Evaluation of Efficacy of Water-Soluble Fraction of Rhus Semialata Gall Extract and Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose on Mitigation of Hair Loss: An In Vitro and Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

April 2025 in “ Antioxidants ”

Hee-Sung Lee, Jae Sang Han, Ji-Hyun Park, M. H. Lee, Yujin Seo, S.Y. Jeon, Hye Ryeong Hong, Mi‐Ran Kim, Seon Gil, Bang Yeon Hwang, Chan‐Su Park

Studysummary In this study, the researchers found that the water-soluble fraction of Rhus semialata gall extract and its component Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose promoted hair growth in human dermal papilla cells, and clinical trials supported these findings, showing improved hair density and appearance compared to placebo.

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This study assessed the effectiveness of the water-soluble fraction of Rhus semialata gall extract (WRGE) and Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose (PGG) in reducing hair loss through in vitro experiments and a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. In vitro, WRGE and PGG enhanced cell proliferation and hair growth factor expression in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) by activating key signaling pathways and reducing oxidative stress. The clinical trial, involving 52 participants with androgenetic alopecia, showed that 1% WRGE significantly increased hair density after 24 weeks compared to the placebo, with no adverse effects reported. These findings suggest that WRGE and PGG could be effective natural agents for treating hair loss.

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