The Water-Soluble Extract of Illicium Anisatum Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

The study investigated the effects of water-soluble extracts from Illicium anisatum on mouse vibrissae follicles in an organ culture system. It was found that these extracts, particularly from the leaves, fruits, and roots, significantly promoted hair follicle elongation compared to controls. In contrast, extracts soluble in ethyl acetate and n-hexane inhibited hair growth. The active components in the water-soluble extracts included shikimic acid and a mixture of glycosides and polysaccharides, which were shown to induce the expression of growth factors like insulin-like growth factor-1, keratinocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These findings suggested that the water-soluble extract of Illicium anisatum could be beneficial for hair growth and might serve as a useful ingredient in hair growth products.