Mixture of Mastic Gum and Peppermint Extracts Promotes Hair Growth and Health in Vitro and in C57BL/6 Mice

• Published in: Yonsei medical journal Vol. 66; no. 5; pp. 310 - 320
• Main Authors: Ham, Seoyoon, Lee, Young In, Jang, Yujin, Lee, Sang Gu, Suk, Jangmi, Jung, Inhee, Park, Jae Hyun, Lee, Ju Hee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Yonsei University College of Medicine 01.05.2025; 연세대학교의과대학
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Hair - drug effects; Hair - growth & development; Hair Follicle - cytology; Hair Follicle - drug effects; Humans; Male; Mastic Resin - pharmacology; Mentha piperita - chemistry; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Original; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; 의학일반; anti-inflammatory; Mastic gum; antioxidant; hair health; hair growth; peppermint
• ISSN: 0513-5796; 1976-2437; 1976-2437
• DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2024.0100

Hair disorders, which are often attributed to conditions associated with a shortened anagen growth phase, oxidative stress, and hormonal dysregulation, especially during aging, have profound psychological implications. Currently, only minoxidil has been approved as a topical hair growth solution; thus, alternative therapies for treating hair loss and promoting hair health are urgently needed. Herein, we aimed to develop and assess a novel method to promote hair growth and health using mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) gum and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) extracts. After determining the optimal ratio of mastic gum and peppermint extracts, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to verify the efficacy of the 7:3 mastic gum-peppermint mixture (MP73; FHH-MG) for enhancing hair growth and health. Mastic gum significantly promoted cell proliferation and demonstrated synergistic benefits when combined with peppermint extract. In vitro, FHH-MG increased human dermal follicle papilla cell proliferation and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In vivo, treatment with FHH-MG dose-dependently enhanced hair growth and gloss and increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, β-catenin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 in C57BL/6 mice compared to the negative control. The novel mixture exhibited hair growth-promoting effects in C57BL/6 mice; thus, FHH-MG may serve as a botanical alternative for hair growth and health promotion.