Polysorbate 80 - Complementary Prescriptions

Polysorbate 80 - Complementary Prescriptions

Polysorbate 80
DESCRIPTION
Polysorbate 80 is commonly used due to its reputation for topically stimulating hair growth in men with male pattern baldness. Used as a shampoo surfactant and a food additive emulsifier, it is often found in mayonnaise, salad dressings, and some liquid detergents. Durk Pearson and
Sandy Shaw popularized the use of polysorbate 80 for alopecia in their
best-selling book, Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach. In their
book, Pearson and Shaw report that use of polysorbate 80 in studies has
resulted in an average of 60 percent hair regrowth after just six months
of daily use.
PRODUCT CODE
#1100 8 fl. oz.
FORMULA
For Topical Use Only
Polysorbate 80 contains:
100% Polysorbate 80
Histamine-Releaser
Although histamine is usually considered the culprit behind seasonal allergies, in actuality this substance is essential for cell growth and reproduction. In fact, since histamine is a growth factor, applying to the scalp a substance that triggers histamine release may also promote hair growth.
Polysorbate 80 is known to cause the release of histamine. In animals,
administration of polysorbate 80 triggers the production of histamine in
mast cells and plasma histamine concentrations rise after administration of
polysorbate 80. In humans, the administration of polysorbate 80 causes
effects in the body similar to the body's response after histamine administration.
REFERENCES
1. Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw. Life Extension: A Practical Scientific
Approach. Pg 218 - 220. Warner Books, Inc. 1982.
2. Masini E, Planchenault J, Pezziardi F, Gautier P, Gagnol JP. Histaminereleasing properties of Polysorbate 80 in vitro and in vivo: correlation with
its hypotensive action in the dog. Agents Actions. 1985 Sep;16(6):470-7.
One way polysorbate 80 may result in hair regrowth may be through its
ability to trigger histamine release in the scalp, stimulating cell growth.
Other Possible Mechanisms
Polysorbate 80 may also remove dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from the
scalp. Excessive levels of DHT are thought to cause hair loss. In addition,
polysorbate 80 may affect genetic activities in the hair follicle cells due to
its ability to reverse early tissue damage that occurs at the beginning of
toxin-induced carcinogenesis.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
In Life Extension, A Practical, Scientific Approach, Pearson and Shaw recommend coating the scalp in the bald or balding locations with a thin film of
Polysorbate 80 five or 10 minutes before shampooing. Use a medicine dropper for distribution to the proper areas. Rub the drops into the scalp with the
fingertips, preferably vigorously enough for the scalp to turn somewhat red
and feel warm, an indication of histamine release. Wait one to three minutes
then rinse thoroughly. Within two or three months of daily use, new hairs may
appear. Bright side lighting and a black background may be required to see
the thin and short hairs that first appear. In some studies, hundreds of men
in their 50s and 60s reported more than 60 percent average regrowth after
using polysorbate daily for a year. For the first week or two, patients may
notice an increase in hair loss due to loosening of hairs in resting phase
atrophic follicles.
CP ver. 092303
Information contained in this Product Technical Sheet is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide personal medical advice.
Such advice should be obtained from a medical professional. Reproduction of any part of this work is prohibited.
© 2003 Complementary Prescriptions™, a division of Vitamin Research Products, Inc.