Efficacy of Thermus thermophilus Fermentation Extract in Promoting Hair Growth and Improving Scalp Health in Androgenic Alopecia: A Clinical and In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a widespread form of hair loss characterized by the gradual reduction in follicular size and reduced hair density, with unsatisfactory treatments.

AIMS: This study explores the therapeutic potential of a novel fermented extract, Thermus thermophilus fermentation extract (TTFE), in mitigating the effects of AGA.

METHODS

The research integrates in vitro assays utilizing various hair-growth-related cells with a 12-week clinical trial involving 32 male subjects diagnosed with AGA. A 12-week clinical trial involving 32 male subjects diagnosed with AGA evaluated the effects of topical TTFE application on scalp hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum levels, and hair density using a hydration pin probe, tewameter, and sebumeter and a dermoscope respectively. Moreover, in vitro studies analyzed TTFE's effects on cell proliferation, ATP production, inflammation, key signaling pathways.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the topical administration of TTFE increased hair density (96.88%), follicular diameter (15%), and scalp hydration while reducing TEWL (47.43%) and sebum production (20%). The in vitro results corroborated these findings, showing that TTFE significantly enhanced hDPCs proliferation by increased ATP production and Ki67 expression, and upregulated β-catenin and downregulated TGF-β2. Additionally, TTFE demonstrated strong anti-inflammation by suppressing the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 with decreased ROS.

CONCLUSIONS

TTFE promotes hair growth and scalp health by improving follicles, modulating Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling, and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest TTFE holds promise as a potential treatment for AGA, offering a multifaceted approach to restoring hair growth and scalp health by targeting both follicular biology and inflammation.