Investigation of the Topical Application of Procyanidin Oligomers from Apples to Identify Their Potential Use as a Hair-Growing Agent

December 2005 in “ Journal of cosmetic dermatology ”

Tomoya Takahashi, Ayako Kamimura, Masayori Kagoura, Masahiko Toyoda, Masaaki Morohashi

procyanidin oligomers apple procyanidin hair growth agent male pattern baldness topical application apple extract hair growth treatment

TLDR Apple procyanidin applied to the scalp may help grow hair without side effects.

In a 12-month clinical study from 2005, the topical application of 0.7% apple procyanidin oligomers was investigated for its potential as a hair growth agent in treating male pattern baldness. The double-blind study involved 43 male subjects, with 21 in the procyanidin group and 22 in the placebo control group. After 6 months, the procyanidin group showed a significant increase in the total number of hairs compared to the placebo group (procyanidin: 3.3 ± 13.0 hairs/0.50 cm²; placebo: -3.6 ± 8.1 hairs/0.50 cm²; P < 0.001). The procyanidin group's hair density improved over time, and no adverse side effects were reported, indicating that procyanidin therapy has potential as a hair growth treatment.

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