Effects of Sandalwood and Rose Absolute Oils on Hair Growth

The study investigated the effects of various essential oils on hair growth using a shaving animal model of C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into 9 groups, including a negative control group, a positive control group (5% minoxidil), and 7 experimental groups treated with different essential oils. Sandalwood and rose absolute oils significantly accelerated hair regrowth compared to other groups, promoting hair follicle development and elongation by 151% and 138%, respectively, compared to the vehicle group. In vitro, sandalwood oil enhanced dermal papilla cell proliferation and increased β-catenin expression in a dose-dependent manner, while rose absolute oil did not. Sandalwood oil also increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreased AKT phosphorylation, whereas rose absolute oil increased AKT phosphorylation and Bcl-2 protein levels. The results suggested the potential of sandalwood and rose absolute oils as hair restorers.