Investigation of Topical Application of Procyanidin B-2 from Apple to Identify Its Potential Use as a Hair Growing Agent

December 2000 in “ Phytomedicine ”

Ayako Kamimura, Tomoya Takahashi, Yasusi Watanabe

procyanidin B-2 hair growth agent male pattern baldness placebo terminal hairs apple extract

Studysummary In this study, 1% procyanidin B-2 tonic significantly increased the number of total and terminal hairs on the scalp of male participants compared to a placebo after 6 months of use.

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In a study from 2000, 29 male subjects were involved in a double-blind clinical trial to test the effectiveness of procyanidin B-2, a compound from apples, as a hair growth agent. The trial lasted 6 months, with 19 subjects using procyanidin B-2 and 10 using a placebo. The results indicated a significant increase in the number of total hairs and terminal hairs for the procyanidin B-2 group compared to the placebo group, with no adverse side effects reported. The study concluded that procyanidin B-2 is a safe and promising treatment for male pattern baldness.

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Research cited in this study

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research Toxicological Studies on Procyanidin B-2 for External Application as a Hair Growing Agent

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This study suggests that topical procyanidin B-2 is safe for use as a hair growth agent, as it showed no mutagenic effects or significant irritation in a series of toxicological tests.

Procyanidin Oligomers Selectively and Intensively Promote Proliferation of Mouse Hair Epithelial Cells In Vitro and Activate Hair Follicle Growth In Vivo

research Procyanidin Oligomers Selectively and Intensively Promote Proliferation of Mouse Hair Epithelial Cells In Vitro and Activate Hair Follicle Growth In Vivo

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research Acquired Scalp Alopecia: A Review

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This review provides a framework for diagnosing acquired scalp alopecias and discusses both non-scarring and scarring types, but reports no new clinical results.

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64 citations , October 1998 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

This study found that proanthocyanidins from grape seeds significantly promote hair follicle cell proliferation and hair cycle transition in mice, suggesting their potential as hair growth agents.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.

research Cutaneous Immunopathology of Androgenetic Alopecia

13 citations , August 1991 in “The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association”

This research found evidence of inflammatory involvement in androgenetic alopecia, with higher deposition of certain immune components in the scalp of affected patients compared to those without baldness.

research Natural Progression of Male Pattern Baldness in Young Men

71 citations , May 1991 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Young men with male pattern baldness lose hair density over time without treatment.

research Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth: Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and the Effect of Minoxidil

85 citations , December 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

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research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

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research Topical Minoxidil in Early Androgenetic Alopecia

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This study found that both 2% and 3% topical minoxidil were more effective than placebo in promoting hair growth for men with male pattern baldness over 12 months.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Treatment Results with Topical Minoxidil

research Hair Diameter in Female Baldness

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