Effect of Plant Worm Extract on Mouse Hair Growth

The study conducted in 1986 investigated the effects of a plant worm extract, known as dong chong xia cao, on hair growth in C3H mice. The topical application of this extract resulted in a dose-dependent acceleration of hair growth on the dorsal resting hair of shaved mice. The extract, derived from 3 g of plant worm using 400 ml of 75% ethanol, and its 10-fold concentrate were notably effective in promoting hair regrowth. Even when diluted 100-fold, the extract reduced the anagen phase duration of terminal hair growth. The extract's hair regrowth activity was significantly higher compared to two other solutions with known hair regrowth ingredients. Importantly, the extract did not exhibit acute toxicity, mutagenicity, or any systemic or local side effects in the mice.