Caffeine and extending life of hair roots.......

[michael barry]

Im sure alot of you gentlemen have heard of the large German company, Alpecin, and its claims of a new after-shower lotion containing caffeine which the company claims extended the anagen phase of follicles some 37% and increased their size.

I understand that this company is a "household" name in Germany, so Im a little more inclined to listen to what would seem comic if it came from some cosmetic start up. However, until I see good before and after pics, I "aint" bitin'.

Lets assume though that their claims are true........any of you guys want to take a crack at why Alpecin might work?

 

[thin=depressed]

Dear Bryan, hate to say it but caffiene is a diuretic.

 

[michael barry]

Yes, thin.........I suppose it could decrease fluid pressure in the cells. This would be in-line with S. Foote's hydrolic theory. Spriolacatane is supposed to have diuretic properties.

I know caffeine is being used in many skin creams, but I supposed that was for its rejuvanitive effect on the skin. As I sated in my post, I wouldnt have ordinarily gave Alpecin a second thought when I first heard about it, and relegated it to a list of endless scams. However, the fact that Alpecin is a big well-known company makes me at least somewhat interested. I cant imagine a reputable giant company like Bristol-Meyers or Johnson and Johnson calling a press conference about a new baldness product they developed and it be snake oil (purposely anyway).

The stuff also contains niacin, zinc, menthol, and Vitamin B-5 (which obviously would be for simple cosmetic purposes). [/i]

 

[Bismarck]

I think it is strange that Adenosineis promoted to grow hair and caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist.

Take in mind that this "study" has been done with single hair follicles in a petri dish, it wasn't a clinical "in vivo" as it was done with finasteride and minoxidil for example.
It is pretty cheap and feels cool on the scalp. I don't think it has a noticeable effect on the balding process.

bis

 

[thin=depressed]

I think it is strange that Adenosineis promoted to grow hair and caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist.

Take in mind that this "study" has been done with single hair follicles in a petri dish, it wasn't a clinical "in vivo" as it was done with finasteride and minoxidil for example.
It is pretty cheap and feels cool on the scalp. I don't think it has a noticeable effect on the balding process.

bis

well said bis. My personal opinion is that caf and adeno work completely different.

 

[iamnaked]

Quite honestly, I think 'research' findings like this are major bullshit. A bunch of bored scientists who are getting major kicks at the idea of guys smearing nescafe on their domes. It's bit like the bananaskins contain drugs urban myth, really. I know I'd find it funny if I'd started the rumour and I started smelling coffee on people's heads in the subway.

 

[sam-]

Any site is selling it ! :!:

 

[michael barry]

Alpecin is the name of the product

Dear IamNaked,
Are you kidding? Have you really smelled coffee on peoples heads on the subway? Man that is funny. I just hope companies take note at the lengths people will go......... The scientists mentioned folks might try that, but Im pretty sure they meant at bedtime (LOL).

Alpecin is the company. Its German, their website is Alpecin.com. If the diuretic properties are how it works (if it works), there are other substances that are diuretic. Who knows. My initial post was just thinkin' out loud about it. The company markets the stuff as an "after shower lotion" which supposedly protects hair roots from the effects of caffiene for 24 hours. Minoxodil has a diuretic effect also. If shifting fluid volume away from the hair root area thats just 4-6 mm under the skin is an early answer to male pattern baldness, I have a feeling that their would be other substances that would achieve this. Its interesting to speculate and see others speculate upon however. Enjoying this site, level of convesation is high.

 

[iamnaked]

If anyone wants to buy the Bananidil-Regrow (TM) patented hair regenerative therapy formulation from me, I'm selling it for a bargain $50 a bottle. It contains 100% organic banana skin extract from free-range bananas which is guaranteed to extend the telogen resting phase of follicles. You won't be disappointed!

 

[Dakota]

iamnaked,
Whats so funny about this post is you just might have found the cure!!!! Lol!!!!!!! :hairy:

 

[Sirini]

i'm using Alpecin ASL since 14/4/2005

it feels so good on the scalp

its too early to judge.

 

[michael barry]

Sirini,
Your post states youre from UAE, which I think is United Arab Emirates close to the Persian gulf. My aunt was married to a guy (who is still a friend of mine, although they are divorced now) from Iran. His family lives here in the states. All those guys had terrific hair. I assumed men from the middle east hardly ever lose their hair and it seems like their hair is also thick to start with also. If you had to guess, what percentage of men in the middle east lose hair? Im guessing if half European men lose hair by 50, its proboably only 25% or so there?

 

[Sirini]

michael,

i was born in uae

based on my observations the majority of men from UAE have THICK dark hair! and the skin type is dry/noraml (genes?)

i guess its the same or less in other gulf countries

but in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon hair loss or baldness is more common and the skin type is usually oily .

8)

 

[Guest]

i'm using Alpecin ASL since 14/4/2005

it feels so good on the scalp

its too early to judge.

Good luck with your regimen - why don't try adding somehting that works

 

[eurodane]

Sirini!

Could you tell me where you purchase this ASL? - I have not found any sites yet that mail out of Germany - note they also have a caffeine shampoo which they clain penetrate the scalp after 2 min - wonder if there is the need for both products now then - anyway like you said they are so cheap so it can not hurt to try as long as you keep a more scientific protocol ongoing as well: finasteride/dutasteride along with for example minoxidil.

ED

 

[Sirini]

eurodane:

in UAE its available in most pharmacies

i suggest you e-mail Alpecin and ask them

i contacted them before and they sent me the name of their distributor in UAE and a list of pharmacies that sell Alpecin products.

good luck

 

[dannic7]

Alpecin How much caffeine?

Does anybody know how much caffeine is being used in Alpecin?

 

[Sirini]

"....with each application of ASL ones adds approx. 25 mg (caffeine) to the hair"

i got this answer by email from the company on 08 Apr 2005.

 

[dannic7]

alpecin caffeine

Thanks for the information. Would you also happen to know how much caffeine is in the shampoo?

 

[thin=depressed]

In the process of shifting fluid from the follicle the build up of sebum as well as the bodies chemicals such as hormones is lessened. I think I seen a shampoo for sale on http://www.thinkgeek.com that had caffeine.