The beneficial effects of an oriental herbal complex supplement on women’s hair and scalp conditions: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Open accessAbstract
Purpose: Diet is an environmental factor with the potential to significantly influence body changes. Up to now, no study has investigated the effects of the black bean-licorice-biotae folium extract on humans. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of this extract on hair and scalp - with regard to total hair number, hair diameter, scalp moisture and sebum. Materials and Method: This study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with a 28 week duration. At the -4 week time point of test product intake, participants were enrolled according to criteria and underwent a washout period (4 weeks). At weeks 0, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two treatment regimens: (i) placebo product (4 capsules/day, 700 mg/capsule) or (ii) test product (4 capsules/day, 700 mg/capsule). At weeks 0 and 24, we performed a visual assessment, hair number count and hair diameter, scalp hydration level and sebum excretion level. Results: Expert assessment was positive for the test group. Although the effect on the hair density was not significant, it was positive. Additionally, the hair diameter in the test group significantly increased and significantly decreased in the placebo group. For scalp hydration, the effect was only positive. However, for sebum, the complex appeared to help sebum secretion decrease. There were no safety issues. Conclusion: This study shows that this oriental herbal complex supplement (a Black Bean (Glycine max), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch), and Biotae Folium (Thuja orientalis) mixture) is probably effective in improving hair and scalp conditions.
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An oriental herbal supplement containing G. uralensis, Glycine max, and Thuja orientalis improved hair and scalp conditions in women.
“The beneficial effects of an oriental herbal supplement containing G. uralensis in addition to Glycine max, and Thuja orientalis were assessed on women's hair numbers, hair diameter, scalp moisture and sebum, and scalp conditions, finding a real benefit in improving hair and scalp conditions [68].”
From Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients (2022) · cites this paper as [68]
Licoricidin blocks UV-A-induced photoaging acting as ROS scavenger.
“Licoricidin blocked UV-A-induced photoaging acting as ROS scavenger.”
From Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients (2022) · cites this paper as [68]
The Introduction and Discussion describe a black bean–licorice–biotae supplement studied for hair and scalp conditions, with some discussion of antioxidant capacity. Searches for licoricidin, UV-A photoaging, and ROS scavenging found no passage in our copy addressing the claimed effect or mechanism. No page numbers were available in the indexed passages. (LLM, conf=0.76)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredLicoricidin's activity is connected with modulation of MMP-1.
“This activity is connected with the modulation of MMP-1 [68].”
From Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients (2022) · cites this paper as [68]
The Introduction discusses licorice extract and 5α-reductase inhibition, while the Discussion describes possible effects of the herbal combination on hair and scalp conditions (page numbers unavailable). Neither passage addresses licoricidin or MMP-1 modulation; searches for those terms found no supporting passage in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.76)
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Cerulli, A., Masullo, M., Montoro, P., & Piacente, S. (2022) · Cosmetics · doi:10.3390/cosmetics9010007 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
- Authors
- Hun Kim, S., Young Jeon, H., Kyung Kim, S., Kwang Lee, H., & Joon Kim, B.
- Venue
- Journal of Food and Nutrition Research
- Published
- 2017-08-26
- Volume
- 5
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 337-341
- ISSN
- 2333-1119 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2608762877
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2022: 2
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by
- Locations
- Journal of Food and Nutrition Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Urology › Hair Growth and Disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Medical Research and Treatments
- Keywords
- herbal supplements, black bean, licorice, Platycladus orientalis, hair density, hair diameter, sebum production, women's hair, soybean, Glycyrrhiza uralensis
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