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.

What results can sanguisorba officinalis help achieve?

Before
After

Results may vary per person.

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.

Before
After

Results may vary per person.

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.

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

Answers and resources

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