7-Phloroeckol Promotes Hair Growth on Human Follicles In Vitro

    May 2014 in “ Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology ”
    Soon‐Sun Bak, Young Kwan Sung, Se‐Kwon Kim
    Image of study
    TLDR 7-Phloroeckol from brown algae may help hair grow.
    The study from 2014 investigated the effects of 7-phloroeckol, a compound from marine brown algae, on hair growth using human hair follicles in vitro. It was found that 7-phloroeckol significantly increased the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and outer root sheath (ORS) cells, as well as the elongation of the hair shaft. Additionally, the compound boosted insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 mRNA expression and protein concentration in DPCs. The treatment with 7-phloroeckol led to a significant increase in IGF-1 mRNA expression (4.98- and 5.37-fold) and IGF-1 secretion (783 and 841 pg/ml) compared to the control (483 pg/ml), while it did not significantly affect the expression of other growth factors such as VEGF, KGF, and HGF mRNA. These results suggest that 7-phloroeckol has potential as a treatment for hair loss and for promoting hair growth, although the exact number of hair follicles tested was not specified. The research was funded by the Marine Bioprocess Research Center of the Marine Biotechnology Program in Korea.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    4 / 4 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community 7 months progress with topicals only and micro needling.

      in Is this regrowth?  131 upvotes 22 hours ago
      The user reported significant hair regrowth after seven months using topical minoxidil 5% combined with 0.1% finasteride and weekly micro needling. The community responded positively, noting visible improvement and discussing the effectiveness of topical versus oral finasteride.

      community 7 months using Dutasteride Horror, before and after

      in Minoxidil  49 upvotes 5 days ago
      The user experienced significant hair loss after starting dutasteride, despite improved libido and gym performance. They previously used finasteride but stopped due to side effects and are considering combining treatments or a hair transplant.

      community 7 months Fin Treatment Progess

      in Progress Pictures  16 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user has been using finasteride, topical minoxidil, microneedling, red light therapy, ketoconazole shampoo, vitamin supplements, and scalp massages for hair loss since February 2025. They report stronger, thicker hair but are experiencing shedding and are considering increasing finasteride dosage or adding oral minoxidil.

      community 7 months of finasteride and 2 months of oral 2.5mg minoxidil .

      in Treatment  1 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      The user has been using finasteride for seven months and oral minoxidil for two months, along with redensyl serum and GFC sessions, but is not seeing improvement in hair loss. They are feeling helpless and questioning if they are a non-responder to the treatments.

      community 7 month progress check-in (fin/min)

      in Is this regrowth?  9 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      A 19-year-old is using minoxidil, finasteride, tretinoin, caffeine, and oils for hair regrowth, with positive results and no side effects. They are considering increasing finasteride dosage and possibly switching to dutasteride in the future.

      community 7 month finasteride update 21M

      in Update  171 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      A 21-year-old shared a 7-month update on using 1mg finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, reporting positive results with no side effects except watery semen. The user initially stopped minoxidil due to inconvenience but resumed it after shedding, and is satisfied with the progress despite some thinning at the crown.

    Related Research

    5 / 5 results