Effect of Escin in Human Hair Follicular Organ Culture: Prolonged Anagen Phase

The study investigates the effects of Escin, a natural compound from horse chestnut seeds, on human hair follicle organ culture. Escin was found to maintain cell viability and prolong the anagen phase of hair follicles, similar to the effects of the more expensive R-spondin. In the study, 33 hair follicular units were used to assess cell viability, and 200 units were evaluated for anagen phase morphology. Escin at concentrations of 10 to 50 µg/mL preserved anagen phase morphology in over 80% of hair follicles up to 24 days, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective alternative for maintaining hair follicle viability in long-term studies.