Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Extract and Its Active Component, Ganoderic Acid A on Hair Loss Prevention

The study investigated the effects of Ganoderma Lucidum extract and its active component, ganoderic acid A (GAA), on hair loss prevention. Both G. Lucidum extract and GAA were found to improve the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells and human hair germinal matrix cells, increase the expression of growth factors like VEGF and IGF-1, and promote hair follicle growth in length and diameter in an ex vivo human scalp-derived hair follicle culture model. Additionally, they suppressed the progression to the catagen phase of the hair growth cycle. Clinical trials over 24 weeks, which were randomized, double-blind, and controlled, showed significant hair loss inhibition when G. Lucidum extract and GAA were applied in shampoo and tonic formulations. These findings suggest that G. Lucidum extract and GAA could be effective treatments for hair loss.