Losing your hair is something that many men dread.
But there’s good news, as experts are one step closer to a treatment that could help blokes hang on to their locks a little longer.
Researchers in Japan have pinpointed two plant extracts that appear to boost hair growth.
Phellodendron bark is a thick bark found in tropical parts of Asia, while chinpi is sun-dried mandarin orange peel.
Best of all, both plant extracts are already readily available around the world – and won’t break the bank.
‘The plant extract Phellodendron Bark and Chinpi has the effect of producing PlGF, which is involved in hair growth,’ the team at Rohto Pharmaceutical Co explained.
‘This technology is expected to be applied not only to hair but also to eyelashes and other areas.
‘We will continue our research to make the hair of more customers healthier.’
Losing your hair is something that many men dread. But there’s good news, as experts are one step closer to a treatment that could help blokes hang on to their locks a little longer (stock image)
Researchers in Japan have pinpointed two plant extracts that appear to boost hair growth – chinpi and phellodendron bark
In the UK alone, it’s estimated that over 15.4 million people suffer with hair loss.
There are several treatment options available already – ranging from wigs to topical treatments.
However, many of these are costly, and few are 100 per cent effective.
In their new study, the team at Rohto Pharmaceutical Co set out to find an accessible solution.
‘In order to support customers with hair problems, regardless of gender or age, we have been conducting hair care research for many years, and have launched products with various approaches, such as hair growth and hair restorers, in addition to cleansing agents such as shampoos,’ the team explained.
‘In recent years, the market for hair growth and hair restorers has been performing well, but we believe that people with hair problems are not able to freely choose products due to various factors such as ingredients, price, and effectiveness.’
The researchers decided to focus on Placental Growth Factor (PlGF).
This is a protein produced by dermal papilla cells, which is known to play an important role in the formation of hair at the bottom of the hair follicle.
In the UK alone, it’s estimated that over 15.4 million people suffer with hair loss. There are several treatment options available already – ranging from wigs to topical treatments. However, many of these are costly, and few are 100 per cent effective
The researchers decided to focus on Placental Growth Factor (PlGF). This is a protein produced by dermal papilla cells, which is known to play an important role in the formation of hair at the bottom of the hair follicle
‘Compared to other growth factors, there have been fewer reports of this factor in relation to hair, but we were quick to take notice of its potential and have been conducting research into it ever since,’ they explained.
The team tested several plant extracts to see if any would boost the production of PlGF, and found that Phellodendron Bark and Citrus Tinpi both had this effect.
‘When Phellodendron Bark extract or Citrus Tinpi extract was added to human hair papilla cells, they produced approximately 2.1 times and 2.2 times more PlGF, respectively, than cells that did not receive the extract,’ they explained.
The team now plans to apply the results of the research to develop hair growth products for men and women.
