Ann Dermatol.  2013 May;25(2):218-222. 10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.218.

Efficacy and Safety of Pueraria lobata Extract in Gray Hair Prevention: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

• Jo SJ
• Shin H
• Paik SH
• Na SJ
• Jin Y
• Park WS
• Kim SN
• Kwon OS

• KMID: 2171792
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2013.25.2.218

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Graying of hair-a sign of aging-raises cosmetic concerns. Individuals with gray hair often look older than others their age; therefore, some dye their hair for aesthetic purposes. However, hair colorants can induce many problems including skin irritation, allergic reaction and hair-breakage.
OBJECTIVE
This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed in order to examine the effects of APHG-1001, a compound including an extract from Pueraria lobata, on graying hair.
METHODS
A total of 44 female subjects were randomly treated with either APHG-1001 or placebo twice daily for 24 weeks. Using the phototrichogram analysis, a count of newly developed gray hair was estimated. Investigator assessment and subject self-assessment were also performed in order to evaluate the efficacy of the compound.
RESULTS
The mean number of newly developed gray hair at 24 weeks was 6.3/cm2 in the APHG-1001 group and 11.4/cm2 in the placebo group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). However, the investigator assessment and subject self-assessment did not show any significant change in the gross appearance of hair grayness by the end of the study. No severe adverse events in either group were observed. Moreover, the incidence of adverse events did not differ between the groups.
CONCLUSION
This clinical trial revealed that APHG-1001, which contains an extract of P. lobata, could prevent the development of new gray hair without any remarkable adverse effects. Thus, it can be considered as a viable treatment option for the prevention of gray hair.

Keyword

Aging; Antioxidants; Gray hair; Hair; Pueraria lobata

MeSH Terms

Aging
Antioxidants
Cosmetics
Female
Hair
Hair Color
Hair Dyes
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Incidence
Pueraria
Research Personnel
Self-Assessment
Skin
Antioxidants
Cosmetics
Hair Dyes

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 An example of counting new gray hair developed during the treatment using the phototrichogram analysis. Macro photographs of the 1 cm2 circular area were taken at baseline and at 24 weeks. We marked the pigmented hair with blue, existing gray hair with orange, and new gray hair with purple.

• 

  Fig. 2 New gray hair developed after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment with APHG-1001 or with the vehicle. At week 24, there were fewer new gray hair in the APHG-1001 group than in the placebo group. *p<0.05, mean±standard error.

• 

  Fig. 3 Photographs of the temporal area in a subject treated with APHG-1001. Investigators did not find any visible change in gross hair grayness during the 24-week treatment.

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