Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsicum Annuum)
Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
- Hair
- From: Native to North America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
- Form: Extract
- Food source: Pepper
What is Cayenne Pepper?
We're all familiar with cayenne from the supermarket, and maybe from getting a bit overconfident with it when cooking a curry or sauce. But this fiery pepper is also of real interest to researchers. Cayenne pepper's main active constituent is capsaicin, the compound that gives it its heat.
What does the research say about Cayenne Pepper?
Capsaicin acts on a receptor called TRPV1, and scientists have studied the role of this receptor in human hair growth. Research has also looked at how capsaicin interacts with the hair follicles in the skin, and at a preparation combining capsaicin with piperine and curcumin in relation to the scalp and hair.
Capsaicin has also been studied for its effects on circulation and the blood vessels. This interests hair researchers because the hair follicle relies on its blood supply, and the link between blood flow and the hair follicle is an active area of study. A review of capsaicin's wider potential covers vascular and metabolic health. If you're ever cooking and too much cayenne pours into your masala, tell your guests as they start to sweat that it's been studied for hair.
You may also enjoy reading 'Best foods for hair loss & thinning' and 'Ultimate advice for hair loss, from an expert nutritionist'.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Horsetail
Horsetail is a fern that grows wild in Northern Europe and America. It was first used by ancient Greeks as a remedy for improving the appearance of hair due to its high levels of silica.
Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones, helping maintain the body’s metabolic rate, healthy skin and hair, and is crucial during pregnancy.
L-Glycine
L-Glycine is an amino acid that has a calming and regenerative effect, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing feelings of tiredness during the day.
MSM
MSM is a natural source of sulphur which is needed for strong and flexible hair through its role in the formation of amino acids that provide hair with moisture and strength.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a small, rugged palm grown widely in the USA, and has been studied for its role in helping regulate hormones, supporting hair health, and men's health.
Selenium
Selenium is an important mineral for the immune system. It also helps maintain healthy hair and nails and is necessary for the use of Iodine in thyroid hormone function.
