A Proteoglycan-Based Topical Treatment for Hair Greying: In Vitro Antioxidant and Pro-Melanogenic Effects

January 2026 in “ Frontiers in Medicine ”

David Vega Díez, Eva María Arias, Núria Floriach, Estela Bravo

proteoglycan PP-PTKL antioxidant pro-melanogenic anti-inflammatory

Studysummary In this study, PP-PTKL exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-melanogenic effects in laboratory settings, suggesting its potential role in preventing or treating hair greying. Further animal and human studies are needed to verify these findings.

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research Gray Hair: From Prevention to Treatment

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This study examined the factors contributing to gray hair, such as genetics and lifestyle, and found that while graying correlates with some health conditions, it is primarily a physiological process rather than a pathological one.

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1 citations , September 2024 in “Quality in Sport”

This review explores the complex biological process of hair graying, highlighting oxidative stress, genetic factors, and interventions like antioxidants and genetic therapy as key aspects affecting the preservation of hair pigmentation.

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research Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity

August 2023 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study observed unexpected heterogeneity among pigment cells in human scalp hair follicles, identifying immature melanocyte populations outside traditional pigment production zones, raising questions about their potential roles beyond melanin synthesis.

research The Suppression Effects of Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene on Hair Follicle-Derived Neural Crest Stem Cells Differentiating into Melanocytes by N6-Methyladenosine Modifying Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor

4 citations , February 2023 in “International Journal of Stem Cells”

The FTO gene hinders stem cells in hair follicles from becoming pigment cells.

Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

research Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms Behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin with Marilex in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium

10 citations , May 2020 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

This review discusses "follicular hypoglycania" as a potential pathology in hair growth disorders and reports that proteoglycan replacement therapy may improve hair loss treatments, though it presents no new clinical trial results.

research 3,4,5-Tri-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid Promoted Hair Pigmentation Through β-Catenin and Its Target Genes

13 citations , March 2020 in “Frontiers in cell and developmental biology”

This study suggests that 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid activates β-catenin to enhance pigmentation in mouse hair follicles, human melanocytes, and melanoma cells during the hair cycle's growth phase.

research Hyperactivation of Sympathetic Nerves Drives Depletion of Melanocyte Stem Cells

260 citations , January 2020 in “Nature”

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research Histopathology of Aging of the Hair Follicle

31 citations , April 2019 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

This review discusses the changes in hair follicles with aging, particularly graying due to decreased melanocyte activity, and suggests potential for hair repigmentation under certain conditions, but reports no new results.

research Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Activates Melanocyte Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

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This study found that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activates melanocyte stem cells, promoting hair follicle regeneration both in vitro and in vivo.

research Acute Stress-Induced Changes in Follicular Dermal Papilla Cells and Mobilization of Mast Cells: Implications for Hair Growth

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research Premature Graying as a Consequence of Compromised Antioxidant Activity in Hair Bulb Melanocytes and Their Precursors

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research Age-Induced Hair Greying: The Multiple Effects of Oxidative Stress

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research Characteristic Features of Ageing in Korean Women's Hair and Scalp

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This study found that as Korean women age, their hair density, diameter, tensile strength, and lustre decline, while grey hair ratio and certain sterol contents increase, suggesting unique ageing features compared to women in other countries.

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