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Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and they are known for their various health benefits.
In recent years, they have gained popularity in the beauty industry for their potential to promote hair growth.
In this blog post, we will explore the research and benefits of using medicinal mushrooms for hair growth.
What are medicinal mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms are a group of fungi that have been used in traditional medicine for their various health benefits.
Some of the most popular medicinal mushrooms include reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail.
These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenes, and ergosterol that have been shown to have various health benefits.
How do medicinal mushrooms promote hair growth?
Medicinal mushrooms contain various bioactive compounds that have been shown to promote hair growth.
These compounds stimulate the production of certain growth factors that are essential for hair growth.
For example, beta-glucans found in medicinal mushrooms have been shown to stimulate the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are essential for hair growth.
Medicinal mushrooms also contain antioxidants that help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. They can be taken in powder, capsules or the easiest way is in coffee, known as Mushroom Coffee.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals and protect hair follicles from damage.
Research on medicinal mushrooms for hair growth
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the potential of medicinal mushrooms for promoting hair growth.
In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers found that the polysaccharides found in reishi mushroom promoted hair growth in mice by stimulating the production of IGF-1 and VEGF.
Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the effects of a hair tonic containing Cordyceps militaris extract on hair growth in humans.
The study found that the hair tonic significantly increased hair density and thickness in the participants.
Benefits of using medicinal mushrooms for hair growth
Using medicinal mushrooms for hair growth has several benefits. Some of the benefits include:
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Stimulates hair growth: Medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that stimulate the production of growth factors essential for hair growth.
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Protects hair follicles: The antioxidants found in medicinal mushrooms help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.
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Improves hair quality: Using medicinal mushrooms can improve the overall quality of hair by making it thicker, stronger, and more resilient.
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Natural and safe: Medicinal mushrooms are natural and safe to use, making them a great alternative to chemical-based hair growth products.
Which Mushrooms Are Great for Hair Growth?
Several medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their potential to promote hair growth. Here are some of the most promising ones:
- Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a popular medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
It contains polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits.
Research has shown that the polysaccharides found in reishi mushroom can promote hair growth by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers found that polysaccharides extracted from reishi mushroom promoted hair growth in mice by increasing the expression of IGF-1 and VEGF in hair follicles.
- Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushroom, also known as Cordyceps militaris, is another medicinal mushroom that has been studied for its potential to promote hair growth.
It contains polysaccharides, cordycepin, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the effects of a hair tonic containing Cordyceps militaris extract on hair growth in humans.
The study found that the hair tonic significantly increased hair density and thickness in the participants.
- Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used for its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties.
However, recent research has also shown that it may have potential for promoting hair growth.
A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that polysaccharides extracted from lion's mane mushroom stimulated the proliferation of human hair follicle cells and increased the expression of genes related to hair growth.
- Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushroom, also known as Lentinula edodes, is a popular culinary and medicinal mushroom.
It contains polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have various health benefits.
Research has shown that shiitake mushroom extract can promote hair growth by stimulating the proliferation of hair follicle cells and increasing the expression of growth factors such as IGF-1 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1).
A study published in the Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering found that shiitake mushroom extract significantly increased hair growth in mice.
Conclusion
Medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity in the beauty industry for their potential to promote hair growth.
These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that stimulate the production of growth factors essential for hair growth and protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.
Research has shown that medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps can promote hair growth and improve hair quality. Using medicinal mushrooms for hair growth is a natural and safe alternative to chemical-based hair growth products.
Try the easiest way to get your daily dose of medicinal mushrooms with our mushroom coffee: Moksha or Plant Protein+
Both contain more than 1250mg of mushrooms per serving.
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