Topical and nutricosmetic products for healthy hair and dermal antiaging using “dual‐acting” (2 for 1) plant‐based peptides, hormones, and cannabinoids

Abstract

One of the side-effects of oral anti-aging retinoids is increased hair shedding. Retinoids promote the expression of TGF-β2 from fibroblasts, which stimulate collagen expression but silences keratinocytes. Since keratinocytes normally influence differentiation of dermal papilla cells at the base of the hair follicle, retinoids feasibly inhibit hair growth via the increased expression of TGF-β2, which inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Fortunately, the plant kingdom provides an array of alternatives as dual-acting nutricosmetics and topicals that work independently of TGF-β2 to confer dermal anti-aging and hair health effects. These alternatives include 'plant hormones' such as cytokinins and phytoestrogens. Many cytokinins are agonists of the G-coupled adenosine receptors. Partial agonism of adenosine receptors promotes collagen synthesis independently of TGF-β2 signalling. Adenosine expression is potentially also the mechanism of minoxidil in promotion of scalp hair growth. Because of crosstalk between adenosine and cannabinoid Accepted ArticleNo copyright is required receptors it makes sense to try combinations of specific CB2 agonists and cytokinins (or phytoestrogens). However, dual-acting cosmetics including peptides with high numbers of positively charged amino acids, such as lysine or arginine, offer real potential as they can be processed from multiple botanical candidates, including almond, fenugreek, pea sprouts, soy, and seaweeds. The current review summarises much of what is known about retinoid alternatives in the plant kingdom and identifies potentially fruitful new areas of research.

Fundamental Chemistry of Essential Oils and Volatile Organic Compounds, Methods of Analysis and Authentication

“…Essential oils and natural volatiles are one of industry’s most successful commodities, since they are used as flavours [ 1 ], in lotions or shampoos as fragrances and for skin and hair rejuvenation [ 2 , 3 ], as perfumes, in candles, soaps, liquids that sterilise, and in conventional or medical aromatherapy [ 4 ]. This widespread demand has meant that significant profits are to be made by providing essential oils or their components at the most competitive price.…”

South Africa’s Best BARK Medicines Prescribed at the Johannesburg Muthi Markets for Skin, Gut, and Lung Infections: MIC’s and Brine Shrimp Lethality

“…Some of these species have already been examined for phytochemical composition, but the connection between chemistry and antimicrobial activity is not fully elucidated for all the species examined here. Hence, a follow-up bioactivity guide fractionation process may help to identify antimicrobial actives and create leads for the nutricosmetics industry [111].…”

Purely Australian Essential Oils Past and Present: Chemical Diversity, Authenticity, Bioactivity, and Commercial Value

“…For example, medical practitioners will discourage self-treatment for potentially dangerous infections, such as staph or septic wounds, but they will accept use of essential oils to prevent spreading the infection, or to support antibiotic treatment. Some dermatological problems that will benefit from the antimicrobial effects of essential oils include acne [36], hair loss pathologies where overgrowth of Propionibacterium and Malassezia promote microinflammation [37,38], foot odours [39], athletes foot [40], and protection of skin grazes, cuts, or non-infected wounds.…”