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Vanilla / Vanillin
Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐

My recommendation

If your hair loss is caused by chronic psoriasis, then theoretically, consuming vanilla should help reduce the psoriasis and associated hair loss. However, in practice this is very difficult to achieve due to the large quantity needed.

It is better to turn to vanillin, which is the active ingredient against psoriasis. It exists in powder form. That said, we do not know the long term effects it may have. I advise you to seek approved treatments.
Home 9 Oral supplements 9 Vanilla / Vanillin

Vanilla and Vanillin

Vanilla is a climbing orchid vine native to Mexico and Central America. The cured bean pods of this orchid are used to produce vanilla flavoring and fragrance.

The main components of cured vanilla beans are:

  • Vanillin: The major component that gives vanilla its characteristic flavor and aroma. Vanillin content is 1.3-1.7% of cured beans.
  • Acids: Such as acetic acid and formic acid give a slight acidic note.
  • Glycosides: Glucovanillin and glucovanillic acid contribute to flavor.
  • Alcohols: traces of linalool, piperonal, p-cresol.
  • Esters and ethers: Provide fruity, floral notes.

The curing process of vanilla beans is complex, taking up to 9 months to complete. This labor-intensive process is what makes natural vanilla relatively expensive compared to synthetic vanillin. However, many value the depth of natural vanilla’s flavor and aroma over synthetic varieties.

Is it effective against hair loss?

As of today, we do not have any direct studies on the potential effects that vanilla or vanillin could have on hair. However, we do have an interesting study conducted on mice that demonstrates the effectiveness of vanillin against psoriasis, a condition that can lead to hair loss if it affects the scalp.

Furthermore, we know that vanilla contains components with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beneficial effects can be derived from it through topical application, in the form of essential oil or extract.

Vanillin may treat psoriasis

To explain it in simple terms, psoriasis causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in red, thick, scaly patches on the skin. It is an immune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake. Psoriasis can be itchy and uncomfortable.

When it occurs on the scalp, the chronic inflammation caused by psoriasis can lead to hair loss. That’s why it’s important to treat this condition to prevent a potential hair loss. 

Here is an example of psoriasis :

In a study conducted in 2017 by Hui-Man Cheng and colleagues, the effects of vanillin were tested on mice in which psoriasis had been induced by the application of a drug called imiquimod.

For one week, the researchers divided the mice into two groups:

  • Group 1: imiquimod alone
  • Group 2: imiquimod + oral vanillin (100 mg/kg)

The results showed that vanillin reduced skin inflammation in a dose-dependent manner, improving the overall health of the skin. Additionally, it altered the activity of numerous genes related to the immune system and metabolism. Vanillin suppressed genes associated with inflammation, particularly those linked to the IL-23/IL-17 pathway.

These findings suggest that vanillin could be a promising treatment for psoriasis by regulating this specific pathway.

As of today, we do not have any studies on humans, and we also do not know the dosages that would be necessary to achieve the same effects. If we consider that we should take 100 mg per kilogram, that would amount to 7000 mg of vanillin for a person weighing 70 kg.

Vanillin is sold in powder form, and one could easily consume 7000 mg of it per day for a negligible cost, but we know nothing about the potential side effects of such consumption.

In my opinion, it is better to wait for studies on humans to be conducted before trying vanillin for psoriasis.

Closing thoughts and verdict

If your hair loss is caused by chronic psoriasis, then theoretically, consuming vanilla should help reduce the psoriasis and associated hair loss. However, in practice this is very difficult to achieve due to the large quantity needed.

It is better to turn to vanillin, which is the active ingredient against psoriasis. It exists in powder form. That said, we do not know the side effects and the long term effects it may have. I advise you to seek approved treatments.

Precautions & side effects

Here are the side effects and precaution for vanilla consumption. We don’t know too much about consuming excess amount of vanillin.

Side Effects

  • Allergic reactions in those with sensitivity, including rashes, swelling, itching
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Nausea (when consumed in excess)

Precautions

  • Avoid use if allergic
  • Avoid consuming excess amounts
  • Check labels for purity and quality
  • Be aware it may interact with certain medications
  • Use caution when operating vehicles or machinery if consuming in large quantities
  • Pregnant women should moderate intake
  • Discontinue use if any discomfort arises

Treatment analyses

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