Ecklonia cava and hair growth

Hairs are produced from hair follicles embedded in the innermost layer of the skin (dermis). Hair follicles consist of dermal papillae. These are protrusions of the dermis that reach into the epidermis, allowing them to carry nutrients and oxygen to the deeper layers of epidermal cells. Hair growth is closely linked to the status of these cells. Ecklonia cava stimulates several processes that cause the dermal papillae to multiply, ultimately leading to hair growth.

Studies show that Ecklonia cava stimulates hair shaft growth, the growth of dermal papillae and the release of ‘insulin-like growth factor 1’ (IGF-1). Ecklonia cava also reduces the activity of the enzyme 5α-reductase and therefore the amount of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body.

Ecklonia cava compared to minoxidil and finasteride

Ecklonia cava has been studied against two well-known drugs for the treatment of hair loss: finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride inhibits the activity of 5α-reductase, which reduces the amount of DHT (di-hydro testosterone) in the body. Minoxidil promotes the growth of dermal papilla cells (hair follicles are made up of these cells). Studies verify that Ecklonia cava performs both of these functions:

• After 37 days of treatment, Ecklonia cava shows an increase in the size, depth and length of hair follicles. Whereas the hair follicles of the control group were still in the telogen (resting) stage, those in the Ecklonia cava and minoxidil treated groups were in the anagen (growing) stage.
• Ecklonia cava has a 14% stronger effect on the increase of hair follicle length than Minoxdil (1 ug/ml of Ecklonia cava: +12.4%, 1 ug/ml of Minoxidil +10.9%).
• Ecklonia cava inhibits the 5 α-reductase by over 66% and shows the same level of inhibition of 5 α-reductase as finasteride.

Topical application of Ecklonia cava

The above-mentioned results indicate that Ecklonia cava extract can be effective in the treatment of hair loss and can be used in topical form as a natural alternative to finasteride and minoxidil. Ecklonia cava even shows a stronger effect on the increase of hair follicle length than minoxidil.

Ecklonia cava is an active ingredient in both the shampoo and the lotion of Neofollics Hair Technology. The lotion contains, besides a high concentration of Ecklonia cava extract, more effective, scientifically proven ingredients, like Raspberry ketone. The shampoo also contains Ecklonia cava extract in a high concentration, Raspberry ketone and 1% Piroctone olamine (comparable with Ketoconazole).

References:

Bak, S. S., Ahn, B. N., Kim, J. A., Shin, S. H., Kim, J. C., Kim, M. K., Sung, Y. K. & Kim, S. K. (2013). Ecklonia cava promotes hair growth. Clin Exp Dermatol, 38(8), 904-910. doi: 10.1111/ced.12120

Kang, J. I., Kim, S. C., Kim, M. K., Boo, H. J., Jeon, Y. J., Koh, Y. S., Yoo, E. S., Kang, S. M. & Kang, H. K. (2012). Effect of Dieckol, a component of Ecklonia cava, on the promotion of hair growth. Int J Mol Sci., 13(5), 6407-6423. doi: 10.3390/ijms13056407

Kim, S. K., Kim, J. A., Ahn, B. N. & Bak, S. S. (2013). Hair growth stimulator based on Ecklonia cava extract, preparation method theory, and cosmetic composition containing the same.