Abstract
Inula helenium (IH) is known to possess antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-helminthic, and anti-proliferation activities. Caesalpinia Sappan (CS) is known to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Based on their folkloric use, these plants are expected to be promising candidates for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Moreover, these plants are rich sources of certain phytochemicals, which have been reported to promote hair growth. In this clinical trial, we investigate the efficacy of a scalp shampoo formulated by mixing extracts of IH and CS in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Using a phototrichogram (Folliscope 2.8, LeadM, Korea), we compared the hair density and total hair counts in patients receiving the scalp shampoo at baseline, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks after use of the shampoo. We found a statistically significant increase in the total hair count in the test group (n = 23) after 16 and 24 weeks of using the scalp shampoo (2.17 n/cm2 ± 5.72, p < 0.05; and 4.30 n/cm2 ± 6.37, p < 0.01, respectively) as compared to the control subjects. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that the IH and CS extract complex is a promising remedy for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Highlights
Hair loss is a common disorder that affects people of all ages [1]
We have recently reported that costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone present in the roots of Inula helenium L. (Asteraceae), promotes hair growth in vivo, likely by activating intracellular signaling pathways including the Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways, which are associated with cell cycle regulation in hair follicular cells [10]
Alopecia resulting from progressing hair loss needs attention to develop therapies for correcting deregulated pathophysiological conditions, thereby improving the psychosocial status of the affected individuals
Summary
Hair loss is a common disorder that affects people of all ages [1]. Available treatment strategies for alopecia include autologous transplantation of hair follicles and therapeutic intervention using drugs that promote hair growth. Two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved hair growth-promoting drugs, namely minoxidil and finasteride, are available in the market [3]. These drugs are of limited use because of adverse drug reactions, such as skin irritation, sexual dysfunction, and circulatory disorders [4]. Considering the psychosocial impacts of hair loss and the adverse effects of current therapies, there have been growing interest in developing new therapies to treat alopecia.
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