How the Ingredients of the Ayurbala Hair Regenerative Oil Assist in its Function
Author :Tanusha Sarmah
Introduction
The Ayurbala Hair Regenerative Oil aims to provide 3 key benefits:
1. Stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss (Ayurbala, 2024).
2. Help treat scalp conditions caused by bacteria or fungi (Ayurbala, 2024).
3. Reduce dandruff and strengthen hair roots (Ayurbala, 2024).
The oil was produced following Ayurvedic principles, a holistic medical system that originated
in India over 3000 years ago (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024a).
This research paper aims to explore how the ingredients of the Ayurbala Hair Regenerative Oil
assist in carrying out the product’s key benefits by analysing the biochemical properties of each
component
Plant Rhizomes
Phlai
Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., commonly known as phlai, has been traditionally used in Asian countries, such as Thailand, as a treatment for inflammation (Han et al., 2021). The rhizomes of The plant are most commonly used for medicinal purposes for example, in essential oils (Han et al., 2021). In fact essential oils containing rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar have beendiscovered to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties (Han et al., 2021), which could lead to the ingredient assisting in the second key benefit of the Ayurbala Hair Regenerative Oil.
Zingiber cassumunar oil containing 32 vol % of terpinen-1-ol demonstrated antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria (Han et al., 2021), which could help treat a broad range of scalp conditions caused by bacteria.
Against 5 strains of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Torulopsis glabrata), essential oils containing rhizomes of
Zingiber cassumunar have exhibited antifungal activity (Han et al., 2021). Though most of these yeast strains have little association with any scalp conditions, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis have been associated with scalp yeast infections (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Therefore phlai’s ability to inhibit their growth can be used to treat scalp conditions caused by fungi.
Ginger
Ginger comes from the rhizome of the ginger plant and originates in Southeast Asia (Healthline,
2024). Ginger can enhance blood circulation to the scalp when applied topically, which assists in
delivering essential nutrients to your hair follicles, keeping them nourished and strengthening
the hair root (Juicy Chemistry, 2021). This contributes to key benefit 3.
Ginger also assists in the reduction of dandruff aspect of key benefit 3 as the antifungal
properties of the spice inhibit the proliferation of the Malassezia yeast, the root cause of dandruff
(Juicy Chemistry, 2021). Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties also reduce swelling and soothe
itchiness caused by dandruff (Juicy Chemistry, 2021).
Oils
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an ingredient that is often used to improve the health of ones hair. In regard to the second and third key benefits of the Ayurbala Hair Regenerative Oil, coconut oil also plays a role. In a study conducted in 2021, topical application of coconut oil were discovered to have anti fungal benefits, combating dandruff and other scalp yeast infections while still promoting the grow-ht of beneficial bacteria (Wong, 2024).
Additionally, there is evidence that coconut oil also promotes the maintenance of healthy hair.Triglycerides present in coconut oil have the ability to penetrate and interact with the hair cortex which limits the amount of water hair absorbs, reducing damage to the hair (Wong, 2024).
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a saturated fat, which might protect hair from protein loss
(Wong, 2024). Since keratin, a protein, is the major component of hair, this promotes the
maintenance of healthy hair (Wong, 2024). Coconut oil also leads to increased collagen
production, strengthening hair (Wong, 2024).
Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer layer of the rice grain, rice bran (Healthline, 2019b).
The high vitamin E content of rice bran oil stimulates increases blood circulation to the scalp,
which improves the health of hair follicles and prevents hair loss, this might also assist in
dandruff controll (Simply Organic, 2022), thus all three key benefits of the Ayurbala Hair
Regenerative Oil are aided through the additon of rice bran oil.
Rice bran oil is high in antioxidants, which help prevent the loss of hair pigmentation caused by oxidative stress (Simply Organic, 2022). Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body (Simply Organic, 2022). As a result, this oil also helps inhibit premature greying of hair.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is produced from raw, pressed sesame seeds and is known for its medicinal potential,commonly referred to as “Queen of Oilseeds” (Healthline, 2023b). The antibacterial and antifungal properties of sesame oil help reduce the presence of dandruff (Healthline, 2019a), supporting key benefit 3. The fatty acids present in sesame oil ensure it penetrates deep into the skin, healing inflamation and irratation in the scalp (Healthline, 2019a). This also helps improve bald patches or areas of thinning hair as inflammation and irritation can cause hair loss (Healthline, 2019a), thus assisting key benefit 1. Additionally, since sesame oil is an emollient, it has the ability to to combat dry hair and scalp (Healthline, 2019a).
Seeds
Black Cumin Seeds
From the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, black cumin is a spice that has long been used in
traditional medicine (Healthline, 2023a). Black cumin seeds have the ability to maintain healthy hair roots due to its unique blend of protein, fat, water and carbohydrates (NDTV Food, 2018), assisting in key benefit 3. The seeds also combat hair loss and promote hair growth when applied topically to the scalp (Chaubey, 2021), enhancing key benefit 1.
Garden Cress Seeds
Lepidium sativum (garden cress) seeds are highly packed with nutrients that promote healthy
hair (Sakhuja, 2023). Garden cress seeds are rich in iron which stimulates blood circulation to hair follicles and hinders hair loss as iron deficiency is a common cause of loss of hair (Sakhuja,
2023). Folate which is integral for cell division and tissue growth is also found in garden cress seeds, making the ingredient beneficial for hair growth (Sakhuja, 2023). Vitamins present in Lepidium sativum seeds, such as vitamin C which stimulates collagen production, strengthening hair and preventing breakage, and vitamin A which assists in the production of sebum, ensuringenough oil in the scalp and keeping hair follicles healthy, also aid in maintaining healthy hair (Sakhuja, 2023). Hence garden cress seeds are useful for key benefit 1 and the strengthening hair root aspect of key benefit 3.
Fennel Seeds
Harvested from fennel plant flowers, fennel seeds are then dried and traditionally used in asian
cooking (Brown, 2024). The seeds are typically used in India as a post-meal digestive aid
(Toshi, 2022). Due to its antioxidant properties, free radicals are neutralised, reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthier hair follicles, thus helping key benefit 3. Additionally, fennel seeds provide hydration to the scalp maintaining its pH balance (Singh, 2018).
Dill Seeds
Dill seeds, Anethum graveolens, are a herb that has been traditionally used for its medicinal
properties, such as treatment of digestive problems (PotsAndPans, 2022). In regards to hair
health, dill seeds can assist hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. This also has the added benefit of preventing hair loss (Floristkid, 2024), aiding the functions of key benefit
Dill seeds are often found in head lice treatments and its ability to increase sweat production
combats dry scalps by forcing oil secretions (NaturallyThinking, 2024), although these benefits
are not advertised by the Ayurbala Hair Regenerative Oil.
Other Ingredients
Camphor
Camphor is waxy substance found in the wood of the camphor laurel and other trees in Asia and
Borneo and it can also produced synthetically from turpentine oil (Adkins, 2023). Camphor
appears white or transparent in colour and has been used for centuries to treat skin related issues
(Chaubey, 2023). The anti-inflammatory properties of camphor enable it to reduce itchiness
cause by dandruff, and its antibacterial properties prevents dandruff from forming (Chaubey,
2023). Camphor can also strengthen hair follicles, promote hair growth, and prevent hair loss as it increases blood circulation and acts as a counter-irritant (Chaubey, 2023). Thus the ingredient assists in key benefit 1 and 3 of the Ayurbala Hair Regenerative oil.
Keffir Lime Peel
From the Citrus hystrix tree, kaffir lime is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia (Joanna, 2022).
In terms of hair care, the vitamin C present in the peel of the fruit stimulates collagen
production, the main structural protein in hair, enabling strengthened hair growth and roots
(Joanna, 2022), assisting the function of key benefit 3. Potassium in the peel promotes blood
circulation and prevents hair loss (Joanna, 2022), aiding key benefit 1. Moreover, vitamin E,
which is also present in the fruits’ peel protects the scalp from damage (Joanna, 2022).
Clove
Cloves are the unopened flower buds of Syzgium aromaticum trees and are commonly used in
Indian cooking (Pal, 2022). The presence of vitamin K in cloves promotes blood circulation,
stimulating hair growth and assisting in key benefit 1 (Khan, 2024). Clove also consists of the
compound eugenol which, when applied to the scalp, can strengthen hair roots (Khan, 2024).
Therefore, cloves are also involved in the function of key benefit 3 .
Long Pepper
Long pepper is a fruit, roughly the size of a poppy seed, that derives from the long pepper
flowering vine. It is grown mainly in India and the Indonesian island of Java (Covington, 2022).
When applied topically, long pepper can stimulate hair growth due to its anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties (Moolihai, 2020). Therefore the ingredients assists the Ayurbala Hair
Regenerative Oil in the increased hair growth aspect of key benefit 1.
Summary Table
Key Benefit Ingredients Aiding the Benefit’s Function
1: Stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss Rice Bran Oil
Sesame Oil
Kaffir Lime Peel
Camphor
Long Pepper
Black Cumin Seeds
Garden Cress Seeds
Dill Seeds
Clove
Turmeric
Boraphet
2: Help treat scalp conditions caused by
bacteria or fungi
Coconut Oil
Rice Bran Oil
Phlai
3: Reduce dandruff and strengthen hair root Coconut Oil
Rice Bran Oil
Sesame Oil
Kaffir Lime Peel
Camphor
Black Cumin Seeds
Garden Cress Seeds
Fennel Seeds
Clove
Ginger
Turmeric
Phlai
Conclusion
In conclusion, each ingredient contributes to the function of at least one of the 3 key benefits,
with most assisting with the third benefit (12 ingredients) and the least to the second benefit (3
ingredients). However, this does not necessarily imply that the second key benefit is the least
prominent in its function as the minimal quantity of ingredients could be because there has not
been much research on how the other ingredients contribute to treating scalp conditions caused
by bacteria or fungi. Moreover, there were other benefits for the hair of some of the ingredients,
such as dill seeds and lice treatment, which were not advertised by the Ayurbala Hair
Regenerative Oil. This might be due to the fact that since that was the only ingredient found to
treat lice, the impact of this function is not too great in the product as a whole
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