Hair Regeneration Effects of Lespedeza Bicolor Extract In Vivo and In Vitro

The study investigated the effects of Lespedeza bicolor extract (LBE) on hair growth and hair follicle cell proliferation, using both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including a study on 40 male C57BL/6 mice. The results showed that LBE significantly increased the cell proliferation rate of dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which are crucial for controlling hair growth. LBE also stimulated hair growth by promoting early telogen to mature anagen conversion of hair follicles. The study found that LBE increased the expression of proteins Bcl-2, ERK, and p38, which could promote hair follicle proliferation and hair growth. LBE was found to contain a high amount of protocatechuic acid (PCA), known to inhibit oxidative damage. The study suggests that 0.8–20 µg/mL of LBE may stimulate DPC proliferation and may be safe for subcutaneous use, especially for the scalp. Topical application of 10 mg/mL LBE can control the early anagen phase and extend the mature anagen phase better than minoxidil. The study concludes that LBE promotes hair growth by increasing the duration of the G1 phase in DPCs, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic use.