Substitutes for minoxidil

CausticSymmetry wrote:tao81 - Given this latest study, I have two different proposals on an alternative to minoxidil that does not involve antioxidants.

Curr Med Chem. 2008;15(29):3095-112.
Promotion of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Production by Sensory Neuron Stimulation; Molecular Mechanism(s) and Therapeutic Implications.
Okajima K, Harada N.

Department of Translational Medical Science Research, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan. whynot@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) plays various important roles in cellular proliferation, differentiation, survival and functions of the cell, thereby contributing to the maintenance of tissue integrity. Although it is well known that growth hormone (GH) increases serum IGF-I levels by stimulating the hepatic production, little is known about the mechanism by which local production of IGF-I in individual tissues is regulated. Stimulation of sensory neurons by capsaicin increases tissue levels of IGF-I and IGF-I mRNA in various organs via increased calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release in mice. This sensory neuron-mediated IGF-I production contributes to reducing reperfusion-induced liver injury through prevention of apoptosis in mice. Isoflavone, a phytoestrogen, increases CGRP production by increasing its transcription in sensory neurons. Administration of capsaicin and isoflavone increases IGF-I production in hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth in mice and in volunteers with alopecia. Topical application of capsaicin increases dermal levels of IGF-I by stimulating sensory neurons in mice and increases facial skin elasticity in humans. Plasma and tissue levels of CGRP and IGF-I in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are lower than those in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), contributing to the development of hypertension, heart failure and insulin resistance in SHR. Administration of capsaicin increases CGRP and IGF-I levels in plasma, kidneys and the heart in SHR to WKY levels, and normalizes mean arterial blood pressure in SHR. Since administration of GH or IGF-I has some deleterious effects, pharmacological stimulation of sensory neurons leading to increased tissue IGF-I levels might be a novel therapeutic strategy for various pathologic conditions.

Considering that minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and that hypertensive rats have lower levels of IGF-1 & calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the use of Cayenne topically would increase both.

Of course minoxidil works by opening of the ATP sensitive potassium channels. But what else does this? Magnesium.

Consider that Magnesium is practically void in today's foods--foods that are suppose to be loaded with it. Commercial farming is the reason.

Topical and internal Magnesium is a way to increase ATP via potassium channels. Magnesium oil or gel for topical use and Magnesium in primarily in non-oxide form for internal use.

CausticSymmetry wrote:I would not propose that idea. My experiences with cayenne over 20 years have not been good.

This includes topically and internally. Yes, I am aware that a very small amount can help internally. Anything more than that can produce a shed.

In recent thread I proposed how to produce similar effects to minoxidil without the sides.

It's within the last 10 posts (I do not recall which thread it was at the moment).

CausticSymmetry wrote:I would not propose that idea. My experiences with cayenne over 20 years have not been good.

This includes topically and internally. Yes, I am aware that a very small amount can help internally. Anything more than that can produce a shed.

In recent thread I proposed how to produce similar effects to minoxidil without the sides.

It's within the last 10 posts (I do not recall which thread it was at the moment).

Misirlou wrote:Reversing hair loss or just halting it requires a great deal of patience...5 weeks is not enough