Med Lasers.  2023 Sep;12(3):191-195. 10.25289/ML.23.026.

Efficacy and safety of a botanical shampoo containing Morus alba root extract in Republic of Korea: a single-center, open-label, pilot study in mild to moderate non-scarring alopecia of the scalp

• Kim JS
• Kim WS

• KMID: 2551153
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.23.026

Abstract

Background
Commonly known as white mulberry, Morus alba is widely used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. Recently, the Morus alba root extract (MARE) has been reported to increase β-catenin expression and growth factor secretion related to the telogen-to-anagen transition, drawing attention to the possibilities as a complementary medicine to promote hair growth. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a shampoo formulation containing MARE in mild to moderate non-scarring alopecia patients.
Methods
This study was designed as a single-arm, prospective trial. Twenty non-scarring alopecia patients were administered a botanical shampoo containing MARE for 8 weeks. At 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, changes in the hair density and hair shaft thickness were assessed using a folliscope. Overall improvements (0-4 scale) were assessed by blinded investigators using standardized photographic comparisons. The patients scored their subjective satisfaction on a scale of 0-10.
Results
Compared to the baseline, significant improvements were observed in the hair density and hair shaft thickness in the vertex at week 12. After 12 weeks, the average hair diameter increased from 50.83 ± 8.97 µm to 55.56 ± 9.31 µm in the vertex and from 60.06 ± 9.84 µm to 64.56 ± 6.79 µm in the occiput. Blinded investigators reported an average score of 3.1 ± 0.4 for improvements in alopecia. Participants were moderately satisfied with the overall results (7.2 ± 1.4).
Conclusion
Results of this study indicate that a shampoo formulation containing MARE is a safe and convenient method for treating hair loss.

Keyword

Alopecia; Morus alba root extract; Shampoo