Post by Administration on Jul 11, 2007 14:26:55 GMT -5
Check this out, heard it on Paul Harvey today:
'Antidepressant' shampoo creates a lather
Experts pour cold water on claims
Misty Harris, CanWest News Service
Published: Tuesday, July 10
A French company claims to have developed the world's first antidepressant shampoo, infused with phenylethylamine -- the same natural compound said to give chocolate its aphrodisiac qualities -- and theobromine, an alkaloid some say blocks stress and induces feelings of pleasure.
Previously sold only overseas, Smiley shampoo is now available in North America through various U.S. retailers and online. The product also comes in the form of bath and shower gel, deodorant, tanning stimulator and unisex perfume.
Smiley is described by manufacturer Arthes Licensing on its website as a collection of "biomechanical" products that have a "100-per-cent medical" effect on mood. The company attributes the line's purported ability to "activate happiness" to a chemical reaction triggered by its twin "cardiotonics" phenylethylamine and theobromine, both of which are derived from cocoa extract.
However, it is being sold in the U.S. simply as a personal care line, without accompanying medical claims.
Massimo Marcone, a University of Guelph scientist whose expertise includes so-called cosmeceuticals (cosmetics with drug-like benefits), scoffs at such claims.
"There is very little data that will support the assertions being made," says Marcone. Although chocolate has been shown to have aphrodisiac qualities, the data relates to its ingestion and not its odour.
"A lot of this is very placebo in nature. ... Even the companies get sucked into it. They believe these things have certain types of aphrodisiac or antidepressant qualities or things of that nature when in fact, in many cases, they don't."
Other reactions to the "psycho-stimulant cocktail" have ranged from praise to utter disbelief.
Felicia Milewicz, beauty director of Glamour magazine, enthuses that Smiley's scent reminds her of childhood and gives her a warm feeling. But the Washington Post's Joe Heim writes, "It's cheaper than an hour with a psychiatrist, but at least you don't leave the shrink's couch smelling as if you'd been doused with Glade."
Chandler Burr, a New York Times perfume critic and expert in the science of scent, rejects any notion that Smiley has a drug-like effect, but sees some potential in the product.
"I don't for a single second believe that Smiley or any other scent is going to have an actual biochemical effect ..." says Burr, author of The Emperor of Scent. But he believes the product could elevate mood for some people for brief periods of time -- and explains it as a simple matter of aromatherapy.
"These things smell pleasant, sweet, nice, and thus they make people respond positively," he says. "Of course, you can get the same effect from a nice bouquet of flowers."
© The Edmonton Journal 2007
'Antidepressant' shampoo creates a lather
Experts pour cold water on claims
Misty Harris, CanWest News Service
Published: Tuesday, July 10
A French company claims to have developed the world's first antidepressant shampoo, infused with phenylethylamine -- the same natural compound said to give chocolate its aphrodisiac qualities -- and theobromine, an alkaloid some say blocks stress and induces feelings of pleasure.
Previously sold only overseas, Smiley shampoo is now available in North America through various U.S. retailers and online. The product also comes in the form of bath and shower gel, deodorant, tanning stimulator and unisex perfume.
Smiley is described by manufacturer Arthes Licensing on its website as a collection of "biomechanical" products that have a "100-per-cent medical" effect on mood. The company attributes the line's purported ability to "activate happiness" to a chemical reaction triggered by its twin "cardiotonics" phenylethylamine and theobromine, both of which are derived from cocoa extract.
However, it is being sold in the U.S. simply as a personal care line, without accompanying medical claims.
Massimo Marcone, a University of Guelph scientist whose expertise includes so-called cosmeceuticals (cosmetics with drug-like benefits), scoffs at such claims.
"There is very little data that will support the assertions being made," says Marcone. Although chocolate has been shown to have aphrodisiac qualities, the data relates to its ingestion and not its odour.
"A lot of this is very placebo in nature. ... Even the companies get sucked into it. They believe these things have certain types of aphrodisiac or antidepressant qualities or things of that nature when in fact, in many cases, they don't."
Other reactions to the "psycho-stimulant cocktail" have ranged from praise to utter disbelief.
Felicia Milewicz, beauty director of Glamour magazine, enthuses that Smiley's scent reminds her of childhood and gives her a warm feeling. But the Washington Post's Joe Heim writes, "It's cheaper than an hour with a psychiatrist, but at least you don't leave the shrink's couch smelling as if you'd been doused with Glade."
Chandler Burr, a New York Times perfume critic and expert in the science of scent, rejects any notion that Smiley has a drug-like effect, but sees some potential in the product.
"I don't for a single second believe that Smiley or any other scent is going to have an actual biochemical effect ..." says Burr, author of The Emperor of Scent. But he believes the product could elevate mood for some people for brief periods of time -- and explains it as a simple matter of aromatherapy.
"These things smell pleasant, sweet, nice, and thus they make people respond positively," he says. "Of course, you can get the same effect from a nice bouquet of flowers."
© The Edmonton Journal 2007