Induction of synapse associated protein 102 expression in cyclosporin A-stimulated hair growth.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been used as a potent immunosuppressive agent for inhibiting the graft rejection after organ transplantation. However, CsA provokes lots of side effects including hirsutism, the phenomenon of abnormal hair growth in the body. In the present study, we investigated the hair growth stimulating effect of CsA using in vivo and in vitro test models.

Preparation of microspheres by an emulsification-complexation method.

Microspheres were prepared by complexation of a cationic polymer, polyquaternium-24, and an anionic surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The cationic polymer solution was emulsified in dimethylsiloxane to give water in silicone emulsion (W/Si), and it was used as a template for the formation of microspheres. The emulsion was dispersed into the SLS solution.

Improving lip wrinkles: lipstick-related image analysis.

Background/purpose: The appearance of lip wrinkles is problematic if it is adversely influenced by lipstick make-up causing incomplete color tone, spread phenomenon and pigment remnants. It is mandatory to develop an objective assessment method for lip wrinkle status by which the potential of wrinkle-improving products to lips can be screened. The present study is aimed at finding out the useful parameters from the image analysis of lip wrinkles that is affected by lipstick application.

The hair growth promoting effect of Asiasari radix extract and its molecular regulation.

Background: Hair loss is a distressing condition for an increasing number of men and women. It is of great importance; therefore, to develop new therapies for the treatment of hair loss.

Objective: We examined the effects of 45 plant extracts that have been traditionally used for treating hair loss in oriental medicine in order to identify potential stimulants of hair growth.

Minoxidil-containing dosage forms: skin retention and after-rinsing hair-growth promotion.

Three kinds of topical dosage forms of minoxidil (MXD), namely vesicles, double emulsions, and an inclusion complex with hydoxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), were prepared. The skin retention of MXD in the preparations was evaluated in vitro using hairless mouse skins. After applying the preparations onto the skin and rinsing it, the amount of the drug left on the skin was determined using HPLC.

The hair growth promoting effect of Sophora flavescens extract and its molecular regulation.

In search of natural extracts for hair growth, we found that the extract of dried root of Sophora flavescens has outstanding hair growth promoting effect. After topical application of Sophora flavescens extract onto the back of C57BL/6 mice, the earlier conversion of telogen-to-anagen was induced. The growth of dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro, however, was not affected by Sophora flavescens extract treatment.