6-Gingerol Inhibits Hair Cycle via Induction of MMP2 and MMP9 Expression

In the 2017 study, researchers investigated the effects of 6-Gingerol, a major component of ginger, on hair growth in mice. Mice were divided into five groups and treated with varying concentrations of 6-Gingerol after hair depilation. The study found that 6-Gingerol, particularly at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, significantly inhibited hair growth. This was evidenced by a reduction in hair re-growth ratio, hair follicle number, and hair follicle length. The suppression of hair growth was associated with increased expression of MMP2 and MMP9, enzymes that can affect the hair cycle. Additionally, 6-Gingerol altered the levels of growth factors involved in hair follicle regulation, decreasing the concentrations of EGF, KGF, VEGF, and IGF-1, while increasing TGF-β concentration. The results suggest that 6-Gingerol could potentially be used as a hair growth suppressive agent by influencing MMP2 and MMP9 expression and interfering with the hair cycle.