Centella Asiatica L. Urb. Extracellular Vesicle and Growth Factor Essence for Hair and Scalp Health: A 56-Day Exploratory Randomized Trial

November 2025 in “ Cosmetics ”

Tsong Min Chang, Chung Chin Wu, Huey‐Chun Huang, Ji-Ying Lu, Ching-Hua Chuang, Pei-Lun Kao, Wei-Hsuan Tang, Wang-Ju Hsieh, Luke Tzu Chi Liu, Wei-Yin Qiu, Ivona Percec, Charles Chen, Tsun Yung Kuo, Tsong Min Chang, Chung Chin Wu, Huey‐Chun Huang, Ji-Ying Lu, Ching-Hua Chuang, Pei-Lun Kao, Wei-Hsuan Tang, Wang-Ju Hsieh, Luke Tzu Chi Liu, Wei-Yin Qiu, Ivona Percec, Charles Chen, Tsun Yung Kuo

Centella asiatica extracellular vesicles recombinant insulin-like growth factor-1 fibroblast growth factor-7 hair thickness hair density hair length sebum content hair loss C. asiatica EV rIGF-1 rFGF-7

TLDR Centella asiatica with growth factors improves hair and scalp health.

In a 56-day exploratory randomized trial with 60 healthy adults, a formulation containing Centella asiatica extracellular vesicles (EVs) combined with recombinant growth factors IGF-1 and FGF-7 significantly improved hair and scalp health. Participants were divided into five groups, with Group E receiving the combination treatment, which resulted in a 59% reduction in sebum content, a 3.5 cm increase in hair length, a 27.9 μm increase in hair thickness, and a 23.9% increase in hair density by Day 56. Hair shedding decreased by 63.6% in Group E, indicating a synergistic effect of C. asiatica EVs and growth factors. Despite the promising results, the study's limitations include a small sample size and short duration, suggesting the need for further research.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

26 / 26 results

Topical Application of Bio-Pulsed Avian MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Enhances Hair Regrowth and Skin Rejuvenation: Evidence from Clinical Evaluation and miRNA Profiling

research Topical Application of Bio-Pulsed Avian MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Enhances Hair Regrowth and Skin Rejuvenation: Evidence from Clinical Evaluation and miRNA Profiling

July 2025 in “Current Issues in Molecular Biology”

Bio-Pulsed sEVs improve hair growth and skin rejuvenation.

research Caffeine as an Active Molecule in Cosmetic Products for Hair Loss: Its Mechanisms of Action in the Context of Hair Physiology and Pathology

January 2025 in “Molecules”

Caffeine may help with hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Dihydrotestosterone Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inhibiting Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Production in Dermal Papillae

32 citations , February 2024 in “Growth Hormone & IGF Research”

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stops hair growth in mice by lowering a growth factor important for hair.

research BFNB Enhances Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice Through the Induction of EGF and FGF7 Factors and the PI3K-AKT-Beta-Catenin Pathway

2 citations , July 2023 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

BFNB could be a promising treatment for hair growth.

research Dexpanthenol Promotes Cell Growth by Preventing Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Cells

13 citations , September 2021 in “Current Issues in Molecular Biology”

Dexpanthenol helps human hair follicle cells grow by preventing aging and death, and by supporting growth signals.

research Altered FGF Expression Profile in Human Scalp-Derived Fibroblasts Upon WNT Activation: Implication of Their Role in Providing a Folliculogenetic Microenvironment

17 citations , September 2020 in “Inflammation and Regeneration”

WNT activation in scalp fibroblasts boosts hair growth by increasing FGF9.

research Current Advances in Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Hair Regeneration

32 citations , May 2020 in “European Journal of Pharmacology”

Stem cell therapies show promise for hair regrowth but face production and application challenges.

Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

research Pantothenic Acid Promotes Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation in Hair Follicles of American Minks via Inhibitor of DNA Binding 3/Notch Signaling Pathway

11 citations , April 2020 in “Life sciences”

Pantothenic acid helps mink hair follicles grow by affecting certain cell signals.

New Effects of Caffeine on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)-Induced Stress Along the Intrafollicular Classical Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis (CRH-R1/2, IP3-R, ACTH, MC-R2) and the Neurogenic Non-HPA Axis (Substance P, p75NTR and TrkA) in Ex Vivo Human Male Androgenetic Scalp Hair Follicles

research New Effects of Caffeine on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)-Induced Stress Along the Intrafollicular Classical Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis (CRH-R1/2, IP3-R, ACTH, MC-R2) and the Neurogenic Non-HPA Axis (Substance P, p75NTR and TrkA) in Ex Vivo Human Male Androgenetic Scalp Hair Follicles

12 citations , April 2020 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine may help reduce stress-induced hair loss.

research An Overview of Herbal Alternatives in Androgenetic Alopecia

26 citations , April 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Herbal alternatives like saw palmetto and green tea may offer safe, effective treatment for hormonal hair loss.

research Strengthening Hair with Centella Asiatica: A Report of Clinical and Subjective Efficacy of a Local Treatment with a 0.5% Hair Lotion

December 2018 in “Esperienze dermatologiche”

A lotion with Centella asiatica extract reduced hair loss by 41% and increased hair strength without side effects.

Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica Increases Hair Inductive Property Through Inhibition of STAT Signaling Pathway in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

research Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica Increases Hair Inductive Property Through Inhibition of STAT Signaling Pathway in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

13 citations , October 2017 in “Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry”

Centella asiatica extract may help promote hair growth by blocking a specific cell signaling pathway.

research Further Clinical Evidence for the Effect of IGF-1 on Hair Growth and Alopecia

29 citations , August 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

IGF-1 may affect hair growth and loss, but more research is needed to confirm effective and safe treatments.

Identification of a New Plant Extract for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment Using a Non-Radioactive Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cell-Based Assay

research Identification of a New Plant Extract for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment Using a Non-Radioactive Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cell-Based Assay

17 citations , December 2015 in “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

A new plant extract from Avicennia marina could potentially be used to treat common hair loss.

Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

research Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

60 citations , May 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine affects hair growth and health differently in men and women.

research Exogenous IGF-1 Promotes Hair Growth by Stimulating Cell Proliferation and Downregulating TGF-β1 in C57BL/6 Mice In Vivo

53 citations , March 2014 in “Growth Hormone & IGF Research”

IGF-1 injections help mice grow more hair by increasing cell growth and blocking a hair growth inhibitor.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations , August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?

112 citations , July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

Finasteride may cause long-lasting sexual side effects.

research Androgens and Hair Growth

209 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Androgens can both increase and decrease hair growth in different parts of the body.

research Adenosine Stimulates Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 Gene Expression Via Adenosine A2b Receptor Signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells

66 citations , February 2007 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Adenosine may promote hair growth by increasing FGF-7 levels in dermal papilla cells.

research Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

114 citations , January 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine can stimulate hair growth and counteract testosterone's suppressive effects on hair follicles.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

research Molecular Mechanisms of Androgenetic Alopecia

229 citations , August 2002 in “Experimental Gerontology”

AGA causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles due to DHT binding, and can be treated with finasteride and minoxidil.

research The Psychology of Hair Loss and Its Implications for Patient Care

138 citations , March 2001 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Hair loss can significantly affect a person's self-esteem and body image, especially in young people, those who value their looks highly, and women.

research Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Hair Growth

98 citations , November 1999 in “Dermatology Online Journal”

IGF-1 can boost hair growth by promoting cell growth and preventing cell death.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

Similar Research

5 / 182 results

A 56-Day Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Assessment of Scalp Health and Hair Growth Parameters with a Centella Asiatica Extracellular Vesicle and Growth Factor-Based Essence

research A 56-Day Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Assessment of Scalp Health and Hair Growth Parameters with a Centella Asiatica Extracellular Vesicle and Growth Factor-Based Essence

September 2025 in “medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)”

Using Centella asiatica EV and growth factors improves scalp health and hair growth.

research Translational Research in the Generation of Therapeutic Medicine for Wound Healing: A Review

December 2024 in “Deleted Journal”

New therapies show promise for wound healing, but more research is needed for safe, affordable options.

research Natural Compounds and Biomimetic Engineering to Influence Fibroblast Behavior in Wound Healing

16 citations , March 2024 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Natural compounds and biomimetic engineering can improve wound healing by enhancing fibroblast activity.

research Advanced Polymer Hydrogels That Promote Diabetic Ulcer Healing: Mechanisms, Classifications, and Medical Applications

6 citations , February 2023 in “Biomaterials Research”

Special gels help heal diabetic foot sores and reduce the risk of amputation or death.

research Interdisciplinary Traditional Chinese Medicine Microneedles in Skin Disease Treatment: Recent Advances and Challenges

October 2025 in “Bioactive Materials”

Combining traditional Chinese medicine with microneedles shows promise for effectively treating skin diseases with fewer side effects.