http://www.epilobium.com/HTML/researchepil.html
Research
Epilobium is not a “new†herb. It has been celebrated for its health successes throughout Europe for decades, and had just been “rediscovered†as a potent treatment for a variety of male and female maladies. Attention was originally focused on Epilobium for its beneficial effects regarding prostate health for men and urinary tract health for women. The use of Epilobium (Family Onagraceae) was widespread in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in certain areas of North America for centuries to treat these maladies. Numerous Epilobium species have been used as remedies in folk medicine, particularly in Central Europe, for the treatment of prostate disorders and abnormal growths. This pleasant herb and lower tea were first highly recommended by Austrian herbalist, Maria Treben, for ailing men who were suffering with prostate abnormalities. Epilobium gas been and continues to be the subject of numerous studies throughout Europe. Upon further study, it was learned that it is far more potent than Saw Palmetto and has similar, yet more powerful effects for blocking dihydotestosterone (DHT), the common cause of hair loss.
SCIENTIFIC PREMISE
In traditional herbal medicine, epilobium had proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has been used successfully for bladder health maintenance, male health maintenance, hormonal imbalances, and urinary system health. Certain species have been identified as particularly beneficial in inhibiting the enzyme 5alpha-reductase and serving as an anti-inflammatory inhibitor.
In 2003, The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology published results of a epilobium-relevant study led by Annabella Vitalone, MD, a medical advisor for Phytoceutical, Inc. The study specifically addresses the use of epilobium in treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, BPH is generally considered to be a normal part of the male aging process with cell proliferation traced to age-related changes in hormone balance and cell-growth factors.
RECENT TESTING
Recent biological testing by Ducrey and Hartmann proved that the tannins Oenothein A and Oenothein B are extremely potent inhibitors of 5-a-reductase ( which metabolises testosterone into dihydrotestosterone ) and aromatase ( which converts testosterone into 17-B-estradiol ).In the case of Aromatase Oenothein A showed an inhibition of 70 % at 50 uM during in vitro testing. Against 5-a-reductase Oenothein A had a 50 % reduction at only 1.24 uM and Oenothein B a 50 % reduction at 0.44 uM. Finasteride shows the same result at 5 nM. This leads to the conclusion that Oenothein B is a potent 5-a-reductase inhibitor but not as strong as Finasteride. These results were later confirmed by another study.
The phyto chemicals Oenothein A and B are either as topical or oral substances very safe. Oenothein is usually derived from a plant called Epilobium which is common in Australia or Europe. The chemical ingredients of Epilobium are : Beta-Sistosterol, Campesterol, LINOLEIC ACID, MYRICETIN-3-O-BETA-D-GLUCURONIDE, QUERCETIN and Oenothein B.
In a brand new study by the Mayo Clinic Quercetin was discovered to be a potent androgen inhibitor.
These substances are already well known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor effects. An aqueous extract of Epilobium is commonly used in Europe to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), gastrointestinal disorders, menstrual disorders, mouth mucous membrane lesions, Prostatitis (Inflammation of the prostate gland) and rectal bleeding.
A German research study confirmed that epilobium contains the active beta-sistosterol, a plant hormone that is the active component in Saw Palmetto - a known and proven 5-AR inhibitor.
But why is the Aromatase inhibiting function of Oenothein B so important? The inhibition of DHT increases the conversion of Testosterone into Estrogen with the help of Aromatase. . A decrease in DHT allows free testosterone to be converted to Estrogen because the DHT has been shut off. A 90 % block of DHT increases the free Testosterone by up to 30 %. Estrogen in men itself inhibits the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). As estrogen increases and testosterone decreases many men become prone to gynocomastia, increased body fat and body hair and much lower sex drive. The only way to avoid this is taking an aromatase inhibiter. Oenothein B does provide you with the best of both worlds. A very effective 5-AR and Aromatase inhibition in one product without any side effects.
Some people have asked if Aromatase can and should be inhibited with a topical lotion ? Yes - it can and it should ! A brand new study from the Tokyo Conference 2001 revealed that aromatase positive cells are localized in outer root sheath tissue. The researchers applied a topical aromatase inhibitor ( Aminoglutethimide ) and discovered that " the topical application of 1% aminoglutethimide significantly promotes the hair re-growth." And the re-grown hair was darker than before caused by the increase of melanin contents (total melanin and eu-melanin). So there is no doubt that locally inhibiting Aromatase could promote hair re-growth.
But now it is getting even more exiting. Several studies have shown that on a cellular level Interleukin-1 ( IL-1 alpha and beta ) ) seems to be a potent inhibitor of human hair growth. RX medications like Indomethacin can block Interleukin-1.Indomethacin on the other side has serious side effects but recent studies are showing that Oenothein B is even more effective than Indomethacin.
