The Effect of Apple (Malus sylvestris mill) as a Natural Ingredient to Prevent Hair Loss

Publication Date:
2019-07-01

Institutions involved:

Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Lampung, Indonesia
Abdoel Moeloek General Hospital, Lampung

Participants:
Humans, mice, and laboratory studies reviewed.

Dosage:
A literature review of multiple studies.

Key Takeaways:

In human trials, procyanidin B-2 showed measurable hair regrowth in subjects with alopecia, marking a breakthrough in non-pharmaceutical hair restoration.

Apple polyphenols protect follicle cells from chemotherapy-induced damage, offering therapeutic promise beyond cosmetic use.

Apple polyphenols modulate gene expression linked to follicle cycling, suggesting a deeper regenerative role in hair biology beyond surface-level stimulation.

Apple Poly Summary:

Why Is This Study Important? In this review study, apple polyphenols present a safe, widely available alternative to synthetic hair loss treatments, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits that support both scalp and skin health. Rich in procyanidin B-2, apple extracts have been shown to reduce inflammation linked to follicle miniaturization, enhance mitochondrial energy production, and improve blood flow to hair follicles— each critical for stimulating and sustaining hair growth. Emerging evidence also suggests these compounds may delay follicle aging, potentially extending their active lifespan and slowing age-related hair thinning.

In Plain English: Apples contain a natural compound that may help regrow hair. Scientists found that apple extract can make hair grow faster in lab tests, in animal studies, and in human clinical trials. It works like some hair loss medicines but without the side effects.

For Medical Professionals: This literature review outlines the role of apple-derived procyanidin B-2 in promoting hair follicle proliferation and transitioning follicles from telogen to anagen phase. Mechanistically, it inhibits PKC isoenzymes and enhances mitochondrial beta-oxidation. Preliminary in vitro, in vivo, and RCT evidence supports its therapeutic potential through an array of mechanisms.

Abstract:

Hair serves to protect the skin from bad influences, such as eyebrows that protect and prevent sweat that will flow to the eyes. While the nose hair functions as filtering the dust on the nose. Hair also has a role in protection against adverse environment, including cold or hot temperatures, and ultraviolet light. Hair is not uncommon as confidence. Hair loss to cause baldness is a problem that is enough to worry about high self when they interact. Hair loss can be caused by many factors that are organized into endogenous: due to systemic disease, hormonal, nutritional status, intoxication, or a genetic disorder and exogenous factor in the form of stimulus from the environment and hair cosmetics. Today there are many studies of natural plants or herbal ingredients that can be used to treat hair loss. One of the plants that can grow hair is apple. Apples contain procyanin B-2 naturally found in apples. Apple extract is then made for hair tonic or cream proven to accelerate hair growth.

The Effect of Apple (Malus sylvestris mill) as a Natural Ingredient to Prevent Hair Loss

Habsari, Chintya Redina, et al. “Efek Buah Apel (Malus sylvestris mill) sebagai Pencegahan Kerontokan Rambut.” Medula, vol. 9, no. 2, July 2019, pp. 205–211.