The Science of Phytohormones: Natural Allies in Beauty and Health

The Science of Phytohormones: Natural Allies in Beauty and Health

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, one of the most significant being the decline in estrogen levels, particularly during menopause. Estrogen, often dubbed the "beauty hormone," plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity, hair health, and overall vitality. But what happens when these levels begin to drop, and how can phytohormones from plants come to our rescue? Fortunately, phytohormones in plants, like fenugreek, offer a natural way to combat these effects and maintain youthful vitality.

Menopause and the Decline in Estrogen

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring in her late 40s or early 50s. One of the hallmark changes is a significant decline in estrogen levels. This decline can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and notably, changes in skin and hair health. Estrogen helps to maintain the skin's collagen and moisture levels, and its reduction can result in dryness, thinning, and an overall loss of youthful appearance.

Phytohormones in Plants

Phytohormones are natural compounds in plants that mimic human hormones. Fenugreek, for instance, contains diosgenin, a phytoestrogen known for its estrogen-like effects. According to a study¹ exploring different phytoestrogens as an alternative to hormone replacement, they found that diosgenin exhibits significant estrogenic activity. This makes diosgenin beneficial for alleviating menopause symptoms and supporting skin and hair health.

Plant Hormones and Their Functions

Plant hormones, or phytohormones, include auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, and abscisic acid. Each plays a specific role in plant growth and development:

• Auxins: Promote stem elongation and root growth.
• Gibberellins: Stimulate stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering.
• Cytokinins: Promote cell division and delay leaf aging.
• Ethylene: Influences fruit ripening and leaf drop.
• Abscisic Acid: Involved in seed dormancy and stress responses.

Are Phytoestrogens Good for You?

Phytoestrogens can offer several health benefits², especially for women experiencing menopause or low estrogen levels. Here are some potential benefits:

1. Relief from Menopausal Symptoms: Phytoestrogens can help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
2. Bone Health: They may help prevent osteoporosis by mimicking estrogen's role in maintaining bone density.
3. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that phytoestrogens can improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular function.
4. Menstrual Relief: They can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual discomfort.
5. Skin Health: Phytoestrogens may improve skin elasticity and hydration, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

However, it's important to note that while phytoestrogens can be beneficial, they should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake may lead to potential side effects, especially for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or starting any new supplement regimen.

Benefits of Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogens offer numerous benefits, from improving skin barrier function to balancing hormone levels. NIH Research on kinetin³ shows its effectiveness in enhancing skin's barrier function. Phytoestrogens also support hormone balance during menopause, easing various symptoms.

The Role of Estrogen in Beauty

Estrogen, often called the "beauty hormone," significantly impacts skin and hair health. It helps maintain skin hydration, elasticity, and even out skin tone, making it essential for a youthful appearance. Hormonal changes, such as a decline in estrogen, can lead to acne, dryness, and other skin issues.

Do Phytoestrogens Make You Look Younger?

Phytoestrogens, such as those found in fenugreek, soy and red clover, are plant-derived compounds that mimic estrogen. Studies suggest that phytoestrogens can help improve skin elasticity and moisture, potentially making you look younger. Similarly, plant estrogens can support healthier, fuller hair, contributing to a more youthful look.

Fenugreek seeds contain several phytoestrogens. Some of the key phytoestrogens found in fenugreek seeds that may help mimic estrogen in the body, include:

• Diosgenin: A well-known phytoestrogen that has estrogenic activity⁴.
• Isoflavones: Compounds such as daidzein and genistein, which are common in many legumes⁴.
• Lignans: Specifically, secoisolariciresinol, which can be converted into enterolactone and enterodiol in the body⁴.
• Coumestrol: Another type of phytoestrogen found in fenugreek seeds⁴.

These phytoestrogens may help in alleviate some signs of aging, particularly in women experiencing low estrogen levels such as declines in collagen and hair loss.

Read more about how fenugreek has been shown to help repair and restore hair here.

Caffeine and Caffeine-Like Purine Alkaloids

Caffeine is well-known for its stimulating effects, but did you know that it can also benefit your hair? Caffeine itself does not have phytoestrogen activity. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, and caffeine is not classified as one of these compounds. However, caffeine consumption has been linked to changes in estrogen levels. Studies⁵ have shown that caffeine can influence estrogen metabolism, leading to variations in estrogen levels among different groups of women. Purine alkaloids like caffeine can penetrate the hair roots and help in balancing them. This action can aid in reducing hair fall, thickening the hair shaft, and prolonging the hair's growth phase.

Read more about caffeine’s effects on hair here.

Best Phytoestrogen Hair Care

Here are some of the best phytoestrogen hair care products that can help with thinning hair and promote hair growth:

1. Save Me From Age Acceleration Tip to Root Hair Reboot: This hair and scalp repair treatment contains a concentrated does of fenugreek in our proprietary Fenugen technology, as well as caffeine. It works overtime to help strengthen the strands from within, stimulate the hair while reducing hair loss and breakage. Unlike the products below, it can be used as a leave-in scalp treatment which helps improve results (and can be used in conjunction with the other products below).
2. Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo: This shampoo is formulated with caffeine and phytoestrogens to stimulate hair follicles and reduce hair loss.
3. Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo: Known for its ability to strengthen hair and improve hair density, this shampoo contains phytoestrogens and other nourishing ingredients.
4. Nioxin System 4 Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo: This high-end shampoo is formulated with phytoestrogens and other ingredients to improve hair density and strength.
5. Pura d’Or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo: This shampoo is enriched with biotin and phytoestrogens to help reduce hair fall and promote healthier hair.

These products are designed to address hair thinning and promote hair growth by leveraging the benefits of phytoestrogens. Always remember to check the ingredients list and consult with a dermatologist to find the best product for your specific needs.

Best Phytoestrogen Creams

For those looking to incorporate topical phytoestrogens into their skincare routine, there are numerous products available:

• Topical Phytoestrogen Creams: These can improve skin hydration and elasticity.
• Estriol Face Creams: Known for their anti-aging benefits, with noticeable before and after results.
• Phytoestrogen Skin Care Products: These can enhance skin firmness and reduce fine lines.

How Much Phytoestrogen is Too Much? Safety and Considerations

While phytoestrogens have many benefits, they should be used cautiously. According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid phytoestrogens. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or skincare regimen.

Phytoestrogens in Hair Repair

The Save Me From Hair Repair product line is formulated with specific phytoestrogens to nourish and repair hair. These ingredients help reduce hair fall, thicken the hair shaft, and extend the hair’s growth phase.

In conclusion, phytohormones provide a natural, effective way to support beauty and health, particularly as we age and face changes such as menopause. Embracing these plant-derived compounds can help maintain youthful skin and healthy hair, ensuring that we feel our best at any age.

Phytoestrogens in Ayurveda

It’s worth mentioning our philosophy on beauty and wellness. We’re inspired by Ayurvedic medicine and have harnessed the fenugreek's rich phytonutrients including medium and long chain fatty acids, terpenoids, polyphenols, phospholipids and vitamins A, C and B variety vitamins and paired these with bio-boosters like ubiquinone (also known as Coenzyme Q10 for hair), organic karanja (also known as pongamia) and medicum chain triglycerides (MCT’s derived from coconut). Our Fenugen is also a rich source of nicotinic acid (niacin), nicontinamide (niacinamide) and trigonelline. These phytonutrients include niacinamide hair benefits and have been shown to promote healthy blood flow to help enhance the nutrition essential for follicle survival, boost keratin and ceramide synthesis, restore barrier function and empower you with hair that emerges from the scalp healthier with more resistance to damage. Through a patented eco extraction process, we've magnified these phytonutrients into our clinically proven technology. Fenugen possesses the rich nutrients of fenugreek seeds in a complex 5x more potent in polyphenols. These nutrients include Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C and more. With daily and consistent, long-term use of this concentrated hair cream (that you dilute into a silky scalp serum with water), hair bonds are rebuilt, hydration is restored helping to reduce frizz, the scalp is energized and nourished from within allowing hair that's more resistant to damage to emerge. Rooted in Ayurveda, our Save Me From hair products are clinically proven to transform hair from tip to root, inside and out.

 

¹ Sheikh, N., Sharma, A., & Gautam, N. (2020). Phytoestrogens as an Alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy: Current Status. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3153082

² Domínguez-López I, Yago-Aragón M, Salas-Huetos A, Tresserra-Rimbau A, Hurtado-Barroso S. Effects of Dietary Phytoestrogens on Hormones throughout a Human Lifespan: A Review. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 15;12(8):2456. doi: 10.3390/nu12082456. PMID: 32824177; PMCID: PMC7468963.

³ An S, Cha HJ, Ko JM, Han H, Kim SY, Kim KS, Lee SJ, An IS, Kim S, Youn HJ, Ahn KJ, Kim SY. Kinetin Improves Barrier Function of the Skin by Modulating Keratinocyte Differentiation Markers. Ann Dermatol. 2017 Feb;29(1):6-12. doi: 10.5021/ad.2017.29.1.6. Epub 2017 Feb 2. PMID: 28223740; PMCID: PMC5318528.

⁴ Meena, R. S., & Barman, P. (2023). Medicinal Value of Phytoestrogens in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek): Review. Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal, 16(4), 733-742. https://doi.org/10.13005/bpj/2569

⁵ National Institutes of Health. (2012). NIH study shows caffeine consumption linked to estrogen changes. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-shows-caffeine-consumption-linked-estrogen-changes