Hydrophilic Melanin as a Potential Hair Growth Stimulant: A Secondary Observational Study

The study investigated the effects of hydrophilic bacterial melanin (BM) on hair growth in rats. BM, derived from Bacillus Thuringiensis, was applied topically to the lower back skin of 12 experimental rats for 10 consecutive days and compared to 12 control rats. Hair growth was assessed using the Matsuda et al. scale and a self-designed scale. Significant hair growth was observed in the experimental group, with 80%-100% growth by day 30, compared to 20%-39% in the control group. BM was found to prolong the hair anagen phase and increase vasodilation in treated skin areas. The study suggests BM as a potential low-cost topical therapeutic agent for hair growth, acting through vasodilation and enhanced regeneration.