TLDR Procyanidin compounds from apples and barley promote hair growth and prevent hair cell death.
The study from 2006 investigated the effects of procyanidin oligomers, compounds found in apples and barley, on hair growth. It was found that these compounds stimulate hair growth by promoting hair epithelial cell growth and inducing the anagen phase in a murine model. The study explored the mechanisms behind this by examining the interaction with the TGF-beta signaling pathway, which regulates the catagen phase, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, which is related to cell proliferation. The results showed that procyanidin B-2 and B-3 could counteract the growth-inhibiting and apoptotic effects of TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(2) on hair epithelial cells. Procyanidin B-2 was also found to upregulate the expression of MEK-1/2, suggesting that the hair growth effects of procyanidin oligomers may be due to both the activation of MEK and protection against TGF-beta-induced apoptosis, which is thought to trigger the catagen phase in the hair cycle.
36 citations,
December 2002 in “Experimental dermatology” Barley extract, specifically procyanidin B-3, can promote hair growth and counteract growth inhibition.
45 citations,
September 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Cyclosporin A promotes hair cell growth and affects protein kinase C levels.
8 citations,
January 2001 in “Methods in enzymology on CD-ROM/Methods in enzymology” Oligomeric procyanidins may help hair grow by affecting cell growth and the hair growth cycle.
79 citations,
March 1999 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Procyanidin compounds from grape seeds were found to significantly increase mouse hair growth.
38 citations,
March 1997 in “Journal of interferon & cytokine research” IL-1β inhibits human hair follicle growth.
100 citations,
November 1996 in “Molecular Medicine Today” Growth factors and cytokines are important for hair growth and could potentially treat hair loss, but more research is needed to overcome challenges before they can be used in treatments.
30 citations,
August 1993 in “PubMed” IL-1 alpha stops hair follicle growth and hair production.
121 citations,
March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.
16 citations,
September 2018 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Plant-based remedies may treat hair loss by reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
15 citations,
November 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Botanicals like green tea extract show potential for hair growth, but more research is needed.
January 2020 in “Elsevier eBooks” Plant-based chemicals may help hair growth and prevent hair loss but need more research to compete with current treatments.
41 citations,
July 2015 in “Current Drug Discovery Technologies” Some plants may help with hair growth and have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
40 citations,
August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Some alternative treatments for hair loss might work, but more research is needed.
