Well...the cow spit is a bit much,
but in general I have to agree, the derision and negativity I'm seeing in response to the use of MN is very discouraging. We should be accepting and supporting each other in our goals for healthy and long hair. Off-label useage is a common practice, most things we use cosmetically got their start as something else, or are enhanced by ingredients that were originally marketed or intended for another purpose. I remember years ago the first time I saw Mane 'N Tails in the stores I was shocked. I couldn't believe women were going to use a product designed for animals. I didn't understand the logic and I laughed at friends who bought it, called them crazy, etc. Now I know better than to be so narrow-minded and dismissive.
So far I've read abstracts from two studies (done in Europe) where prescription MN lotion was used to combat both dandruff and hair loss. And
Btw, Machido's Collage Fulu Fulu, a high-end shampoo ($25/bottle)sold in Japan has MN 2% as its primary ingredient. So again, this isn't a new thing, but like with most things the US is slow to the global market and bringing info to people. And in October the FDA approved Vusion diaper-rash cream which is also MN 2% so...if they're okaying the use of MN on babies, I'm not all that worried that off-label use is dangerous for adults. It's not messing with hormones and it's not an antibiotic, so developing resistance or screwing with delicate body chemistry isn't an issue like it is with some other products.
And going back the way we've adjusted to the use of "veterinary" products, I'd just like to say if Malaseb shampoo becomes the next Mane 'N Tails (esp. to treat dandruff) or Cowboy Magic Rosewater Shampoo some people will have some serious adjusting to do, as that shampoo uses MN 2% as a primary ingredient.
Bascially, don't knock the off-label usage, we're learning new things about products and their potential uses everyday.