Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of baldness due to the susceptibility of the hair follicle to androgenetic miniaturization. The implication of different activators of inflammation in the etiology of androgenetic alopecia, which contribute to the process of involution of the pilosebaceous unit, has recently emerged from various studies.
Even though it is not a real disease, androgenetic alopecia is often experienced as a profound discomfort, with negative repercussions on a psychological and social level. Androgenetic alopecia is, in fact, an androgen-dependent and genetically acquired disorder, caused by excessive activity of the 5-α-reductase (5R) enzyme in the hair follicle which, using NADPH as a cofactor, converts testosterone into a androgenic hormone, the dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is able to act on the DNA determining the inhibition of the protein synthesis of the hair germinative cells, causing the miniaturization of the bulb and irreversible hair loss.
In fact, the hair becomes increasingly shorter and thinner, until it is unable to adequately cover the scalp.
In addition to its action on follicular androgen receptors, DHT also stimulates the production of interleukin- (IL-) 6 and the growth factor TGF-β in dermal papillary cells. In hair and scalp physiology, TGF-β is also an inducer of the catagen phase. This leads to the inhibition of keratinocyte growth and the induction of cell apoptosis, which causes the death of hair follicles.
This information supports the need for a multimodal approach to treating AGA, managing the central causes, such as 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as downstream factors that accelerate hair loss by influencing negatively hair stem cells and the growth cycle.
TricoVEG is a new functional active obtained from a blend of plant matrices particularly rich in bioactive components that act synergistically to inhibit hair loss.
The functionality of the new active was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo tests which highlighted the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory action and the ability of TricoVEG to combat hair loss and induce cell proliferation of hair follicles.
Below are some tests conducted:
DETERMINATION OF 5-α-REDUCTASE INHIBITION – ELISA test for the quantitation of 5-α-Reductase
HHDPCs cells treated with the sample at the concentration and times tested showed a reduction in the expression of the 5-α-reductase enzyme.
Determination of dermal papilla cell proliferation by bromodesoxyuridine incorporation assay
The effect of TricoVEG on cell proliferation was examined using a colorimetric enzyme immunoassay based on bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation.
Briefly, HHDPC cells were seeded into 96-well plates. After 24 hours, the cells were incubated for 48 hours with different sample concentrations (4, 8, 16 mg/ml), furthermore finasteride was used as a positive control for inhibition of the 5-α-reductase enzyme and therefore inducer of proliferation.
The cells treated with the TricoVEG sample at the concentration and times tested showed good proliferative activity of the HHDPC cell line examined.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity: Scavenger action on the DPPH radical
DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) is an organic free radical with a maximum absorption peak at 515-528 nm and allows the antioxidant activity of various compounds to be evaluated using a spectrophotometric measurement. The reaction involves the reduction of the DPPH radical by the antioxidant molecules with the formation of a yellow compound, diphenylpicrylhydrazine.
The extent of the reduction reaction depends on the ability of the molecules to act as electron donors. In order to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the product under investigation, the scavenger activity against DPPH radicals was determined by adding the sample to a solution of DPPH (200 µM) prepared in ethanol. The absorbance was read after 15 min at 517 nm. The data were expressed as a percentage of inhibition and highlighted the ability of TricoVEG to inhibit the radical.
Determination of antioxidant activity: Scavenger action on the ABTS radical
ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) is a radical of a hydrophilic nature which has an absorption maximum around 734 nm. Also in this case the reaction depends on the antioxidant’s ability to donate hydrogen atoms. the method is based on the ability of antioxidants to act on the ABTS radical cation, a blue-green chromophore with a characteristic absorption at 734 nm.
The data obtained are expressed as a percentage of radical inhibition and highlighted the ability of TricoVEG to inhibit the ABTS radical.
Scavenger activity on nitric oxide – Anti-inflammatory action
The in vitro determination of nitric oxide scavenger activity can be a useful index of anti-inflammatory activity. Nitric oxide (NO), in fact, is a short-lived free radical and an intercellular messenger produced by a variety of mammalian cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, platelets, fibroblasts, endothelial, neuronal and smooth muscle cells. NO mediates a variety of biological events ranging from vasodilation, neurotransmission, inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation, but is also involved in a wide range of inflammatory pathologies.
The scavenger action towards nitric oxide was determined according to the Griess method.
The data obtained from the studies conducted highlighted the ability of TricoVEG to inhibit the radical.
In vivo efficacy study
The in vivo study was performed on 30 volunteers who tested the product for 2 months
Evaluation T 2 months
The data obtained from the studies conducted highlighted the ability of TricoVEG to increase hair growth in the subjects analyzed.
Application: Hair care / Anti hair loss
Inci*: Aqua, Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Olea europaea Leaf Extract, Hordeum vulgare Seed Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Medicago Sativa Leaf Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extrac, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Niacinamide, Taurine, Arginine, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.
* Alternative preservative system:
Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Suggested Applications:
- Leave-on anti-hair loss treatments
- Shampoo
- Conditioners
Contact us for more information!
