Herb increases hair growth, decreases loss

Gencor shared the news of a study published in the Trichology and Cosmetology Journal investigating Ageratum conyzoides (commonly known as billy goat weed) for increasing hair growth and decreasing hair loss. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 84 healthy women and men experiencing hair loss. Participants took daily supplementation of 250mg of Gencor's oral ingredient HairAGE or the placebo over 12 weeks. The findings:

• The HairAGE group saw a significant reduction in the appearance of hairline recession compared to the placebo group, as well as a substantial decrease in total prostaglandins (a group of lipids that control processes including inflammation). Gencor said this further validates the earlier in-vitro mechanism of action, and suggests a balanced inflammatory response for improved hair health.
• Male participants experienced a statistically significant reductation in the change from baseline in type-2 5a-reductase, which known to influence hair loss and thinness. There was a decrease from baseline in the HairAGE group and an increase in the placebo group. Gencor said this validates the action of inhibition of 5-Alpha Reductase, as seen in its earlier in-vitro study.

“This clinical trial supports the mechanism of action as well as showing hair recession consistent with what we have seen in the in-vitro, open-label, and double-blind topical studies with HairAGE,” R.V. Venkatesh, Co-founder, Gencor. “According to this research, HairAGE can now effectively be incorporated as an oral dietary supplement for improved hair health, giving more flexibility in applications for women and men.” 

Upcycled ingredient supports prostate health

Researchers at Cepham have developed a patent-pending hydro-ethanolic extraction method to create Prosprune, from Prunus domestica bark extract. The result of three years of research and development, this ingredient supports prostate health, and can be used in the development of men's healthy aging products, the company said.

A unique aspect of this new ingredient is that it contributes to environmental conservation, according to Cepham. The company explained that another ingredient in the space, Pygeum africanum, is endangered.Seeking an effective alternative, the research team at Cepham analyzed various species in the Prunus genus, and Prunus domestica emerged as a promising candidate "due to its remarkable phytochemical composition."

“Laboratory analyses of Prunus domestica bark revealed potent antioxidant phytochemicals such as xanthones and stilbenes, making it an ideal candidate for prostate health support,” said Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., Founder and President of Cepham. “Our commitment to sustainability led us to address the environmental impact of plum tree pruning in Himachal Pradesh, India, near to our manufacturing operations base in Chandigarh.”

The company explained that farmers in Himachal Pradesh traditionally burned prune twigs during pruning, which created air pollution. Cepham developed a patented extraction technology to upcycle the pruning waste and create Prosprune. "We continue to work closely with local communities and farmers in Himachal Pradesh to ensure responsible and sustainable harvesting of prune twigs for Prosprune,” said Swaroop. “Our dedication to finding innovative ways to drive environmental sustainability through upcycling of crop residues remains unwavering as does our dedication to men’s health by offering a sustainable alternative that supports prostate health and addresses the dwindling supplies of endangered species."

Botanical blend improves joint comfort & function

A third human clinical study confirming joint and physical benefits of TamaFlex—a standardized synergistic anti-inflammatory botanical formulation containing Tamarindus indica seed extract and Curcuma longa rhizome extract at a 2:1 ratio—has been published in Food and Nutrition Research. NXT USA reported that TamaFlex also was shown to improve joint comfort and function, aerobic capacity, and lower body strength of participants, with biomarkers objectively showing physiological changes.  

“This study is especially relevant for our TamaFlex ingredient,” says Eric Anderson, Managing Director, NXT USA. He noted that the company's previous studies (see here and here) focused on identifying that joint relief was fast-acting and long-lasting. "This third study provides concrete data supporting our novel approach to joint health and the impact it has on improving participants’ quality of life and physical capabilities. The study is large and comprehensive, with physician assessment, physical tests and biomarkers providing subjective and objective evidence of efficacy. This is truly unique.”

 The 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study assessed the efficacy of the herbal formula in 150 subjects (males and females aged 40-70 years) with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). Subjects were split into three groups: placebo, 250mg TamaFlex, and 1000mg active comparator of Boswellia and Curcumin 1000mg. According to the authors, “The study demonstrates the potential of TamaFlex in improving joint health by reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving physical function in subjects with mild to moderate knee OA. After 30 days of supplementation with 250 mg of TamaFlex, participants showed a significant reduction in pain, joint stiffness, and improvement in their physical function."

Cognitive specialty ingredient featured in review

The brain- and stress-support ingredient CognoLipid by Lipogen is the subject of a study published in Cureus on select supplements with efficacy for supporting cognitive health. An independent team of neurologists from U.S. hospitals, conducted a review of 1,380 cognition studies published between 1982 to 2022. The retrospective review of randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials focused on dietary supplements and brain structure and found 10 studies, one of which used Lipogen’s unique ingredient formulation, which is combination of phosphatidylserine (Aqua PS) and phosphatidic (Aqua PA). CognoLipid met the high-quality research criteria and provided positive cognition outcomes.

Lipogen explained that the authors of this new study reviewed a previously published trial comprised of two studies using CognoLipid to assess impact on several areas of cognitive function. “The fact that an independent health professional team deems our ingredients and its supportive research to be valuable for supporting brain/cognitive health is a powerful endorsement,” said Ilan Perry, co-owner of Israel-based Lipogen. “Cumulative research shows that the state for ideal brain performance is characterized by sharp focus, quick memory, extended concentration, clear cogitation, and balanced mood. Supplementing with CognoLipid from Lipogen may help product formulators offer consumers of all ages an opportunity to enjoy better brain performance.”