Physiological Importance of the Vitaminoid Thiocyanate and Its Influence on Hair Growth

Abstract

Thiocyanate is a physiologically and biochemically active metabolite that is not sufficiently formed by endogenous synthesis in the case of diseases, stress, malnutrition, infection, toxic influences or loss through washing out during hair washing. In these siuations, alimentary supplementation or local application become necessary depending on the objective. An important effect of thiocyanate is the stimulation of new cell formation, initially proven in cell culture and in plants by the increase in yield, later also in the animal species mink (improved coat quality), sheep (increased wool yield) and guinea pigs (stimulation of the anagen phase of hair formation). Therapeutic efficacy was even demonstrated in human alopecia areata, with 51% showing complete to good remission 12 months after completion of treatment. The growth-promoting effect was confirmed in the trichogram. The biological activity of the vitaminoid is not based on a uniform mechanism of action but is to be understood as the sum of various partial effects