Abstract
Purposes This study aimed to investigate the impact of continuous intake of polyphenols from water chestnut pericarp on thinning hair and the decline in hair-related quality of life (QOL) in healthy middle-aged and older Japanese subjects. The study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-group design.
Methods The participants in this 24-week study were healthy Japanese males and females aged 40 to 64 years. They were randomly assigned to either the Trapa bispinosa Roxb. pericarp polyphenol (TBPP)-containing food group (containing 25 mg of polyphenols from water chestnut pericarp) or a placebo food group. The primary outcome was the hair-related quality of life assessed by the Skinex29 score. Secondary outcomes included a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire, assessment of hair and scalp condition, evaluation of scalp moisturization, and measurement of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) in blood plasma.
Results The TBPP group showed significant improvement in the composite score of Skindex 29, VAS questionnaire regarding hair volume, hair diameter, and the amount of pentosidine (one of AGEs) in blood plasma compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the TBPP group exhibited a significant decrease in the amount of carbonylated protein compared to pre-ingestion. No adverse events were reported during the TBPP-containing food intake period.
Conclusion Polyphenols derived from water chestnut pericarp prove to be an effective food material that enhances health by addressing thinning hair and improving QOL in middle-aged and older males and females.
