A recent study has highlighted the potential of peanut callus extract, rich in resveratrol, as a natural ingredient for stimulating hair growth and combating hair loss.
The study, conducted by researchers from Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand, found that resveratrol can stimulate the growth of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and protect them from oxidative damage. When applied topically, resveratrol has been shown to enhance hair growth by promoting the transition of hair from the resting telogen phase to the active growth anagen phase.
The researchers focused on producing resveratrol from unconventional sources using biotechnological advancements. They discovered that peanut callus tissue, which is capable of synthesizing resveratrol in response to stress, offers a sustainable way to harvest this compound without depleting natural resources. The peanut, known for its bioactive substances like flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and alkaloids, was identified as a promising source.
The peanut callus and sprouts were produced from plant seeds and extracted using ethanol. In vitro tests with human dermal papilla cells showed that the peanut callus extract contained the highest levels of resveratrol, surpassing the sprout extract in hair growth promotion, hair cell proliferation, growth factor expression, and inhibition of 5α-reductase (5-AR), an enzyme linked to hair loss.
The effectiveness of the peanut callus extract was further tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 60 volunteers over 12 weeks. The results showed that the hair serum containing peanut callus extract and resveratrol significantly reduced hair shedding by 66.98% and 61.47%. Additionally, it decreased hair fall from combing by 83.92% and 68.19%, and improved the anagen-to-telogen ratio by 3.3 and 2.8, respectively.
“The findings suggest that peanut callus extract, with its high resveratrol content, has significant potential as a natural ingredient for stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss,” the researchers stated. They concluded that peanut callus extract could serve as an effective and viable alternative in the expanding market for natural hair care solutions.
The study’s results affirm that using hair serum formulated with peanut callus extract over a three-month period is both safe and effective in reducing hair shedding and increasing the anagen-to-telogen ratio, positioning peanut callus extract as a potential natural cosmetic ingredient for hair growth stimulation and hair loss prevention.