A Novel Cosmetic Anti-Hair Loss Approach: An Extract of Leontopodium Alpinum Inhibits Catagen Development

The study investigated the potential of a cosmetically applicable extract from Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) in inhibiting hair loss. The extract was first tested ex vivo on human scalp hair follicles from three individuals, and after 5 days of treatment, more follicles remained in the anagen phase and showed increased hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation. The extract's anagen-prolonging effect may be mediated by stimulation of dermal papilla fibroblasts. These results were confirmed in a 5-month double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 60 Caucasian volunteers aged 18-65. The treatment with the edelweiss extract led to a significant increase in hair density and anagen to catagen/telogen ratio compared to placebo, suggesting its beneficial effect as an anti-hair loss agent.