TLDR Red deer antler extract may help hair grow faster by increasing a growth protein.
In 2012, a study involving 24 rats investigated the effects of red deer antler extract on hair growth. The rats were divided into four groups, including a control group, a group treated with 10% minoxidil, and two groups treated with different concentrations of the antler extract. The results showed that the antler extract significantly accelerated hair growth by stimulating the expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I). The groups treated with the antler extract had faster hair growth than the control group, with the group treated with the higher concentration of the extract experiencing the fastest growth. The study concluded that red deer antler extract could potentially be used as a treatment for alopecia.
137 citations,
September 2005 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” The HR protein helps hair grow by blocking a hair growth inhibitor, aiding in hair follicle regeneration.
397 citations,
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49 citations,
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25 citations,
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April 2016 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” BMP signaling controls hair growth and skin color.
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36 citations,
June 2009 in “Nanomedicine” Fullerene nanomaterials help hair grow faster and increase hair follicles.
8 citations,
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