today is, “can reishi be used to treat Alopecia Barbae or hair loss?”
1. Reishi As An Inhibitor of DHT
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone converted from testosterone by the enzyme known as 5α-reductase.
This is a natural process, one which is not harmful to the majority of individuals. Men with a genetic predisposition to male-pattern baldness, however, are sensitive to DHT in the scalp. This is the leading cause of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).
As the follicles become inflamed and irritated as a result of DHT sensitivity, the hair cycle shortens leading to baldness.
Fortunately for sufferers of AGA, DHT inhibition is possible. With proper inhibition, hair loss may be reversible, and hair growth can occur in a natural, undisturbed manner.
One such manner is with reishi mushroom supplementation.
A 2005 Japanese study tested 19 species of mushroom to determine their 5α-reductase inhibitory effects.
First, researchers prepared ethanol extracts of each of the 19 mushroom species included in the experiment.
In the first part of this study, scientists added the ethanol extracts to a suspension containing rat liver and prostate microsomes. The purpose of this experiment was to determine percentage of inhibitory activity of each of the mushroom samples.
Reishi showed the most percentage of 5α-reductase inhibition, falling between 70 and 80%.
Next, researchers looked at the growth rate of prostates in castrated rats. As the prostate’s size is directly proportional to testosterone levels, this experiment aimed to determine whether G. lucidum (reishi mushroom) could inhibit testosterone’s effects.
The rats were split into three groups.
The first group was the control group, receiving only testosterone. The second group received both testosterone and G. lucidum (1.5 mg/kg), and the third group received both testosterone and a 15 mg/kg concentration of G. lucidum.
While the results did show that both concentrations of reishi reduced prostate weight below that shown in the testosterone control group, the lower concentration interestingly was more effective at doing so.
For hair loss sufferers, what should be the main takeaway from this study?
Chiefly, reishi mushroom is an effective inhibitor of 5α-reductase, thereby reducing the amount of DHT produced within the body.
For those with AGA, this is a critical find! It means that reishi mushroom supplementation can significantly reduce DHT levels, protecting the DHT-sensitive hair follicles from miniaturization and hair loss.
2. Reishi As An Antimicrobial
With antibiotic resistance rapidly increasing, natural methods of fighting various microbes has quickly come to the forefront of scientific research.
Not surprisingly, reishi and other Chinese herb medicines have underwent extensive study. This is due to their thousands of years of use as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In a study by Quereshi et al., reishi mushroom was collected, dried, crushed, and then extracted through one of three methods (methanol, ethanol, and acetone). In addition, a negative control (distilled water) and a positive control (the antibiotic Gentamycin sulphate) were also used.
Each of the five solutions was added to the plates of six different bacterial pathogens, and each plate was the incubated for 24 hours. Each of the tests was repeated three times, and the results were thus:
Now, while known of the reishi extracts exceeded the positive control results of the antibiotic, some of them did come quite close. Namely, the acetone extract against both B. subtilis and K. Pneumoniae. Additionally, all extracts did show a zone of microbial inhibition over the negative control.
You may be wondering, “what good is an antimicrobial against hair loss?”
Consider that not all forms of hair loss are due to DHT sensitivity.
Other forms of hair loss exist, caused by such things as fungal infections and bacterial overgrowth.
With the addition of an antimicrobial agent like reishi mushroom to your hair care routine, not only can you ensure that your scalp stays healthy, but you can also keep your hair follicles from becoming blocked or clogged. This will ensure that your hair strands have the best environment in which to develop and grow.
3. Reishi As An Immunomodulator
One particular form of alopecia – alopecia barbae – is an autoimmune form of hair loss.
The immune system works to keep the body safe against foreign attacks. These attacks include viruses and bacteria.
For those with alopecia barbae, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss and follicle damage. This leads to patchy hair loss though, if left untreated, will lead to full hair loss over time.
Is reishi such a permanent solution?
Well, reishi mushroom has proven to work as an immunomodulator. Essentially, this means that reishi can activate the immune system through chemical manipulation .
If you’re ready to experiment with reishi mushroom, you’ll be happy to know that there are a variety of methods you can try.
Reishi Shampoo
DXN innovated this special invigorating shampoo containing Reishi medicinal mushroom extract and vitamin B5 to refresh your hair and leave it glossy soft.
DXN Ganozhi™ Shampoo thanks to its Lingzhi extract with pH balance is suitable for all hair types.
Reishi Hair Oil
Gano Massage Oil contains the finest palm oil and Ganoderma extract suited for every massage need. It is allnatural and rich in antioxidants. Best for all skin types and all ages.
Resihi Facial Soap
Ganozhi
Soap is specially formulated and enriched with Ganoderma extract and
palm oil. It gently cleanses the skin while preserving its natural oils
without damaging skin structure. The used palm oil enriched with
vitamin E and antioxidant agents helps to revitalize your skin and
delays the aging process.Ganozhi soap leaves your skin feeling smoother
and softer.
Spirulina For Hair Loss
Due
to its unsurpassed nutritional profile, spirulina has been touted as
one of the world's greatest super-foods, with an impressive array of
potential health benefits. It is particularly rich in nutrients that are
thought to help prevent hair loss, which is also why spirulina is often
used as a key ingredient in natural hair loss prevention products.
Spirulina is a concentrated source of both iron and copper — two
important minerals you need to prevent hair loss. But this remarkable
seaweed also contains numerous other health hair promoting nutrients,
including beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Spirulina powder can
be added to juices, soups, sauces, and salads to enhance these dishes'
nutritional content.
Alopecia Areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the immune system of the body (which protects the body from bacteria and viruses) mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them. This leads to hair loss in the affected area.
Cause of Alopecia Barbae
Alopecia Areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the immune system of the body (which protects the body from bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc.) mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them. This leads to hair loss in the affected area. This abnormal behavior of the immune system is understood to be guided, influenced and triggered by multiple factors.
Family history of Alopecia Areata or any of the other auto-immune diseases (such as hypothyroid, diabetes, cancer, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) is often seen in many cases, suggesting a role of genetic element. In addition to the genetic predisposition, certain triggering factors may bring on the onset of this condition. Prolonged underlying stress often predisposes some patients to develop auto-immune process leading to Alopecia Areata. However, stress may not be the cause in every case. Alopecia Areata treatment has to take into account the underlying causes.
Some other common causative and trigger factors that can contribute to the development of Alopecia Areata have been mentioned below:
One or more of the following factors may be found responsible in cases of Alopecia Areata: 1.Hormonal cause: High levels of the male hormones (in men as well as in women) can trigger the onset of Alopecia Areata
2.Thyroid disorders
3.Drugs and medications:
Commonest in this group are chemotherapy drugs, certain medicines used for gout, arthritis, depression, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, etc
4.Large doses of Vitamin A can also trigger Alopecia
5.Oral contraceptive pills
6.Chemical treatment of hair, exposure of hair to excessive heat
7.Low levels of iron
8.Poor protein intake
9.Physical stress: After undergoing some major surgery, or due to some chronic illness, rapid weight loss due to dieting
10.Fungal infection of the scalp
11.Lichen Planus on scalp (with scarring)
Alopecia Areata is considered to be an auto-immune condition in which the immune system of the body (which protects the body from bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc.) mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them. This leads to hair loss in the affected area. This abnormal behavior of the immune system is understood to be guided, influenced and triggered by multiple factors.
Family history of Alopecia Areata or any of the other auto-immune diseases (such as hypothyroid, diabetes, cancer, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) is often seen in many cases, suggesting a role of genetic element. In addition to the genetic predisposition, certain triggering factors may bring on the onset of this condition. Prolonged underlying stress often predisposes some patients to develop auto-immune process leading to Alopecia Areata. However, stress may not be the cause in every case. Alopecia Areata treatment has to take into account the underlying causes.
Some other common causative and trigger factors that can contribute to the development of Alopecia Areata have been mentioned below:
One or more of the following factors may be found responsible in cases of Alopecia Areata: 1.Hormonal cause: High levels of the male hormones (in men as well as in women) can trigger the onset of Alopecia Areata
2.Thyroid disorders
3.Drugs and medications:
Commonest in this group are chemotherapy drugs, certain medicines used for gout, arthritis, depression, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, etc
4.Large doses of Vitamin A can also trigger Alopecia
5.Oral contraceptive pills
6.Chemical treatment of hair, exposure of hair to excessive heat
7.Low levels of iron
8.Poor protein intake
9.Physical stress: After undergoing some major surgery, or due to some chronic illness, rapid weight loss due to dieting
10.Fungal infection of the scalp
11.Lichen Planus on scalp (with scarring)
What is Reishi Mushroom?
Regarded in Asia as the “herb of spiritual potency,” reishi mushroom has been in use for thousands of years alongside other herbs, like Cordyceps and Lions Mane. It goes by many names, including lingzhi and G. Lucidum, and grows at the base of deciduous trees.
The mushroom itself has a corky texture and is flat-topped. It typically has a red varnish and a kidney-shaped cap, and while other colors do occur, red reishi is the most well-known and studied.
With a variety of therapeutic uses, including immunomodulation and as an antioxidant, it’s no wonder that researchers have focused in on this versatile mushroom and studied it extensively.
But, the question we aim to answer today is, “can reishi be used to treat Alopecia Barbae or hair loss?”
1. Reishi As An Inhibitor of DHT
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone converted from testosterone by the enzyme known as 5α-reductase.
This is a natural process, one which is not harmful to the majority of individuals. Men with a genetic predisposition to male-pattern baldness, however, are sensitive to DHT in the scalp. This is the leading cause of Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).
As the follicles become inflamed and irritated as a result of DHT sensitivity, the hair cycle shortens leading to baldness.
Fortunately for sufferers of AGA, DHT inhibition is possible. With proper inhibition, hair loss may be reversible, and hair growth can occur in a natural, undisturbed manner.
One such manner is with reishi mushroom supplementation.
A 2005 Japanese study tested 19 species of mushroom to determine their 5α-reductase inhibitory effects.
First, researchers prepared ethanol extracts of each of the 19 mushroom species included in the experiment.
In the first part of this study, scientists added the ethanol extracts to a suspension containing rat liver and prostate microsomes. The purpose of this experiment was to determine percentage of inhibitory activity of each of the mushroom samples.
Reishi showed the most percentage of 5α-reductase inhibition, falling between 70 and 80%.
Next, researchers looked at the growth rate of prostates in castrated rats. As the prostate’s size is directly proportional to testosterone levels, this experiment aimed to determine whether G. lucidum (reishi mushroom) could inhibit testosterone’s effects.
The rats were split into three groups.
The first group was the control group, receiving only testosterone. The second group received both testosterone and G. lucidum (1.5 mg/kg), and the third group received both testosterone and a 15 mg/kg concentration of G. lucidum.
While the results did show that both concentrations of reishi reduced prostate weight below that shown in the testosterone control group, the lower concentration interestingly was more effective at doing so.
For hair loss sufferers, what should be the main takeaway from this study?
Chiefly, reishi mushroom is an effective inhibitor of 5α-reductase, thereby reducing the amount of DHT produced within the body.
For those with AGA, this is a critical find! It means that reishi mushroom supplementation can significantly reduce DHT levels, protecting the DHT-sensitive hair follicles from miniaturization and hair loss.
2. Reishi As An Antimicrobial
With antibiotic resistance rapidly increasing, natural methods of fighting various microbes has quickly come to the forefront of scientific research.
Not surprisingly, reishi and other Chinese herb medicines have underwent extensive study. This is due to their thousands of years of use as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In a study by Quereshi et al., reishi mushroom was collected, dried, crushed, and then extracted through one of three methods (methanol, ethanol, and acetone). In addition, a negative control (distilled water) and a positive control (the antibiotic Gentamycin sulphate) were also used.
Each of the five solutions was added to the plates of six different bacterial pathogens, and each plate was the incubated for 24 hours. Each of the tests was repeated three times, and the results were thus:
Now, while known of the reishi extracts exceeded the positive control results of the antibiotic, some of them did come quite close. Namely, the acetone extract against both B. subtilis and K. Pneumoniae. Additionally, all extracts did show a zone of microbial inhibition over the negative control.
You may be wondering, “what good is an antimicrobial against hair loss?”
Consider that not all forms of hair loss are due to DHT sensitivity.
Other forms of hair loss exist, caused by such things as fungal infections and bacterial overgrowth.
With the addition of an antimicrobial agent like reishi mushroom to your hair care routine, not only can you ensure that your scalp stays healthy, but you can also keep your hair follicles from becoming blocked or clogged. This will ensure that your hair strands have the best environment in which to develop and grow.
3. Reishi As An Immunomodulator
One particular form of alopecia – alopecia barbae – is an autoimmune form of hair loss.
The immune system works to keep the body safe against foreign attacks. These attacks include viruses and bacteria.
For those with alopecia barbae, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss and follicle damage. This leads to patchy hair loss though, if left untreated, will lead to full hair loss over time.
Is reishi such a permanent solution?
Well, reishi mushroom has proven to work as an immunomodulator. Essentially, this means that reishi can activate the immune system through chemical manipulation .
If you’re ready to experiment with reishi mushroom, you’ll be happy to know that there are a variety of methods you can try.
Reishi Shampoo
DXN innovated this special invigorating shampoo containing Reishi medicinal mushroom extract and vitamin B5 to refresh your hair and leave it glossy soft.
DXN Ganozhi™ Shampoo thanks to its Lingzhi extract with pH balance is suitable for all hair types.
Reishi Hair Oil
Gano Massage Oil contains the finest palm oil and Ganoderma extract suited for every massage need. It is allnatural and rich in antioxidants. Best for all skin types and all ages.
Resihi Facial Soap
Ganozhi
Soap is specially formulated and enriched with Ganoderma extract and
palm oil. It gently cleanses the skin while preserving its natural oils
without damaging skin structure. The used palm oil enriched with
vitamin E and antioxidant agents helps to revitalize your skin and
delays the aging process.Ganozhi soap leaves your skin feeling smoother
and softer.Spirulina For Hair Loss
Due
to its unsurpassed nutritional profile, spirulina has been touted as
one of the world's greatest super-foods, with an impressive array of
potential health benefits. It is particularly rich in nutrients that are
thought to help prevent hair loss, which is also why spirulina is often
used as a key ingredient in natural hair loss prevention products.
Spirulina is a concentrated source of both iron and copper — two
important minerals you need to prevent hair loss. But this remarkable
seaweed also contains numerous other health hair promoting nutrients,
including beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Spirulina powder can
be added to juices, soups, sauces, and salads to enhance these dishes'
nutritional content. Join DXN Now and Tell The World …
… Before The World Tells You!
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