Promotion of Hair Growth by Ginseng Radix on Cultured Mouse Vibrissal Hair Follicles
August 2003
in “
Phytotherapy Research
”
TLDR Ginseng, especially red ginseng, helps hair grow by increasing blood flow and energy to hair roots.
The study investigated the effects of ginseng radix on hair growth using mouse vibrissal hair follicles in culture and found that red ginseng, particularly through a 70% methanol extract, was more effective than white ginseng in promoting hair growth. The ginsenoside-Rb₁ (G-Rb₁) component was identified as effective in stimulating hair growth, while ginsenoside-Rg₁ (G-Rg₁) and -Ro (G-Ro) were not. Additionally, 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3 (20(S)-G-Rg3), found in red ginseng, also promoted hair growth. The study concluded that Ginseng Radix, especially due to G-Rb₁ and 20(S)-G-Rg3, has hair growth promoting activity, potentially by increasing blood circulation in the head dermis, providing more energy to hair roots. The number of hair follicles used in the study was not mentioned, thus the strength of the study based on sample size cannot be determined.
