Germination Enhances Phytochemical Profiles of Perilla Seeds and Promotes Hair Growth via 5α-Reductase Inhibition and Growth Factor Pathways

TL;DR

Germinating perilla seeds boosts their beneficial compounds and helps promote hair growth by reducing inflammation and activating key genes.

Contribution

This study shows that germinated perilla seed extracts are more effective for hair growth than non-germinated ones.

Findings

Germinated perilla seed extract significantly increased hair follicle cell proliferation and migration.

The extract reduced oxidative stress and inflammation while inhibiting genes linked to hair loss.

It activated genes like CTNNB1 and VEGF more effectively than minoxidil.

Abstract

Hair loss is a common concern affecting individuals of all ages. This study investigated the potential of Perilla frutescens seed extracts as a natural approach to support hair growth. The seeds were found to be rich in beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Extracts obtained through supercritical fluid extraction contained the highest levels of these compounds and demonstrated superior biological activity. Notably, the extract from seeds germinated in distilled water showed the most promising effects in in vitro tests. It enhanced the growth, migration, and survival of hair follicle cells, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and activated genes involved in hair regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of extraction and germination techniques in enhancing the efficacy of plant-based ingredients. The results support the potential application of perilla seed extract as a natural, effective candidate for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.

Seed germination is recognized for enhancing the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt., commonly known as perilla seed, is rich in fatty acids that may be beneficial for anti-hair loss. This study investigated the hair regeneration potential of perilla seed extracts—non-germinated (NG-PS) and germinated in distilled water (0 ppm selenium; G0-PS), and germinated with 80 ppm selenium (G80-PS)—obtained from supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and screw compression (SC). SFE extracts exhibited significantly higher levels of polyphenols, tocopherols, and fatty acids compared to SC extracts. Among the germinated groups, G0-PS showed the highest bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity. Remarkably, treatment with SFE-G0-PS led to a significant increase in the proliferation and migration of hair follicle cells, reaching 147.21 ± 2.11% (p < 0.05), and resulted in complete wound closure. In addition, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were reflected by a marked scavenging effect on TBARS (59.62 ± 0.66% of control) and suppressed nitrite amounts (0.44 ± 0.01 µM). Moreover, SFE-G0-PS markedly suppressed SRD5A1-3 gene expression—key regulators in androgenetic alopecia—in both DU-145 and HFDPCs, with approximately 2-fold and 1.5-fold greater inhibition compared to finasteride and minoxidil, respectively. Simultaneously, it upregulated the expression of hair growth-related genes, including CTNNB1, SHH, SMO, GLI1, and VEGF, by approximately 1.5-fold, demonstrating stronger activation than minoxidil. These findings suggest the potential of SFE-G0-PS as a natural therapeutic agent for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.

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