Students from IPN develop nut-based product for hair loss

Out of substances contained in nuts, students of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) have developed a treatment to help fight genetic alopecia by stimulating the scalp tissue to regenerate hair and strengthen it.

The active ingredients of this product, which they called " Mati " are the so-called phytosterols , substances found in nuts that help maintain adequate levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, the Institute said in a statement.

The treatment was developed by students Brenda Hernández Santos, Denisse Escalera Suárez, and Eliza Arévalo García at the Center for Scientific and Technological Studies (CECyT) 6 "Miguel Othón de Mendizábal."

The product is an emulsion composed of water and oils that indirectly hydrates hair to protect it from heat and sunlight. By preventing the evaporation of moisture, an anti-frizz effect is generated, said the polytechnic students.

Upon revealing the details of the product, the students explained that Mati should be applied after washing the hair and let it act for five minutes, then rinse and comb. Since it consists of an emulsion and has ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, it is not necessary to apply gel.

The students from the Chemical Laboratory spent three months testing the product and reported that, after the third week of application, results became apparent.

Phytosterols are the active ingredients of the product. They are mostly found in nuts, whole grains, seeds, unrefined vegetable oils, legumes, wheat germ, almonds, sesame seeds, rye bread, peanut butter, rice bran, flax seeds, pistachios, cabbage, macadamia nuts, corn oil, canola oil, rice bran oil, and olive oil.

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