Soy Milk reduces Hair Growth?

Soymilk reduces hair growth and hair follicle dimensions
M. Seiberg, J.-C. Liu, L. Babiarz, E. Sharlow and S. Shapiro

Abstract: We have recently shown that soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors and soybean extracts alter skin pigmentation, suggesting that soymilk could be used as a natural alternative to skin lightening. The present studies were initiated to examine the possible effect of STI, BBI and soymilk on hair pigmentation. Interestingly, these agents were found to affect not only hair pigmentation, but also the rate of hair growth, the dimensions of the hair follicle and hair shaft, and the appearance of the hair. The studies presented here provide first evidence, at the morphological and histological level, that soymilk and the soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors could be used as effective agents for hair care and management. These agents could reduce the rate of hair growth, decrease hair shaft dimensions and alter the pattern of melanogenic gene expression.

The hair follicle is an epithelial structure that undergoes cycles of active growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and rest (telogen) (1). During anagen the hair follicle grows down into the dermis, forming a complex layered structure with a pigmented shaft. During catagen the hair follicle shortens, and in telogen the epithelial cells are resting while the hair shaft remains inside the short follicle. The morphological changes throughout the hair cycle are well-documented (2), but the regulation of the different phases of this cycle is not completely understood. The synchronized hair growth mouse model (3, 4) has been extensively utilized to better understand the regulation of hair growth and cycling.

One main function of mammalian hair is to provide environmental protection. However, that function has been lost in humans, in whom hair is kept or removed for social and cosmetic purposes. Many procedures are used to remove unwanted hair, from simple inexpensive home treatments like shaving, plucking and waxing, to expensive and potentially time-consuming methods like electrolysis, laser, light therapies and therapeutic antiandrogens. These methods differ not only in the duration of hair removal, their price range and their pain and discomfort levels, but also in their possible undesired effects (reviewed in (5)). Shaving may result in nicks and cuts in the skins surface, may increase the risk of infection, may leave a perception of an increase in the rate of hair growth, and may also leave undesirable stubble. Plucking causes pain and discomfort, and often results in poor removal of short hair. While electrolysis may keep an area free of unwanted hair for a prolonged period of time, the process is expensive and painful and may further result in scarring. Promising clinical results have been obtained with laser treatments, but not without changes in skin texture and pigmentation. Several unwanted side effects, such as liver toxicity or effects on muscularity often accompany the use of antiandrogens. Alternatives to hair removal are popular hair cosmetic treatments like hair dying or bleaching, used to reduce hair visibility in desired body parts. These treatments, which are sometimes irritating, are not always satisfying, as the emerging portions of the hair shafts are always darker than the already treated parts.
The studies presented here establish soymilk and the soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors as effective and inexpensive cosmetic agents for hair care and management. These agents could reduce the rate of hair growth, decrease hair shaft dimensions and reduce hair pigmentation, resulting in slower hair growth, softer and lighter hair shafts, and more manageable hair care.

Get real Cholov Yisrael Milk - Delicious! Visit www.tevyefarms.com

Article provided by Hairtell.com