Capilia Longa: A natural alternative for hair loss?
Are you looking for a natural solution to hair loss? In the world of hair care, we are becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients we use. Capilia Longa is a plant-based ingredient that is attracting attention as a possible answer to hair loss. In this article, we dive deeper into this substance, examine how it works and compare it to well-known treatments such as minoxidil.
Capilia Longa: A natural alternative for hair loss?
Capilia Longa: A natural alternative for hair loss?
Are you looking for a natural solution to hair loss? In the world of hair care, we are becoming increasingly aware of the ingredients we use. Capilia Longa is a plant-based ingredient that is attracting attention as a possible answer to hair loss. In this article, we dive deeper into this substance, examine how it works and compare it to well-known treatments such as minoxidil.
Capilia Longa is a substance extracted from the turmeric plant, also known as turmeric or turmeric. It is obtained through a specialised extraction process called ‘plant cell culture technology’. This process isolates and concentrates the active ingredients of turmeric, which are beneficial for hair follicle health. This process and the name have been patented by a company called Vytrus Biotech.
Is turmeric the same as Capilia Longa?
This is why Capilia Longa is the specific term used in the ingredient list of hair growth products and not: turmeric or turmeric extract. This is because using turmeric does not have the same effect because the active ingredient, curcumin, is poorly absorbed by the body. Therefore, the concentration of curcumin that reaches your scalp through food, for example, is very low.
How does Capilia Longa work?
Capilia Longa works at the level of the hair follicles. It activates the layer in the dermis where the hair follicles are located, which is also called the dermal papillae. This rejuvenates the hair follicles and stimulates the growth of new hair, making healthier hair. The main mechanisms of Capilia Longa are:
Activates stem cells in the follicle: It stimulates the revival of dormant hair follicles by activating stem cell activity in the dermal papilla.
Reduces hair loss: It helps regulate inflammation and oxidative stress around hair follicles. Indeed, these are factors often associated with hair loss.
Supports the growth phase (anagen phase): By prolonging the active growth phase of the hair cycle, Capilia Longa can increase hair density and thickness over time.
Plant-based phytoactive compounds are used to stimulate hair regrowth, reduce hair loss and improve scalp health. Phytoactive compounds are plant-based compounds that can affect biological activity in the body. In the case of Capilia Longa, these compounds are responsible for acting at the follicular level, meaning they act on the hair follicles themselves.
Several studies have been done on the effectiveness of Capilia Longa on hair growth. We highlight 3 of them.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, volume 23 on a hair growth serum that contained Capilia Longa, along with other ingredients, showed that the formula ‘significantly improved hair growth, hair density, hair thickness and hair strength within 60 days of use’. But since the product also contained Redensyl, AnaGain, Procapil and 5 kDa hyaluronic acid, it is not clear, however, which ingredient was the most effective.
Vytrus Biotech, the company that owns the patent, has extensively studied Capilia Longa. In a laboratory (in vitro) study, results show that it can stimulate hair growth in several ways:
More dermal papillae: Capilia Longa caused many more Dermal Papilla Cells (HFDPCs) to be produced. These cells are important for hair growth. The increase was up to 177%, which is better than what other growth factors and minoxidil can achieve.
Increased IGF-1 Production: Capilia Longa caused the cells to produce more IGF-1, a growth factor important for hair growth. IGF-1 production went up by up to 115%, and this happened faster than with minoxidil (within 24 hours).
Increased miRNA-31 expression: this means the cells produced 6.3 times more of the molecule miRNA-31 than normal. This small molecule stimulates the hair growth phase.
Lowered miRNA-22 expression: Capilia Longa lowered the amount of miRNA-22 in the cells. miRNA-22 is a molecule that promotes the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and counteracts hair growth. It lowered miRNA-22 levels by up to 40% compared to normal values
Clinical studies in humans:
Anti-hair loss effect: A comb test showed that Capilia Longa reduced hair loss by up to 89%, with a 53% reduction after 45 days.
Regenerative effect:
Hair density: An average increase in hair density of 15.3% after 90 days and 17.3% after 150 days was observed, with a maximum increase of 52% in some cases. An average of 13,500 new hairs were observed.
General aspect of hair: An improvement in overall hair quality was seen after 150 days of Capilia Longa use.
Microphotography (TrichoScan): An increase was seen in the number of active cells responsible for keratin production: keratinocytes. Hair thickness and hair bulb size also increased.
Hair follicles: The hair follicles showed more developed sheaths and a more active and wider hair bulb, indicating better anchoring of the hair.
Rebalancing the hair growth cycle: Capilia Longa helped rebalance the hair growth cycle, with an increase in the anagen (growth phase).
Self-evaluation of volunteers:
85% of volunteers noted new hair growth.
75% noted a reduction in hair loss.
70% were satisfied with the results.
95% intended to buy the product.
Results of the studies
115%
increase in IGF-1 production
15.3%
increase in hair density
80%
noted new hair growth
Capilia Longa versus Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a well-known treatment for hair loss, often considered the ‘standard’ in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. This term refers to genetic hair loss following the male pattern of baldness with a receding hairline. It works by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow helps vellus hair to grow, but ignores genetic factors of hair loss. Minoxidil is a registered drug and available in 2% and 5% solutions. It is one of the few drugs approved as a treatment for hair loss. As such, it has a well-documented effectiveness in increasing hair count and density. It works for most people, but cannot reverse severe hair loss.
Moreover, it can cause side effects such as irritation, redness and shedding during the initial phase, and in rare cases systemic effects such as dizziness. A major drawback is that it must be used continuously; stopping it can lead to return of hair loss.
This is why alternatives are being sought. Capilia Longa has fewer side effects. It is a natural option, suitable for people with sensitive skin. It also has a more holistic effect. Not only that, but it focuses not only on hair growth, but also on healthier hair and anti-inflammation.
How quickly do you see results?
With consistent, daily use of minoxidil, you can expect results within three to six months, with the most noticeable hair changes after about a year. With Capilia Longa, it can take two to five months (or longer) before you see results. However, more clinical research is needed to fully confirm this.
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Capilia Longa is a promising, natural ingredient that shows potential in tackling hair loss. Although it has not been studied as extensively as minoxidil, it offers a potentially good alternative for people who prefer natural treatments or are sensitive to stronger drugs. More research is needed to fully confirm its long-term effectiveness, but the results are encouraging.
Sources:
Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243-1264. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640
Merja, A., Patel, N., Patel, M., Patnaik, S., Ahmed, A., & Maulekhi, S. (2023). Safety and efficacy of REGENDIL infused hair growth promoting product in adult human subject having hair fall complaints (alopecia). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23 (3), 938-948. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16084