Protective Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage in Human Hair.

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress causes fatal damage to follicular keratinocytes (FKCs) and is a common pathophysiology of many hair disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the protective effects of Red ginseng extract (RGE) and its main ginsenosides against oxidative hair damage using an in vitro organ model of human hair follicles.

METHODS

We examined whether RGE and its constituent ginsenosides could prevent oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂ in FKCs by suppressing apoptosis and promoting hair growth.

RESULTS

RGE and its main ginsenoside, G-Rb1, significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis in FKCs. Furthermore, they effectively alleviated the inhibition of hair growth induced by oxidative damage and inhibited the transition of hair from the anagen to the telogen stage. The hair cycle and apoptosis were associated with the modulation of p53 and Bax/Bcl2 signaling.

CONCLUSION

RGE and G-Rb1 can effectively mitigate the oxidative damage caused by FKCs, thereby affecting hair growth and hair cycles.