Cistanche tubulosa, shown in Picture 1, as well as Laminaria japonica, have both been documented to possess a range of beneficial properties, including anti-oxidative, anticoagulant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. These candidates show promise in promoting hair growth and effectively treating dandruff and scalp inflammation.

In this blog, I am sharing the following study, “Efficacy of Cistanche Tubulosa and Laminaria Japonica Extracts (MK-R7) Supplement in Preventing Patterned Hair Loss and Promoting Scalp Health” by Joon Seok et al. The study examined how CT (Cistanche tubulosa) extract and LJ (Laminaria Japonica) extract (MK-R7) can improve hair health in patients with mild to moderate patterned alopecia through a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of Cistanche tubulosa extract and kelp extract complex (MK-R7) in promoting hair health in patients with mild-to-moderate hair loss. The use of phototrichograms allowed for the comparison of hair density and diameter at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks in patients who received either a placebo or a combination of Cistanche tubulosa extract and kelp extract complex (MK-R7).

First, when comparing hair density between the test and control groups, we found that after 16 weeks of taking the product, the test group had a statistically significant increase in hair density and hair diameter compared to the control group. The results of the study suggest that the CT extract and LJ extract combination has a positive impact on increasing both hair density and thickness. The data revealed that the effects of the product were particularly noticeable after 16 weeks of continuous consumption, as opposed to a shorter period of 8 weeks. This implies that the product’s efficacy is heightened with sustained intake, as depicted in Figure 1.

Although there were no significant findings in terms of pattern alopecia based on the investigator assessment scores and patient subjective scores, it is worth noting that the test group did exhibit an overall improvement when contrasted with the control group. Furthermore, there was a notable increase in both hair diameter and hair density.

The mean hair diameter in the test group was 0.063 ± 0.014 (mm) before intake, 0.079 ± 0.045 (mm) after 8 weeks of intake, and 0.086 ± 0.018 (mm) after 16 weeks of intake. In the control group, it was 0.071 ± 0.029 (mm) before intake, 0.079 ± 0.045 (mm) after 8 weeks of intake, and 0.077 ± 0.015 (mm) after 16 weeks of intake. The clinical trial demonstrated that every group involved in the study experienced a notable improvement in hair thickness, as depicted in Figure 2. At week 8, the change in hair diameter was 0.016 ± 0.031 (mm) in the test group and 0.008 ± 0.016 (mm) in the control group, both groups showed an increase in hair diameter, but the difference between these values ​​was not statistically significant. However, at week 16, the test group showed a statistically significant increase in hair diameter compared to the control group.

Patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with the improvement of their hair loss pattern using subjective evaluation scores. At week 8, the score was 2.55 ± 1.02 in the test group and 2.41 ± 1.04 in the control group. At week 16, the score was 2.82 ± 1.01 in the test group and 2.49 ± 1.06 in the control group, indicating that most participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. However, there was no significant difference between the groups (Figure 3A). Regarding patient satisfaction with the improvement of dandruff and scalp inflammation, the average score at week 8 was 2.21 ± 1.02 in the test group and 2.02 ± 1.07 in the control group. After 16 weeks of intake, the score was 2.65 ± 1.04 in the test group and 2.13 ± 1.05 in the control group, showing a difference in the scores given to the test group and the control group (See Figure 3B).

According to the research, the study discovered that LJ extract, derived from the brown alga Laminaria japonica, stimulates the release of tissue factor pathway inhibitors from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. This release of the inhibitor may play a role in the extract’s antithrombotic effect. Additionally, it serves important functions as an antioxidant and anticoagulant. The properties of LJ extract indicate that it may have a positive impact on hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp, normalizing hair follicles, and stimulating hair growth.

Source: Clin Nutr Res. 2015 Apr; 4(2): 124–131. doi: 10.7762/cnr.2015.4.2.124