Eclipta Prostrata Promotes the Induction of Anagen, Sustains the Anagen Phase Through Regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5

The study from 2019 examined the effects of Eclipta prostrata (EP) on hair growth, using both in vivo and in vitro methods. In the in vivo experiment, 16 C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups and treated with either saline, minoxidil, or low (1 mg/day) and high (10 mg/day) doses of EP for 14 days. The treatment with EP resulted in hair regrowth and a transition to the anagen phase, as evidenced by a change in skin color and hair follicles reaching the subcutaneous muscle layer. In vitro, human dermal papilla cells were treated with EP, which increased the expression of FGF-7, decreased FGF-5 levels, and activated mTOR signaling. These findings suggest that EP promotes hair growth by regulating factors associated with the hair cycle, particularly by sustaining the anagen phase, and could be a potential treatment for hair loss. The study was relatively small, with only 4 mice per group, which may limit the strength of the conclusions.