Stevia extract or steviol for hair care

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of an oral composition comprising Stevia extract, steviol precursors, or steviol which enhances the appearance of hair. It further relates methods of improving the appearance of hair by oral administration of an effective amount of Stevia extract, steviol precursors or steviol.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of enhancing the appearance of a mammal's hair/fur comprising administering to a mammal in need of hair/fur enhancement an oral nutraceutical or food composition comprising steviol precursor or a  Stevia  extract, without chromene, for a time sufficient and in an amount effective to enhance the overall appearance of the mammal's hair/fur, and observing the enhanced appearance, wherein the enhancement of the appearance of the mammal's hair/fur is selected from the group consisting of restoring hair/fur color, lessening hair loss, increasing the thickness of hair, counteracting age-associated hair thinning, and delaying the onset or severity of age-associated hair loss and thinning. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mammal is human. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the administration is chronic. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mammal is a dog, cat, or human. 
     
     
         5 . A nutraceutical or food which contains steviol, a steviol precursor or a  Stevia  extract which is used for enhancing the overall appearance of an animal's including human's hair/fur/feathers/scales.