Hair Growth-Promoting Activity of Hot Water Extract of Thuja Orientalis

The study from 2013 examined the effects of a hot water extract of Thuja orientalis on hair growth in C57BL/6 N mice. The extract was applied topically to the mice's shaved skin and was found to promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase, which is the growth phase of the hair cycle. The T. orientalis extract-treated mice showed more blackened skin areas, longer hair length, and full hair recovery by day 17, compared to the control or 1% minoxidil-treated groups. Histological analysis indicated an increase in the number and size of hair follicles, suggesting an early transition from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen phase. The levels of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) proteins, which are important for hair follicle development, were also upregulated in the T. orientalis extract-treated group. These findings suggest that T. orientalis extract has the potential to be an effective hair growth-promoting agent.