B complex for hair growth
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Role of B Complex in Hair Growth
Introduction to Hair Growth and Nutritional Factors
Hair growth is a complex biological process influenced by various factors, including genetics, hormonal balance, and nutritional status. Among the nutrients, the B complex vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair growth. This article synthesizes research findings on the impact of B complex vitamins and other related compounds on hair growth.
Vitamin B Complex and Hair Growth
Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Hair Health
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is well-known for its role in promoting hair health. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss and brittle nails. A study on the combination of an arginine silicate complex and magnesium biotinate (a novel biotin salt) demonstrated significant improvements in hair density and the percentage of hair follicles in the anagen (growing) phase in rats, indicating the potential of biotin in enhancing hair growth6.
Biosynthesis of Vitamin B Complex from Hair Waste
An innovative approach to producing vitamin B complex involves the use of keratinase enzymes to break down hair waste. This process releases amino acids that can be utilized by microorganisms to synthesize vitamins B1, B2, and B12. This method not only provides an eco-friendly solution to managing hair waste but also highlights the potential of vitamin B complex in supporting hair health3.
Other Compounds Promoting Hair Growth
Procyanidin B-2 and Hair Growth
Procyanidin B-2, a polyphenol compound found in apples, has shown promising results in promoting hair growth. Clinical trials involving the topical application of procyanidin B-2 tonic demonstrated a significant increase in hair count and diameter in subjects with male pattern baldness. This suggests that procyanidin B-2 could be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss1 4.
Ginkgolide B and Bilobalide
Ginkgolide B and bilobalide, compounds derived from Ginkgo biloba, have been found to promote hair growth by enhancing the viability of dermal papilla cells and activating key signaling pathways such as Akt and β-catenin. These findings indicate that these compounds can stimulate the hair growth cycle and improve hair follicle health2.
Herbal Complexes
Traditional herbal complexes containing Houttuynia cordata, Perilla frutescens, and green tea have also been shown to stimulate hair growth. In animal studies, these herbal complexes increased hair regrowth, hair follicle count, and hair follicle diameter, providing preliminary evidence of their efficacy in promoting hair health5.
5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide
A combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) peptide has been investigated for its potential to treat male pattern hair loss. Clinical trials showed significant increases in hair count and patient satisfaction, suggesting that this combination could be a complementary treatment for hair loss7.
Conclusion
The research highlights the significant role of B complex vitamins, particularly biotin, in promoting hair growth and maintaining hair health. Additionally, compounds such as procyanidin B-2, ginkgolide B, bilobalide, and traditional herbal complexes show promise in enhancing hair growth. These findings underscore the importance of nutritional and natural compounds in developing effective treatments for hair loss.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent.
Procyanidin B-2 therapy shows potential as a safe and promising cure for male pattern baldness, increasing the number of total hairs and terminal hairs after 6 months of use.
RCTGinkgolide B and bilobalide promote the growth and increase β-catenin expression in hair follicle dermal papilla cells of American minks.
Ginkgolide B and bilobalide both increase the viability of dermal papilla cells and promote hair growth, with distinct mechanisms of action.
In Vitro StudyBiochemical characterisation and application of keratinase from Bacillus thuringiensis MT1 to enable valorisation of hair wastes through biosynthesis of vitamin B-complex.
Keratinase enzymes from Bacillus thuringiensis MT1 can effectively valorize hair waste by producing vitamin B-complex, offering an eco-friendly approach to managing hair waste.
The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B‐2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent
Procyanidin B-2 therapy shows potential as a promising cure for male pattern baldness, with 78.9% of subjects showing increased hair diameter and number of total hairs after 4 months of treatment.
RCTAn Asian traditional herbal complex containing Houttuynia cordata Thunb, Perilla frutescens Var. acuta and green tea stimulates hair growth in mice
The herbal complex containing Houttuynia cordata Thunb, Perilla frutescens var. acuta, and green tea promotes hair growth in mice, supporting its potential use in alopecia treatment.
RCT
Animal Study
Rigorous JournalThe Effect of a Combination of an Arginine Silicate Complex and Magnesium Biotinate on Hair and Nail Growth in Rats (P06-026-19).
The combination of an arginine silicate complex and magnesium biotinate promotes hair and nail growth in rats, with the greatest effect observed in group 3.
RCTAnimal Study
Very Rigorous JournalEfficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth
A complex of 5-ALA and GHK peptide may be effective in enhancing hair growth for male pattern hair loss, with no adverse events observed.
RCTRigorous JournalProcyanidin B‐3, isolated from barley and identified as a hair‐growth stimulant, has the potential to counteract inhibitory regulation by TGF‐β1
Procyanidin B-3, found in barley, promotes hair growth in vitro and counteracts the growth-inhibiting effect of TGF-1, potentially stimulating anagen induction in vivo.
In Vitro StudyBFNB Enhances Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice through the Induction of EGF and FGF7 Factors and the PI3K-AKT-β-Catenin Pathway
BFNB, a nanostructured Bacopa procumbens extract, significantly increases hair growth and promotes hair health in C57BL/6 mice by inducing EGF and FGF7 factors and the PI3K-AKT--catenin pathway.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyActivin B Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Growth and Regulates Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression of Hair Matrix Cells through ERK Signaling
Activin B accelerates mouse vibrissae growth by stimulating hair matrix cell proliferation and cell cycle progression through ERK signaling.
In Vitro Study