New Research Backs Catalase as Gray Hair Solution

Published on Discovery News, MSN, Huffington Post as well as several other media outlets, new research has put catalase back in the news.

The research has suggested that the lack of catalase is the root cause of hair turning gray. It is an enzyme which breaks down hydrogen peroxide formed naturally in the body. As we age, levels of catalase decrease, causing increasing levels of hydrogen peroxide, and thus causing oxidative stress and graying hair. Hydrogen peroxide has long been used as a bleaching agent, especially for going blonde, but with more build up in the scalp, it may actually bleach hair from the inside out, causing grays.

Conducted by a team of European researchers, the study was published earlier this month.  These researchers claim to not only find a root cause to gray hair, but also a treatment for the condition as well. This treatment also applies to those who suffer from vitiligo, which is a skin condition that causes loss of pigment in patches in the skin and eyelashes.

The study took 2,411 people who all had the skin condition known as vitiligo. It was discovered that vitiligo came as a result of oxidative stress, or something caused from increased buildup of hydrogen peroxide (bleaching agent) in the body. Using a topical treatment, which contained the enzyme catalase, the researchers successfully treated the discolored skin and eyelashes of the individuals involved in the study. Here is an excerpt from the article:

By looking at people with two different kinds of vitiligo — strictly segmental vitiligo (SSV) and non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) — they discovered that both kinds resulted from oxidative stress.

And by applying a topical treatment, a substance called PC-KUS, the researchers successfully treated the discolored skin and eyelashes of people with vitiligo.

To read the entire article, please click here.

http://news.discovery.com/human/health/has-science-cured-gray-hair-130506.htm

PC-KUS is the name given to the topical treatment used in the study.  A modified pseudocatalase, the treatment is activated by sunlight. It is theorized that this treatment is also applicable to those with gray hair, thus showing that catalase does indeed break down hydrogen peroxide in the body and can reverse signs of gray hair. However, researchers did not specify if this cream would be available to the general public.  

However, there are gray hair removal products on the market containing the enzyme catalase.  For example, Gray hair Away’s Anti-Gray Formula contains catalase and is their base element for their gray hair reversal system.

For more information visit http://www.grayhairaway.tv/