Hair Growth-Promoting Activity of Components Derived from Sweet Potato Shochu

The document summarizes a study that explored the hair growth-promoting effects of sweet potato shochu oil and its components, including ethyl palmitate, ethyl linoleate, and ethyl a-linolenate. The study conducted both in vitro tests on human follicle dermal papilla cells and in vivo tests on C3H mice, finding that shochu oil and its main components significantly promoted hair growth. The in vitro results showed an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor without toxicity, while in vivo, the oil improved hair regeneration at concentrations of 200-500 mg/mL. The components were effective at different concentrations and time points, with ethyl palmitate and ethyl linoleate inducing hair growth by day 14 and ethyl a-linolenate by day 29. The study suggests these components could be effective hair restorers and highlights the environmental benefits of using by-products from shochu production. Further human clinical testing is recommended.