7-Phloroeckol Promotes Hair Growth on Human Follicles In Vitro

The study from 2014 investigated the effects of 7-phloroeckol, a compound from marine brown algae, on hair growth using human hair follicles in vitro. It was found that 7-phloroeckol significantly increased the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and outer root sheath (ORS) cells, as well as the elongation of the hair shaft. Additionally, the compound boosted insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 mRNA expression and protein concentration in DPCs. The treatment with 7-phloroeckol led to a significant increase in IGF-1 mRNA expression (4.98- and 5.37-fold) and IGF-1 secretion (783 and 841 pg/ml) compared to the control (483 pg/ml), while it did not significantly affect the expression of other growth factors such as VEGF, KGF, and HGF mRNA. These results suggest that 7-phloroeckol has potential as a treatment for hair loss and for promoting hair growth, although the exact number of hair follicles tested was not specified. The research was funded by the Marine Bioprocess Research Center of the Marine Biotechnology Program in Korea.