Sanguisorba officinalis

Sanguisorba officinalis (great burnet) is a plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere, including Europe, northern Asia and North America. This plant has traditionally been used to stop haemorrhages and internal bleeding. Research has shown that tannins, which are natural compounds with the ability to bind proteins, give the plant its astringent and coagulant properties. Studies have also highlighted its benefits in helping to prevent hair loss.

Hair growth factors

Scientific studies have reported that sanguisorba officinalis is involved in hair growth. Root extract of sanguisorba officinalis contains fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF-5) inhibitor. FGF-5 suppresses the conversion of hair follicles from the anagen to the catagen phase, resulting in a prolonged period of hair growth (Ota et al., 2002).

Research performed in 2014 showed that FGF-5 controls the length of hairs in human (Higgins et al., 2014).

Evidence for reduced hair loss and increased growth

A study conducted on 39 subjects tested the effects of a solution containing 10% Sanguisorba officinalis extract, applied topically to the scalp twice a day. The findings were:

  • After 2 months, hair loss decreased by 13.3%.
  • After 4 months, shed hairs decreased by 32%.
  • The number of soft hairs (less than 2 cm long) shed was reduced by 37.4% after 4 months.
  • Hair growth increased by 11.9% in 2 months and by 17.7% in 4 months.

Additionally, in a related experiment, FGF-5 and FGF-5 combined with Sanguisorba officinalis were injected into the skin of mice. FGF-5 alone inhibited hair growth, while the combination with Sanguisorba officinalis enhanced hair growth.

In the study of Maeda et al., (2007), dehaired mice were topically applied with the extract of sanguisorba officinalis. It was observed that the follicle length in mice treated with sanguisorba officinalis was 1.10 mm after 10 days of treatment while the length of the control group was 0.53 mm, which is significantly shorter than the sanguisorba officinalis treated mice.

hair-lotion-bottle-packaging_05dd8747-37fd-4e48-af17-39fd62d4e1dc.webp__PID:24b99b30-f50b-4cbf-b67d-676740e9747b

Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion

An advanced lotion formulated to combat hair loss, promote hair regrowth, and improve scalp health. Powered by Neoxyl® 7%, this water-based, non-greasy solution is suitable for both men and women experiencing hereditary or hormonal hair loss.

  • 92% reported an improvement after 90 days
  • Contains 7% Neoxyl: 41% more cell growth compared to Minoxidil
  • Efficacy booster: better absortion in the hair follicle
View product

What results can sanguisorba officinalis help achieve?

Liam

After 6 months of consistent use of the Neofollics Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion in combination with the Neofollics Hair Growth Enhancing Scalp Roller, the hair has become visibly fuller and stronger, with new hair growth as a result.

Liam uses:

Hair Growth Enhancing Scalp Roller

Elena

After six months of using the Neofollics Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo and Hair Growth Stimulating Conditioner, the hair became healthier and fuller. After a few months, new hair growth also became visible, providing more confidence in the results.

Elena uses:

Hair Growth Stimulating Conditioner

Key learnings

The scientific studies mentioned in this article prove that, because of the FGF-5 inhibiting activity of sanguisorba officinalis, it can be used topically to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Topical application of sanguisorba officinalis has also resulted in the extension of the anagen (growing) phase.

13%

less hair was lost after two months when using products that contain sanguisorba officinalis

32%

fewer hairs were shed after four months when using products with sanguisorba officinalis, along with a 17.7% boost in growth

hair-shampoo-bottle-front_538f4744-ed8b-43ac-bf6b-9ef9c0ac498f_x668@2x.webp__PID:647ac1d7-fdaf-4922-b822-ad24ac31efd8

Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo

This shampoo reduces hair loss, improves thickness and supports healthy growth within 90 to 180 days. With 1% piroctone olamine and 12 active ingredients, it nourishes the scalp, offering an effective, gentle solution for men and women.

  • 90% reported an improvement after 90 days
  • 80% experienced more hair growth
  • 80% reported improvement in their scalp health
View product

Our expert answers

Which Neofollics products contain sanguisorba officinalis?

Neofollics offers four products that contain sanguisorba officinalis as an active ingredient: the Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion, Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo, Hair Growth Stimulating Conditioner and Beard Growth Stimulating Serum. Each of these formulas uses sanguisorba officinalis for its ability to help prolong the hair growth phase and reduce hair thinning, supporting fuller, healthier hair on both the scalp and beard.

Why does Neofollics use sanguisorba officinalis?

Neofollics uses sanguisorba officinalis because it helps extend the hair growth phase and reduce hair thinning by inhibiting FGF-5, a protein that signals hair follicles to stop growing. This makes it a valuable ingredient for supporting fuller, stronger hair on the scalp and in the beard.

Scientific studies

FGF5 regulates human hair length

“FGF5 is a crucial regulator of hair length in humans”
Higgins CA, Petukhova L, Harel S, Ho YY, Drill E, Shapiro L, Wajid M, Christiano AM

Sanguisorba prolongs hair growth phase

“Sanguisorba officinalis Root Extract Has FGF-5 Inhibitory Activity and Reduces Hair Loss by Causing Prolongation of the Anagen Period”
Maeda T, Yamamoto T, Youko I
Nishi Nihon Hifuka, 69 (1), 81-86 (2007)
(Not available online, print only)

Sanguisorba officinalis extract inhibits FGF-5

“Sanguisorba officinalis Root Extract (SO extract) is a reliable FGF-5 inhibitor”
Ota Y, Saitoh Y, Suzuki S, Ozawa K, Kawano M, Imamura T
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 290 (1), 169-176 (2002)
(Not available online, print only)