Comparison of Saccharina Japonica–Undaria Pinnatifida Mixture and Minoxidil on Hair Growth Promoting Effect in Mice

The study compared the hair growth-promoting effects of a mixture of Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida (L-U mixture) with 3% minoxidil in C57BL/6 mice. Both treatments were applied twice daily for 14 days. Results indicated that the L-U mixture had a similar effect on hair growth as minoxidil, significantly stimulating hair growth-promoting genes like VEGF and IGF-1 while suppressing the hair loss-related gene TGF-β1. Histological analysis showed faster induction of the anagen stage in hair follicles for both the L-U mixture and minoxidil groups compared to controls. The findings suggested that the L-U mixture could be a potential alternative treatment for hair loss.