Efficacy of Thermus thermophilus Fermentation Extract in Promoting Hair Growth and Improving Scalp Health in Androgenic Alopecia: A Clinical and In Vitro Study.

Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a widespread form of hair loss characterized by the gradual reduction in follicular size and reduced hair density, with unsatisfactory treatments.

Aims: This study explores the therapeutic potential of a novel fermented extract, Thermus thermophilus fermentation extract (TTFE), in mitigating the effects of AGA.

Methods: The research integrates in vitro assays utilizing various hair-growth-related cells with a 12-week clinical trial involving 32 male subjects diagnosed with AGA. A 12-week clinical trial involving 32 male subjects diagnosed with AGA evaluated the effects of topical TTFE application on scalp hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum levels, and hair density using a hydration pin probe, tewameter, and sebumeter and a dermoscope respectively. Moreover, in vitro studies analyzed TTFE's effects on cell proliferation, ATP production, inflammation, key signaling pathways.

Results: The study revealed that the topical administration of TTFE increased hair density (96.88%), follicular diameter (15%), and scalp hydration while reducing TEWL (47.43%) and sebum production (20%). The in vitro results corroborated these findings, showing that TTFE significantly enhanced hDPCs proliferation by increased ATP production and Ki67 expression, and upregulated β-catenin and downregulated TGF-β2. Additionally, TTFE demonstrated strong anti-inflammation by suppressing the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 with decreased ROS.

Conclusions: TTFE promotes hair growth and scalp health by improving follicles, modulating Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling, and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest TTFE holds promise as a potential treatment for AGA, offering a multifaceted approach to restoring hair growth and scalp health by targeting both follicular biology and inflammation.