Resveratrol for peanuts: Thai study highlights potential peanut-derived resveratrol as hair growth, hair loss solution

The Thai study noted that resveratrol has been found to stimulate the growth of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and protect them from oxidative damage.

Topically applying resveratrol has been shown to effectively enhance hair growth and stimulated the transition of the hair cycle from the resting telogen phase into the active growth anagen phase.

The study was conducted by two researchers from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand.

They explored the potential of producing resveratrol from unconventional sources with the help of biotechnological advancements

They explored the potential of the humble peanut, which contains a variety of bioactive substances, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and alkaloids.

According to the study, peanut callus tissue is capable of synthesising resveratrol in response to stress condition.

“This approach not only provides a sustainable way to harvest resveratrol without depleting natural resources but also yields extracts that are abundant in resveratrol and potentially other beneficial compounds,” said the researchers.

The peanut sprout and callus were produced from plant seeds and extracted with ethanol.

Using an in vitro human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) model, researchers found that the peanut callus extract exhibited the highest levels of resveratrol.

“The callus extract exhibited higher resveratrol content and hair growth promotion compared to the sprout extract.”

It also found that it had the strongest effects on hair cell proliferation, growth factor expression, and 5α-reductase (5-AR) inhibition, which is linked to hair loss.

In clinical trials, the peanut callus extract was incorporated into a hair serum formulation and a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 volunteers over a 12-week period.

The clinical study showed that the hair serum containing peanut callus extract and resveratrol were effective in reducing hair shedding (66.98% and 61.47%), decreased hair fall from combing by (83.92% and 68.19%) and increased the ratio of the anagen and telogen by (3.3 and 2.8, respectively). 

“The results suggest that peanut callus extract has a significant amount of resveratrol and the potential to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss, making it an alternative bioactive option for cosmetic applications,” said the researchers.

They concluded that peanut callus extract were a viable and effective alternative in the growing market for natural hair care solutions.

“The treatment of the hair serum formulation containing peanut callus extract for a period of three months for hair loss volunteers proved to be both safe and effective in reducing hair shedding and increasing the anagen-to-telogen ratio. These results revealed that peanut callus extract is a potential natural cosmetic ingredient for hair growth stimulation and hair loss prevention.”

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The Potential of Resveratrol-Rich Peanut Callus Extract in Promoting Hair Growth and Preventing Hair Loss​

Source: Cosmetics​

Authors: Wannisa Vichit and Nisakorn Saewan​

 https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11050146​​