The study investigated the effects of plant worm extract (dong chong xia cao) on hair growth in C3H mice. It found that topical application of the extract accelerated hair growth in a dose-dependent manner. Both the original extract and a 10-fold concentrate significantly promoted hair regrowth, and even a 100-fold diluted extract was effective in shortening the anagen phase of hair growth. The extract's hair regrowth activity was notably significant compared to other hair regrowth solutions. Importantly, the extract showed no acute toxicity, mutagenicity, or side effects in the mice.
46 citations,
February 1983 in “The Journal of Dermatology” The study investigated hair regrowth in C3H mice of varying ages by analyzing enzyme activities in different skin areas after shaving. It was found that hair regrowth was irregular and delayed as mice aged, with older mice showing more significant delays. In 59-day-old mice, 30-50% of the shaved area was covered with new hair nine days post-shaving. Biochemical analysis revealed that enzyme activities of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), transglutaminase (TGase), and alkaline phosphatase (Al-P) were significantly higher in hair re-growing areas compared to non-growing areas. These enzyme activities were also elevated in follicle-rich fractions from re-growing areas compared to non-shaved areas, suggesting a link between these enzymes and hair growth.
370 citations,
September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
