Hair growth enhancement via mitochondrial activation by Mito‐activator complex

OBJECTIVE: Hair loss is a common condition that affects both men and women and can significantly affect the quality of life. However, existing substances used to treat hair loss have several side effects. Here, we show that a novel Mito-Activator Complex (MiAc), consisting of nicotinamide and its derivatives (nicotinamide riboside chloride, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and epigallocatechin gallate, stimulates mitochondrial activity and promotes hair growth. METHODS: In vitro analyses such as ATP assay and mitochondrial content assay, etc. were conducted in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs), and a 6-month human application tests for two formulations on adult men and women were also conducted to confirm changes in hair count, skin safety, etc. RESULTS: In vitro analyses showed that ATP level, mitochondrial content and expression of mitochondrial factors and the hair growth secretome increased following treatment with MiAc. An exploration of the link between mitochondrial activity and hair growth using dorsomorphin, an AMPK inhibitor that regulates mitochondrial homeostasis, showed that MiAc rescued dorsomorphin-induced suppression of the expression of mitochondrial factors and the hair growth secretome, confirming that mitochondrial activity is closely related to hair growth. The Mito-Activator Complex also improved cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level and cell migration in hDPCs and dermal hDFs. Furthermore, a clinical trial evaluating formulations with MiAc showed significant improvements in hair density and growth over 24 weeks, with no adverse effects reported. CONCLUSION: The approach of this study to promote hair growth through mitochondrial activation was successful. In addition, when applied to the human body beyond the in vitro level, a significant increase in hair growth was obtained without any side effects. In conclusion, this study suggested a promising candidate for hair loss treatment.