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Im agine
trying to push a ping pong ball through a screen door. It wouldn't fit, of
course. However, by manipulating the electrical fields on either side of
the screen (positive and negative), the ping pong ball (molecule) will
slide right through one of the tiny holes (without damaging the screen).
This discovery is a true (and quite fantastic) phenomena of nature, which
has opened many doors from genetic engineering, medicine, physics and
more.
Anti-Hair Growth Chemicals
Anti-androgens (and other chemicals capable of defeating hair growth) are
normally very large molecules. The major problem in the treatment of
hirsutism is getting them to the hair growth tissues where they can block
and permanently destroy cellular activity.
If a human subject takes anti-androgens orally (or by injection) for
example, huge quantities would be required of (for a considerable time) to
produce adequate 'quantitative' levels in the tissues to affect cellular
activity. Side effects from hepatic toxicity (liver problems) to
reproductive dysfunction would be very frequent.
Microlysis completely eliminates this problem by delivering extremely high
concentrations of anti-growth agents directly to the desired tissue only.
One of the most popular anti-androgen treatment creams on the market
(brand name Vaniqa) has one very frustrating limitation: poor absorption.
This problem results in a marginal level of results.
With the implementation of electrophoresis as the primary delivery medium,
these anti-hair growth substances can be delivered in a very efficient
manner. Results achieved with prescription Vaniqa have been reported as
highly accelerated when applied under electrical pressure.
Salicylic acid and sodium hydroxide are smaller molecules than
anti-androgens (about 1% of the actual mass), but even they will not
penetrate the skin under normal circumstances. However, with the
implementation of electrophoresis (also called Microlysis) these molecules
are easily and readily absorbed into the deep levels of skin where hair
growth starts. The power of salicylic acid and sodium hydroxide to destroy
tissue (especially follicle tissue) is very well known. Salicylic acid is
used by Physicians for the permanent removal of skin tags and warts (quite
effectively). Sodium hydroxide is used for the permanent destruction of
hair follicle tissues and other skin dysfunctions. Both substances become
highly effective when applied under electrical pressure. The overall
enhancement of reaction to the tissue is more than 10 times that of
applying these chemicals without electrophoresis.
It is now possible to safely and quickly kill unwanted hair growth with
chemicals which were either poorly absorbed or dangerous in high
concentrations. It's not magic, it's Microlysis!
The Treatment Procedure:
Microlysis works in three easy steps. During each 'electrophoresis' phase,
a highly conductive electrolytic gel (containing anti-growth substances)
is placed on the hair growth area. It is then massaged across the skin
with the electrified micro-head attachment.
Electrons (which are emitted by the micro-head) carry the anti-hair growth
substances through the highly resistant dermal barrier, right into the
tissue.
PHASE 1. Salicylic acid complex (commonly used by Physicians for wart
removal) is applied for 60 seconds. The acid complex penetrates deeply
into the follicle pore and adjacent epidermal tissues where it gently
dissolves the papilla cells responsible for growth.
PHASE 2. Anti-androgen complex (containing synthetic cimetidine and sabal
serrulata plant sterol) is sent into the tissues and down the follicle
shaft by electrophoresis for 60 seconds. These substances are proven to
block androgen receptors and interrupt hormonal signals which instruct the
hair to grow.(1)
PHASE 3. Sodium hydroxide gel is applied for 60 seconds, which will
neutralize surface pH following the salicylic acid (phase 1) application
to reduce visible trauma of the epidermis while simultaneously
traumatizing the microvasculum and papilla matrix deep within the shaft.
Outstanding Short-Term Results:
At first glance, Microlysis may appear somewhat similar to Transdermal
Electrolysis; however, the two treatments could not be more different.
Transdermal traumatizes the hair growth tissues by way of a negative
charge (thereby creating sodium hydroxide inside the follicle shaft).
Microlysis uses a positive charge, which creates a very mild chemical
change in the tissue by producing hydrochloric acid. The HCl does have
some minor impact on the lower follicle tissues; however, the salicylic
acid in the phase 1 gel produces far more traumatization to the entire
hair follicle itself. Both HCl and salicylic acid work in unison (having
acidic pH and overall chemical properties) for the massive damage to hair
growth tissues deep inside the dermal layers.
Microlysis and Transdermal could be somewhat equal in overall results if
the Microlysis treatment used only the first phase (salicylic acid).
Where Microlysis shows its superiority is in the anti-androgen (phase 2)
complex application. The bio-active sterols and synthetic anti-androgens
are pushed through the skin into tissues where the hair growth is
supported. These anti-androgenic compounds block the hormonal signals
which instruct the hair to grow, thereby shutting down the actual growth
process on a genetic level.
This creates a vastly improved short-term result, which is a major factor
when keeping your patient motivated to continue the treatment program at
your salon.
The faster they see results, the less likely they will 'dropout' from your
practice. A full 90% of patient dropouts under normal electrolysis occur
within the first 60 days.
More Information for the Scientific Mind:
Electrophoresis is a method that separates macromolecules-either nucleic
acids or proteins-on the basis of size, electric charge, and other
physical properties.
The term electrophoresis describes the migration of charged particle under
the influence of an electric field. Electro refers to the energy of
electricity. Phoresis, from the Greek verb phoros, means "to carry
across." Thus, gel electrophoresis refers to the technique in which
molecules are forced across a membrane, motivated by an electrical
current. Activated electrodes at either end of the gel provide the driving
force. A molecule's properties determine how rapidly an electric field can
move the molecule through.
Electrophoresis separation of large (macro) molecules depends upon two
forces: charge and mass. When a biological sample, such as proteins or
DNA, is mixed in a buffer solution and applied with a conductive gel under
electrical pressure, these two forces act together. The electrical current
from one electrode repels the molecules while the other electrode
simultaneously attracts the molecules. The frictional force of the gel
material acts as a "molecular sieve," separating the molecules by size.
During electrophoresis, macromolecules are forced to move through the
pores when the electrical current is applied. Their rate of migration
through the electric field depends on the strength of the field, size and
shape of the molecules, relative hydrophobicity of the samples, and on the
ionic strength and temperature of the buffer in which the molecules are
moving.
1. Teacher's Edition Laboratories Modern Biology Copyright 1993 by Holt,
Rinehart and Winston, Inc. p. 81. Chicago.
2. Biology: Second Edition. Copyright 1989, 1985 by Saunders College
Publishing. p. 443, 365-366, 37-39, 69-76 New York.
3. Biochemistry. Campbell. Copyright 1991 by Saunders College Publishing
4. Dr. DeWitt's Protein Handout
5. Practical Electrophoresis for Genetic Research. George Acquaah, Ph.D.
Copyright 1992 by Dioscorides Press. Portland, Oregon. p. 19, 49
6. Principles and Techniques of Practical Biochemistry Fourth Edition
Copyright 1994 Cambridge University Press p. 425-429
7. Instuctor's Manual with Test Questions for Biochemistry Mary K.
Campbell Copyright 1991 by Saunders College Publishing, a division of
Holt, Rinehart and Winston p. 161
8. Growing With Science Science Supplement Editorial Director: Lawrence T.
Lorimer Executive Editor: Joseph M. Castagno Copyright 1992 by Franklin
Watts, a Grolier company Genetic Fingerprinting by Thomas H. Maugh II p.
364-369
Active Ingredients
Cimetidine:
This is a drug recently made available over the counter. In large multiple
doses daily it can have anti-androgen effects. These effects are fairly
weak when given orally, although and you have to take a fairly large
amount of the drug to get them, which means it is not a recommended
anti-androgen treatment unless delivered by way of site specific
sub-cutaneous injection or by way of electrophoresis. Treatments:
Cimetidine has an anti-androgen effect by binding of dihydrotestosterone
to its receptor. Cimetidine has been used to treat excess facial hair in
women and studies in women with androgenetic alopecia have yielded
promising results. Recently, we have formulated topical cimetidine
preparations to be used in combination with minoxidil.
Claimed Results: androgen blocker
Observed Results: androgen blocker.
Clinical Results: Anti-androgenic effects such as loss of hair growth on
face and body are known side effects.
Testing: Well tested (in FDA trials)
Safety/Side Effects: Some possible side effects, listed on box.
Gender: Either.
References:
MJTR: Alopecia DT. Cimetidine TU.
MNTR: Adult. Alopecia ET. Androgen Antagonists TU. Androgens PH.
Cimetidine AD. Cimetidine PD. Drug Evaluation. Female. Follow-Up Studies.
Human. Middle Age. Time Factors. JOURNAL ARTICLE
RNUM: 0 (Androgen Antagonists); 0 (Androgens); 51481-61-9 (Cimetidine)
GEOT: UNITED STATES
IDEN: ISSN: 0011-9059. JOURNAL-CODE: GR2. ENTRY-DATE: 870527.
JOURNAL-SUBSET: M. IM-DATE: 8708.
ACCE: 87193413
Serenoa Repens:
In many ways, the proposed mechanism of action of this herb is similar to
that of the drug finasteride. Finasteride is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor
used in the treatment of prostatic disease and will soon be available for
the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Whereas side effects of finasteride
use include decreased sex drive and impotence, herbalists recommend
serenoa repens as an aphrodisiac. Again, side effects associated with this
herb are essentially nonexistent. .
Serenoa repens berries contain an oil with a variety of fatty acids and
phytosterols. These fatty acids include capric, caprylic, caproic, lauric,
palmitic, and oleic acid and their ethyl esters. The major phytosterols
are beta-sitosterol, stig masterol, cycloartenol, stigmas terol,
cycloartenol, lupeol, lupenone, and 24-methyl-cycloartenol. The fat
soluble extract of serenoa repens has been shown to inhibit the conversion
of testosterone (DHT) which is proven to be responsible for androgenic
alopecia . In addition serenoa repens extract inhibits the binding of DHT
to receptors thus blocking DHT's action and promoting the breakdown of the
potent compound.
There are many studies conducted in Germany on the use of serenoa repens
as an anti-androgen. In one study, an extract of this herb was given to
2080 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy . Most patients reported
an improvement in their symptoms. Symptomatic complaints of prostatic
disease, such as urinary obstruction, are directly related to the size of
the prostate. This improvement in symptoms was due to reduction in
prostate size. The physicians rated this extract's effectiveness as "good"
to "very good" in the treatment of prostatic disease. Of the 2080 patients
treated, fifteen of them (0.72 %) had mild side effects.[1]
In yet another study, 1,334 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy
were given an extract of serenoa repens and virtually all of their
symptoms (consisting of increased frequency of urination, increased
frequency of urination at night, pain during urination, inability to void
all the urine from the bladder) were substantially reduced . This herb was
rated as "good to excellent" in over 80% of the patients studied. This
study concluded that the improvement in the quality of life in these
patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy justifies this form of therapy.
[2]
Another similar study was performed with forty-two men with benign
prostatic hypertrophy . Again, serenoa repens was conclusively proven to
be effective in the treatment of benign prostatic disease. The study also
demonstrated that the symptoms of benign prostatic disease improved
significantly by the sixth month of therapy, at the latest. Also, no side
effects were observed. [3]
All of these studies indicate that serenoa repens is an effective
antiandrogen.
Therefore serenoa repens is an effective antiandrogen for the treatment of
prostatic disease, in the same way it has applications in the treatment of
hair loss. Remember, androgenic alopecia and prostatic disease are related
since 5 alpha-reductase is required to convert the hormone testosterone
into dihydrotestosterone for either disease process to occur.
If serenoa repens blocks the effects of this enzymatic reaction in
prostatic disease, there is a good chance that it might do the same in
androgenic alopecia. By blocking the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase and the
formation of dihydrotestosterone, this herb has the potential to prevent
the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles. In other words, by
acting as an antiandrogen, it can block the progressive loss of hair.
References:
1. Schneider HJ, Honold E, Masuhr T Treatment of benign prostatic
hyperplasia. Results of a treatment study with the phytogenic combination
of Sabal extract WS 1473 and Urtica extract WS 1031 in urologic specialty
practices. Fortchr Med (Germany); 113(3): 37-40,1995
2. Vahlensieck W Jr, Volp A, Lubos W, et al. Benign pro static hyperplasia
treatment with sabal fruit extract. A treatment study of 1,334 patients.
Fortschr Med (Germany); 11 1 (18): 323-326, 1993
3.Romics 1, Schmitz H, Frang D. Experience in treating benign prostatic
hypertrophy with Sabal serrula for one year. Int Urol Nephrol (Hungary),
25(6): 565-569, 1993
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