Efficacy of Cistanche Tubulosa and Laminaria Japonica Extracts (MK-R7) Supplement in Preventing Patterned Hair Loss and Promoting Scalp Health

Abstract

Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica have been reported to have anti-oxidative, anticoagulant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. They are expected to be a promising candidates for promoting hair growth and treating dandruff and scalp inflammation as a consequence. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) in promoting hair health in patients with mild to moderate patterned hair loss. Using phototrichogram (Folliscope 4.0, LeadM, Seoul, Korea), we compared the density and diameter of hairs in patients receiving a placebo or Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks of the study. In order to determine the efficacy of treatment on dandruff and scalp inflammation, investigator's assessment score and patient's subjective score were also performed. We found a statistically significant increase in the hair density of the test group (n = 45, MK-R7 400 mg) after 16 weeks of consuming the MK-R7 (test group: 23.29 n/cm2 ± 24.26, control: 10.35 n/cm2 ± 20.08, p < 0.05). In addition, we found a statistically significant increase in hair diameter in the test group compared to control group at week 16 (test group: 0.018 mm ± 0.015, control: 0.003 mm ± 0.013, p < 0.05). There were also significant outcomes regarding the investigator's visual assessment and patient's subjective score of dandruff and scalp inflammation in the test group compared to those in control group. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) are promising substances for promoting health of the scalp and hair.

Herba Cistanches: Anti-aging

“…It has exhibited powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties [ 24 ] and has been shown to improve blood circulation by lowering blood cholesterol levels [ 25 ]. It also could promote hair growth and relieve dandruff and scalp inflammation [ 26 , 27 ]. Ethanol extract of Cistanche deserticola could increase the weights of the seminal vesicle, prostate gland and testes of castrated young rats [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Antioxidant Activities of Eucheuma sp. (Rhodophyceae) and Laminaria sp. (Phaeophyceae)

“…Also, East Asian cultures have traditionally exploited Laminaria for food and medicinal values (Kim and Bhatnagar, 2011). Laminaria species, especially L. japonica Areschoug and L. saccharina (L.) J.V.Lamouroux has been traditionally used in southeast countries as medicine to treat goiter, scrofula, urinary disease, dropsy, cancer, stomach ailments, and hemorrhoids (Chengkui and Junfu, 1984;Seok et al, 2015). In our country, people prefer this brown seaweed as a vitamin and mineral source.…”

Anti-Fine Dust Effect of Fucoidan Extracted from Ecklonia maxima Leaves in Macrophages via Inhibiting Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

“…Apart from the mentioned bioactivities, fucoidans isolated from several seaweed species are considered good anticoagulant agents due to their effective thrombin and factor Xa inhibitory activity [ 19 ]. The modulating ability of marine fucoidans as anti-inflammatory agents toward inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been previously demonstrated [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Fucoidan from several seaweeds has been proven to act as a ligand for macrophage scavenger receptors and inhibit NO production.…”