Taking a regenerative approach to hair growth

Recent studies for hair growth are being conducted on dermal papilla since it is important for developing follicles and there have been several pathways that have been identified such as the Wnt signalling pathway. RSPO1 is one of the recent novel proteins required for organ development, and is secreted from dermal papilla cells in the hair follicle. It has two functions - a promoter role and a protector role in the hair cycle. Nasturtium officinale Leaf/Stem Extract, a novel hair growth ingredient increases RSPO1 secretion from the derma papilla, and binds to the outer root sheath to promote hair follicle growth, and also neutralises the hair loss factor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) to protect hair growth. The result of in vitro, ex vivo, and human clinical trial confirmed the efficacy of the special processed Nasturtium officinale Leaf/Stem Extract (commercially known as ‘Burgeon-Up’) to effectively promote hair growth through RSPO1 enhancement.

Hair loss is an issue that relates to both men and women of all ages and most of the time it imposes social and psychological difficulties. 1 Current treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and other drugs have unpredictable efficacy and some side effects that there is a need to research and develop a novel and effective hair growth agent. Recent studies for hair growth are being conducted on dermal papilla (DP) cells as a model to investigate the action of novel compound/s related to human hair follicles (HFs). 2 DP plays an important role since it regulates hair follicle development and growth and it is also perceived to be a reservoir of multipotent stem cells. Reciprocal signalling between the epithelial cells and DP is important for developing follicles and there have been several pathways that have been identified such as the Wnt signalling pathway which is considered to be the most important. 3 There are many factors affecting the Wnt signalling pathway; one group which is currently under study are R-spondins (RSPOs). RSPOs are secreted proteins that are agonists to the Wnt signalling pathway and of potential value in the field of regenerative medicine. 4,5 R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) is one of the recent RSPO proteins that was linked to the hair cycle.

Focusing on RSPO1