A Study on the Effect of Eclipta Prostrata Extract and MTS on the Improvement of Scalp Health and Prevention of Hair Loss for Workers in Their 20s and 30s

Background/Objectives: External and mental stress from hair loss degrades the quality of life and affects the interpersonal relationship and daily social life of individuals. Lately, due to an increase in hair loss population, various chemically synthesized products for hair loss prevention or treatment have been commercialized in the market. However, these products have well-known adverse effects. In order to prevent such adverse effects, this study aimed to develop a natural substance and utilize a tool that aids its transdermal delivery. This study intended to elucidate the scalp health and hair loss prevention effects of Eclipta prostrata and microneedle therapy system (MTS) use on the scalp of office workers in their 20s and 30s who have suffered from hair loss, in addition, to present a potential product for improving scalp conditions and preventing hair loss.

Method/Statistical Analysis:In order to identify the effects of the MTS and the Eclipta prostrata extract on improvement of scalp condition and prevention of hair loss, this study conducted scalp treatments on 24 office workers in their 20s and 30s who have suffered from hair loss by dividing them into three groups: MTS group, Eclipta prostrata group, and MTS-Eclipta prostrata group. The scalp treatment was performed for 10 weeks with one 30-min turn per week, resulting in 10 turns in total. The same home care products including shampoo and conditioner were distributed to all participants for use during the entire period of experiment. Hair density, hair thickness, effect on scalp improvement, and hairline distance were measured using a scalp diagnostic device (Kong Scope, Korea) and a measuring tape before, 5 weeks after, and 10 weeks after the experiment. Participants were then surveyed for satisfaction level after the experiment.

Findings: In the results, all three groups showed increase in hair density and thickness and a decrease in frontal hairline distance at both hairlines, 10 weeks after the experiment. Only the MTS-Eclipta prostrata group showed a statistically significant increase in hair density from 18 ea at 0 week to 19.43 at 10 weeks, hair line thickness, and frontal hairline distance changes. The Eclipta prostrata group also showed a significant increase in hair thickness. Furthermore, majority of the participants showed clean scalps with new hair growths 10 weeks after the experiment.

Improvements/Applications: It was revealed that co-treatment with MTS and Eclipta prostrata extracthad more effect on hair density, hair thickness and hairline distance change. Furthermore, the satisfaction survey result after the experiment showed a positive response for hair richness and reduction in itching and sebum amount, thereby building self-confidence. Accordingly, it was proved that the use of MTS and the Eclipta prostrata extract is effective in scalp health and hair loss improvement.