Hair is often considered a symbol of youth and confidence, and its loss can negatively impact self-esteem, leading to various psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. While androgenetic alopecia has been extensively studied, hair loss is increasingly prevalent among both men and women due to factors like stress and weight loss. Current FDA-approved pharmacological treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can have adverse effects, driving the demand for natural alternatives with fewer side effects. Plantago asiatica L., a herb traditionally used in East Asian folk medicine and known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has shown preliminary potential in protecting skin and hair cells from UV damage and creating a healthier scalp environment. Given the consumer interest in plant-based hair care, this study investigates the effects of a shampoo containing Plantago asiatica L. extract on hair thickness, density, and shedding in adults concerned about their hair condition.
Methods
This study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted over 12 weeks with 40 female participants aged 20–60 concerned about their hair. Participants were randomly assigned to use either a shampoo containing 0.03% Plantago asiatica L. extract or a placebo shampoo daily after a 4-week washout period. Hair thickness and density were measured using phototrichograms, and hair shedding was assessed by counting brushed hairs at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Participants also completed a self-assessment questionnaire regarding their perception of hair density, thickness, and shedding. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the changes between the two groups.
Key Findings
•The test group showed progressive and statistically significant improvements in hair strand thickness (0.009 mm at week 4, 0.017 mm at week 8, and 0.020 mm at week 12) compared to the placebo group, which showed a change of 0.004 mm at week 12.
•Hair density also significantly increased in the test group (0.9 hairs/cm² at weeks 4 and 8, and 1.1 hairs/cm² at week 12) compared to the placebo group (0.2, 0.5, and 0.3 hairs/cm² at weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively).
•A statistically significant reduction in hair shedding was observed in the test group, decreasing from an average of 23.5 hairs at baseline to 5.1 hairs at week 12, whereas the placebo group showed a smaller decrease from 21.0 to 14.9 hairs.
•Self-assessment by the test group revealed statistically significant improvements in perceived hair density and a reduction in hair fall rate, aligning with the objective measurements. Participants in the placebo group reported minimal changes.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study provides novel clinical evidence that a shampoo containing Plantago asiatica L. extract effectively improves hair thickness and density while significantly reducing hair shedding in adults concerned about their hair condition. This research builds upon previous in vitro findings that suggested Plantago asiatica L. can enhance the production of growth factors and activate signaling pathways involved in hair growth. The fact that these benefits were observed with a rinse-off shampoo highlights the potential of Plantago asiatica L. as a natural ingredient for everyday hair care, offering a non-invasive cosmetic solution for early hair loss concerns. Future research should focus on larger, multi-center studies with longer follow-up periods to confirm these findings, evaluate long-term safety and efficacy, and further explore the specific active compounds and mechanisms of action of Plantago asiatica L. in promoting hair health.
Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/2/84
