Opening a New Horizon in Hair Loss Treatment with Natural Ingredients
A joint research team from Yonsei University and Severance Hospital has garnered attention for developing a hair loss treatment cream utilizing plant-based natural ingredients.
Professor Shin Yong from the Department of Biotechnology at Yonsei University and Professor Park Chang-wook from the Dermatology Department at Severance Hospital have presented a new treatment that overcomes the limitations of existing hair loss medications by utilizing natural polysaccharides and oils extracted from chia seed mucilage (CSM).
The research results were published on April 28 in the international journal 'Small'.
Currently widely used hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are plagued by various side effects and safety issues, including scalp irritation, skin itching, excessive hair growth in unwanted areas, and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, there are limitations such as reduced effectiveness with long-term use and the recurrence of hair loss upon discontinuation.
Various Side Effects and Safety Issues
Innovative Use of Plant-Derived Natural Ingredients
To address these issues, the research team focused on plant-derived natural ingredients.
Using natural polysaccharides extracted from chia seed mucilage, the team manufactured a CSM gel, combined it with PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), and added a small amount of an emulsifier to develop the cream 'CSMi' in the form of microcapsules that self-collect chia seed oil (CSO).
To verify the effectiveness of the developed 'CSMi' cream, the research team conducted experiments by applying it daily on the skin of hairless mice for 21 days. The results confirmed a noticeable promotion of hair regeneration compared to the untreated control group, indicating that hair regeneration was faster and hair density was higher than that of the existing treatment, minoxidil.
Noticeable Promotion of Hair Regeneration
Mechanism of Action and Expected Effects
According to the research team, the CSMi cream promotes hair follicle formation and extends the hair growth phase by activating glycolysis, a cellular energy metabolism process, and autophagy, a process by which damaged cellular components are self-decomposed.
Notably, because plant-derived natural ingredients are used, there are significant advantages in that it does not cause side effects commonly seen in existing products, such as scalp irritation, skin troubles, and sexual dysfunction.
Professor Shin Yong stated, "We have presented a safe and effective treatment method based on natural ingredients that overcomes the side effects and limited effects of existing products," adding, "I believe that clinical trials and commercialization in the future could lead to substantial changes in the hair loss treatment market."
Professor Park Chang-wook also expressed hope, stating, "As a treatment based on naturally derived ingredients that combines safety and efficacy, if commercialization is achieved, it could greatly contribute to improving the quality of life for patients suffering from hair loss."
Image Source: Reference images to assist understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank, mechanisms of action and experimental processes of the hair loss treatment 'CSMi' cream developed using natural ingredients extracted from chia seeds / Yonsei University, Yonsei University.
