Studies on the Effect of Sophora Flavescens Extract on Hair Growth Stimulation and Acne Inhibition

In 2002, a study found that the extract of dried root of Sophora flavescens, a plant, had a significant effect on promoting hair growth and inhibiting acne. When applied topically to C57BL/6 mice, it induced an earlier conversion of the hair growth phase from telogen to anagen. The extract also showed a strong inhibitory effect on 5α-reductase I and II activity, enzymes involved in hair loss. However, it did not affect the growth of dermal papilla cells and mouse vibrissae hair follicle in vitro. The extract increased mRNA levels of growth factors like insulin-like growth factor-I and keratinocyte growth factor in dermal papilla cells, suggesting its hair growth promoting effect is mediated through inhibition of 5α-reductase type II activity and the regulation of growth factors. Additionally, the extract showed an anti-bacterial effect on Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria linked to acne. This suggests that Sophora flavescens extract could be a potential treatment for stimulating hair growth and inhibiting acne.