Evaluation of efficacy of Silybum marianum flower extract on the mitigating hair loss in vitro and in vivo

Background: Natural components that can exert a wide range of anti-hair loss activity with fewer side effects are in high demand. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-hair loss potential of Silybum marianum flower extract (SMFE) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The effect of SMFE on dermal papilla cells was evaluated by measuring cell proliferation and VEGF production in hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). In addition, to confirm the effect of SMFE on dermal papilla senescence, SA-ss-gal staining and senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) production such as IL-6 was observed in both replicative and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced senescence models. In a clinical study, hair growth was determined by reconstitution analysis after shaving the hair of the clinical subject's scalp and hair area. Results: SMFE increased the proliferation and VEGF production of HFDPCs. It also suppressed cellular senescence of HFDPCs and IL-6 production in replicative senescence and oxidative stress-induced senescence models. The hair density and total hair count at 16 and 24 weeks after using hair shampoo containing SMFE were significantly increased compared with those of the placebo group. Conclusion: SMFE has the potential to be used as a natural ingredient for alleviating hair loss.