BENEFITS OF UZIZA  ( PIPER GUINEENSE ) ON HAIR.          Sept 2, 2023

Piper guineense is a West African specie of Piper, the spice derived from the dried fruit. It is called different names by different cultures and tribes like Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, Uziza, Iyere etc. Uziza seeds and leaves have unique aroma and are used in West African cuisine.

It has so many benefits and on this blog, i will focus specifically on its benefits to hair. Uziza  contains proteins, minerals, Vitamins, alkaloids, saponins, beta-carotene, flavonoids, tannins, piperine, elemicin and safrole. Let us discuss some of the benefits.

β-carotene: It aids in hair regrowth, protects the scalp and hair from free radicals and inflammation caused by the sun, protect against dry, dull hair and dry scalp that can flake off into dandruff. 

Flavonoids: Stimulates hair follicles and promote hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp, strengthens the hair shaft and improve elasticity thereby reducing or preventing hair breakage.

Saponins: They are natural conditioner, scalp and hair cleanser, and promotes hair growth.

Tannins:  They are antioxidants and they protect the hair from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors.

Vitamin C: It increases collagen production( collagen is one of the essential proteins that makes hair healthy ), promotes blood circulation in the scalp, antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.

Vitamin E:  It balances sebum production in the scalp, promotes blood circulation to the scalp, its antioxidant properties protect the scalp and hair which enhance hair growth.

 Piperine: It is the active compound found in Uziza. Piperine helps in blood circulation to the scalp which leads to hair growth, its antimicrobial and antifungal properties may combat fungal growth, and dandruff, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce scalp itching and hair loss.