Effect of Persimmon Leaf Extract on Hair Density and Thickness

by | Nov 2, 2023 | 2023, Amino Acids, Botanicals, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Hair and Nails

Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. Researchers saw significant improvement in hair density and hair thickness after 24 weeks supplementation with BLH 308.

women's health - hair lossPersimmon is a fruit commonly found at east Asia. Persimmon leaves have been found to contain a wide range of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, minerals and chlorophylls, just to name a few1. Additional studies have shown that extract from persimmon leaves can provide neuroprotection, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-aging1,2. Furthermore, dermatological studies utilizing persimmon leaf extract in mice showed improved symptoms of atopic dermatitis1,3. In the current trial, researchers explored the effect of a compound containing persimmon leaf extract, green tea, and sophora fruit extract (BLH308) on hair growth in healthy adults4.

Volunteers between 19 and 60 years old with no underlying medical conditions or history of hair disorders or alopecia were recruited for this trial. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial which lasted for 24 weeks. The test compound known as BLH 308 was formulated using persimmon leaf extract, green tea, and sophora fruit extract in a 2:1:1 ratio. Persimmon leaf extract was the primary active ingredient in the formulation. Researchers tested the effect of the formulation on hair density, thickness, and gloss. Hair density and thickness were evaluated using a Folliscope 5.0, a phototrichogram. Researchers selected a measurement site on the scalp with low hair density that was marked with a small 1mm dot. At each test visit, the selected area was assessed for hair density by counting the number of hairs within a certain 1 cm2 area. Hair thickness was also evaluated in this selected area as an average value after measuring 5 strands of hair. Hair gloss was measured using a glossymeter and a scanning electron microscope. Hair gloss, density, and thickness were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks after taking the test product (BLH308). Physical examinations, clinical pathology tests, and vitals were also measured at baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks to assess for any adverse events.

One hundred and one subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to the test group or placebo. Researchers later removed 12 subjects from the study. In the end, 96 subjects were included for full analysis and 88 subjects were used for the per protocol analysis (test group = 44, placebo group = 44). See results the following 24 weeks oral supplementation of BLH 308 versus placebo in Table 1.

Table 1. Change in hair density and thickness after 24-week oral supplementation with the BLH308

Hair Density Hair Thickness
BLH308 Placebo P BLH308 Placebo P
8 weeks + 0.61 ± 4.39 number/cm2 -1.16 ± 3.58 number/ cm2 P = 0.0201 + 1.70 ± 4.77 µm + 0.16 ± 4.38 µm P = 0.0724
16 weeks + 1.52 ± 4.93 number/cm2 -1.45 ± 4.3 number/cm2 P = 0.0088 + 3.8 ± 7.33 µm -0.36 ± 6.07 µm P = 0.0013
24 weeks + 1.86 ± 5.44 number/cm2 -1.48 ± 3.94 number/cm2 P = 0.0015 + 5.14 ± 7.94 µm -0.86 ± 6.64 µm P = 0.0001

 

As shown in Table 1, researchers saw significant improvement in hair density and hair thickness after 24 weeks supplementation with BLH308. However, no significant difference was observed from baseline to 24 weeks in hair gloss. Furthermore, no serious adverse side effects occurred as a result of BLH308 supplementation.

In this trial, a combination of persimmon leaf extract, green tea, and sophora fruit extract (BLH308) supported hair density and thickness after 24 weeks of oral intake in healthy adults. Further studies will be needed to verify the efficacy of BLH 308 on hair growth.

Source: Ham, Seoyoon, Young In Lee, In Ah Kim, Jangmi Suk, Inhee Jung, Jong‐Moon Jeong, and Ju Hee Lee. “Efficacy and safety of persimmon leaf formulated with green tea and sophora fruit extracts (BLH308) on hair growth: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.” Skin Research and Technology 29, no. 9 (2023): e13448.

© 2023 The Authors. Skin Research and Technology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

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Posted November 2, 2023.

Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.

References:

  1. Hossain A, Shahidi F. Persimmon Leaves: Nutritional, Pharmaceutical, and Industrial Potential-A Review. Plants (Basel). Feb 18 2023;12(4)doi:10.3390/plants12040937
  2. Kwon J, Park JE, Lee JS, et al. Chemical Constituents of the Leaves of Diospyros kaki (Persimmon). Plants (Basel). Sep 28 2021;10(10)doi:10.3390/plants10102032
  3. Matsumoto M, Kotani M, Fujita A, et al. Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract ameliorates skin symptoms and transepidermal water loss in atopic dermatitis model mice, NC/Nga. Br J Dermatol. Feb 2002;146(2):221-7. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04557.x
  4. Ham S, Lee YI, Kim IA, et al. Efficacy and safety of persimmon leaf formulated with green tea and sophora fruit extracts (BLH308) on hair growth: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Skin Res Technol. Sep 2023;29(9):e13448. doi:10.1111/srt.13448