Published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, a recent study found that an extract of edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) modulated hair follicle growth by inhibiting the catagen phase ex vivo, and increased hair regeneration and density in vivo, reducing hair loss.
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Results
Researchers reported a significant prolongation of the anagen phase in hair follicles treated with 0.001% edelweiss.
In line with this effect, edelweiss extract significantly stimulated hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and dermal papilla inductivity.
Corroborating ex vivo results, researchers additionally observed an increase in growing hair shaft numbers (hair density) after treatment with an edelweiss extract-containing formulation, and a tendential up-regulation in the anagen to catagen-telogen ratio.
Conclusion
The authors concluded the selected extract of edelweiss inhibited premature catagen induction, possibly by stimulating dermal papilla inductivity. They proposed its clinical exploration as an anti-hair loss agent, both for preventing aging-associated hair shedding and as adjuvant therapy for hair loss disorders.
