Promotion Effect of Constituents from the Root of Polygonum Multiflorum on Hair Growth

In a 2013 study, researchers found that certain compounds extracted from the root of Polygonum multiflorum, particularly a new compound labeled as compound 2, had a significant effect on promoting hair growth. This compound was more effective than minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, in increasing the proliferation of dermal papilla cells at concentrations of 10 and 20 µM. Additionally, compound 2 at 1 µM increased hair-fiber length in rat vibrissa follicle cultures by 135.5 ± 15.5% over 21 days. The study suggests that compound 2, along with other identified compounds such as torachrysone, stilbenes, and anthraquinone derivatives, could be potential treatments for alopecia. The number of subjects used in the study was not specified.