A peptide having the activity of promoting hair growth and improving damaged hair activity and use thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a peptide having an activity of promoting hair growth and improving damaged hair and use thereof, and provides a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by Arg-Cys-Cys-Gly or Glu-Glu, a cosmetic composition for improving damaged hair including the same, a cosmetic composition for improving alopecia or promoting hair growth including the same, and a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating alopecia including the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a peptide that promotes hair growth and improves damaged hair, and its uses. Background Technology

[0002] Human hair consists of approximately 150,000 hairs, each undergoing a different hair growth cycle, repeatedly experiencing hair growth and shedding. The hair growth cycle is mainly divided into three phases, which repeat cyclically: the anagen phase (hair growth phase), the catagen phase (hair regression phase) (hair growth ends and the hair remains in place), and the telogen phase (hair loss phase) (hair papilla contraction and hair follicle atrophy). The hair growth cycle varies depending on internal factors such as family history, genetics, constitution, and hormonal regulation, as well as external factors such as nutritional status, aging, environmental factors, and stress.

[0003] On the other hand, because the ends of hair are exposed to the external environment for a longer period than the scalp side, the damage caused by the external environment is more severe. Weathering caused by exposure to the external environment leads to the loss of the hair cuticle, causing the hair ends to split and eventually break. The continuous use of tools such as hair dryers to apply high heat to the hair, resulting in reduced hair tension and weakening, is a typical example of this type of damage. In addition, frequent perming and dyeing, and other physical, chemical, or environmental factors can cause the proteins and lipids inside the hair to dissolve, promoting porosity. As a result, the hair becomes rough, loses its shine, increases friction, makes it difficult to comb, and is prone to breakage or split ends. Furthermore, this porosity causes the hair to lose elasticity, causing it to droop and lose its fullness or become thinner.

[0004] Furthermore, with the development of an aging society, the number of people troubled by hair loss is constantly increasing. In the past, this was mainly a problem for middle-aged men, but recently, young people and women are also paying increasing attention to hair loss prevention and hair care. On the other hand, hair loss has always been considered a phenomenon of aging, but recent studies have shown that in addition to genetic factors, stress, Westernized dietary habits, nutritional imbalances, and changes in social activities can also lead to hair loss. Currently, the drugs approved by the US FDA for their hair growth effects include minoxidil (6-Amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-imino-4-phenoxypyrimidine) (US Patent No. 3,382,247) and finasteride (US Patent No. 5,215,894). Minoxidil was initially developed in the early 1970s as a vasodilator for treating hypertension, but due to reports of hirsutism as a side effect, it was used as a hair growth promoter, having the effect of thickening hair by enlarging pores and increasing hair diameter. Furthermore, finasteride, initially developed as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, is now used as a hair loss treatment, having the effect of slowing down hair loss and promoting hair growth. However, minoxidil has been reported to have side effects such as weight gain, edema, dermatitis, and increased heart rate, while finasteride requires continuous use and has side effects such as sexual dysfunction in men and birth defects in pregnant women. Therefore, a hair loss treatment without side effects still needs to be developed.

[0005] Against this technological backdrop, although multifaceted research is underway to improve damaged hair and prevent hair loss through mechanisms such as hormone regulation and metabolic regulation (Korean Patent No. 2002-0005332), it is still insufficient at present. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E).

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic composition for improving damaged hair, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic composition for improving hair loss or promoting hair growth, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating hair loss, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings. Content not described in this specification is omitted because it can be readily understood and inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art or similar fields.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] Each description and embodiment disclosed in this application can also be applied to other descriptions and embodiments. That is, all combinations of the various technical features disclosed in this application fall within the scope of this application. In addition, it should be noted that the scope of this application is not limited to the specific descriptions below.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention provides a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E).

[0015] As used in this specification, the term "peptide" can refer to a linear molecule formed by amino acid residues linked together by peptide bonds. The peptides can be prepared using chemical synthesis methods known in the art, particularly solid-phase synthesis techniques (Merrifield, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 85:2149-54 (1963); Stewart, et al., Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd ed., Pierce Chem. Co.: Rockford, 111 (1984)) or liquid-phase synthesis techniques (US Patent No. 5516891). Through diligent research and development, the inventors have successfully identified peptides with biologically effective activity, consisting of amino acid sequences represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E). The biologically effective activity may be manifested by any one or more of the following characteristics: (a) promoting the proliferation or activation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells; (b) promoting the activation of outer hair root sheath cells; (c) promoting the activation of hair matrix cells; and (d) inhibiting the expression of DKK-1 (Dickkopf-related protein 1). More specifically, the biologically effective activities may refer to (aa) enhancing the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, factors associated with the proliferation of dermal papilla cells in hair follicles; (bb) activating β-catenin, lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF-1), c-Myc, and cyclin D1 in dermal papilla cells in hair follicles; (cc) enhancing the expression of Ha3-II (type I cuticular Ha3-II), keratin 5, keratin 14, and keratin 19 in outer root sheath cells; and (dd) enhancing the expression of homeobox proteins Hox-C13 (HOXC13), Msh homeobox 2 (MSX2), and forkhead box protein N1 in hair matrix cells. The expression of N1 (FOXN1) is inhibited. Therefore, the peptide can be used to improve hair loss or promote hair growth, prevent or treat hair loss, and improve damaged hair.

[0016] To achieve chemical stability, enhanced pharmacological properties (half-life, absorption, titer, and efficacy, etc.), altered specificity (e.g., broad-spectrum biological activity), and reduced antigenicity, the peptide may have a protecting group that binds to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the peptide. Therefore, the peptide can be used in all forms, including the peptide itself or a protected derivative thereof. According to one specific embodiment, the N-terminus of the peptide may be bound to any one of the protecting groups selected from acetyl, fluoreonylmethoxycarbonyl, formyl, palmitoyl, myristyl, stearyl, butoxycarbonyl (Boc), allyloxycarbonyl (Alloc), and polyethylene glycol (PEG); and / or the C-terminus of the peptide may be bound to any one of the protecting groups selected from amino (-NH2), tertiary alkyl, and hydrazino (-NHNH2). Additionally, the peptide may optionally include a targeting sequence, a tag, labeled residues, a half-life, or an amino acid sequence prepared for a specific purpose of increasing peptide stability.

[0017] The peptide is artificially synthesized, or it is non-naturally occurring or engineered. "Non-naturally occurring or engineered" means that it is not in a natural state, but rather produced through artificial modification. This artificial modification may include the artificial synthesis of amino acid sequences by mimicking the structures of multiple amino acids, or modifications as described above to obtain chemical stability, enhanced pharmacological properties, altered specificity, or reduced antigenicity.

[0018] As used herein, the term "stability" can refer not only to the in vivo stability of the peptide protected from attack by protein-cleaving enzymes in vivo, but also to storage stability (e.g., room temperature storage stability).

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic composition for improving damaged hair, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0020] As used in this article, the term “improvement” can refer to all behaviors that alleviate the condition or at least reduce treatment-related parameters such as the severity of symptoms.

[0021] As used herein, the term "damaged hair" can refer to hair that has become deformed or weakened due to physical, chemical, or environmental factors. Damaged hair may include, for example, hair in a state where the gaps between the cuticle layers constituting the hair are enlarged, or where a portion of the cuticle has been shed. Furthermore, damaged hair can refer to hair that, compared to normal hair, exhibits reduced tensile strength and luster, while increasing roughness and friction, resulting in an overall coarser texture and reduced elasticity and fullness. Additionally, damaged hair can also refer to hair in a state where external physical or chemical stimuli have caused the breakage of cysteine ​​bonds within the hair shaft.

[0022] As used herein, the term "improving damaged hair" can refer to restoring the aforementioned damaged hair state to a normal hair state. Improving damaged hair can, for example, refer to enhancing hair elasticity (tensile strength) and shine, reducing hair roughness and friction, and restoring the inner cuticle layer of the hair. Additionally, improving damaged hair can also refer to reconnecting or restoring cysteine ​​bonds that have broken due to external stimuli. Furthermore, this term is interchangeable with terms such as "promoting the regeneration of damaged hair" and "enhancing hair's protective function."

[0023] The drawback of existing functional peptides is that, despite their effective biological activity, they cannot be effectively delivered to target tissues or cells due to their size, or they have a short half-life and disappear from the body in a short time. On the other hand, a cosmetic composition according to one embodiment includes a peptide composed of 10 or fewer amino acids as an active ingredient. Accordingly, the skin or hair penetration of the active ingredient is excellent; for example, when applied topically to a specific area, it can improve the condition of damaged hair.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the peptide exhibits effects such as promoting the proliferation or activation of dermal papilla cells in hair follicles, promoting the activation of outer root sheath cells, and promoting the activation of hair matrix cells. Furthermore, in experiments using human hair or human hair wigs, the peptide was confirmed to improve the tensile strength, luster, roughness, and friction of damaged hair, and demonstrated excellent skin safety. That is, the above-mentioned effects demonstrate the ability to improve / promote the regeneration of damaged hair and enhance the protective function of hair, and the peptide can be used as an active ingredient in cosmetic compositions for improving damaged hair.

[0025] According to one specific embodiment, the active ingredient of the cosmetic composition, such as a functional cosmetic composition, may include the peptide itself having the above-mentioned bioactivity, a derivative with a protective group introduced, or a peptide whose terminal region is extended with the amino acid sequence of the peptide as the basic backbone (e.g., 10-mer, 9-mer, 8-mer, 7-mer, 6-mer, 5-mer peptides).

[0026] The cosmetic composition may include, but is not limited to, a cosmetically effective amount of the peptide; and / or a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

[0027] As used herein, the term "cosmetic effective amount" can refer to an amount sufficient to achieve the effect of the cosmetic composition in improving hair loss or promoting hair growth.

[0028] The weight ratio between the peptide and the cosmetically acceptable carrier can be, for example, 500:1 to 1:500. As an example, the weight ratio can be 450:1 to 1:450, 400:1 to 1:400, 350:1 to 1:350, 300:1 to 1:300, 250:1 to 1:250, 200:1 to 1:200, 150:1 to 1:150, 100:1 to 1:100, 80:1 to 1:80, 60:1 to 1:60, 40:1 to 1:40, 20:1 to 1:20, 10:1 to 1:10, 8:1 to 1:8, 6:1 to 1:6, 4:1 to 1:4, or 2:1 to 1:2, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] The cosmetic composition can also be formulated into any dosage form commonly prepared in the art, such as, but not limited to, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, pastes, gels, creams, lotions, lotions, toners, powders, soaps, oils, powder foundations, emulsion foundations, wax foundations, and sprays. The cosmetic composition can also be formulated into any of the following: scalp care agents, scalp cleansers, scalp massage agents, scalp conditioning agents, cleansers, shampoos, moisturizers, conditioners, hair creams, hair gels, hair masks, hair masks, hair serums, ointments, hair styling agents, hair dyes, and perming agents.

[0030] When the dosage form of the cosmetic composition is a paste, cream, or gel, animal oils, vegetable oils, waxes, paraffin wax, starch, amine gum, cellulose derivatives, polyethylene glycol, silicon, bentonite, silica, talc, or zinc oxide may be used as carrier components.

[0031] When the cosmetic composition is in the form of a powder or a spray, lactose, talc, silica, aluminum hydroxide, calcium silicate, or polyamide powder may be used as a carrier component. For example, when it is a spray, it may also include propellants such as chlorofluorocarbons, propane / butane, or dimethyl ether.

[0032] When the dosage form of the cosmetic composition is a solution or emulsion, a solvent, solubilizer, or emulsifier is used as a carrier component, which may include, for example, water, ethanol, isopropanol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylethylene glycol oil, glycerol fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol, or fatty acid esters of sorbitol.

[0033] When the dosage form of the cosmetic composition is a suspension, liquid diluents such as water, ethanol or propylene glycol, suspending agents such as ethoxylated isostearyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester and polyoxyethylene sorbitan anhydride ester, microcrystalline cellulose, methyl aluminum hydroxide, bentonite, agar or amine yellow gum, etc., can be used.

[0034] To further improve skin penetration or stability, the peptide can be incorporated into nanobodies or nanoparticles. For example, the nanobodies can be prepared using lecithin as a raw material via microfluidics and can be incorporated within lecithin particles. Any known method can be used to prepare the nanobodies. The size of the nanobodies is preferably between 30 nm and 200 nm. If the size of the nanobodies is smaller than 30 nm, skin penetration may occur very rapidly, causing skin side effects; while if the size exceeds 200 nm, skin penetration may be difficult, making it hard to achieve the effects of using the nanobody structure.

[0035] In addition to peptides and carrier components that serve as active ingredients, the cosmetic composition may also include commonly used ingredients in cosmetic compositions, such as antioxidants, stabilizers, solubilizers, vitamins, pigments, and fragrances.

[0036] The amount of peptides as active ingredients contained in the cosmetic composition can be appropriately selected and is not limited according to the type of product, the intended use, etc. For example, they can be added in an amount of 0.01% to 15% by weight of the total weight of the cosmetic composition. Alternatively, for example, based on the total weight of the cosmetic composition, the cosmetic composition may include 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0% to 3.0% of peptides, preferably 2.0% to 3.0% by weight. Based on the total weight of the entire cosmetic composition, the cosmetic composition may, for example, include 0.1% to 1.5%, such as 0.2% to 1.0%, 0.2% to 0.8%, or 0.2% to 0.5% of peptides, 0.2% to 0.5% of surfactants, 0.01% to 0.1% of pH adjusters, and / or 0.2% to 0.5% of preservatives, and optionally 4.0% to 6.0% of emulsifiers.

[0037] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic composition for improving hair loss or promoting hair growth, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0038] In the description of the peptide, the same terms or technical features as those already mentioned are as described above.

[0039] As used herein, the term "improvement of hair loss" can broadly refer to the process or effect of treating, alleviating, or reducing hair loss. For example, it can mean all actions that inhibit the progression of hair loss, such as promoting the proliferation or activation of dermal papilla cells, promoting the activation of outer root sheath cells, promoting the activation of hair matrix cells, and inhibiting the expression of hair loss-inducing factors such as DKK-1. The dermal papilla cells, outer root sheath cells, and hair matrix cells, as cells constituting hair follicles that influence hair thickness and development, can induce improvements in hair loss through their activation, as their activation affects the hair cycle.

[0040] As used herein, the term "promoting hair growth" can refer to any behavior that increases hair growth in the hair follicle. For example, it can mean any effect that increases the total amount of hair, such as promoting hair follicle cell proliferation, hair follicle cell activity, or the growth of hair follicle cells. Specifically, the hair cycle can be divided into the anagen phase (growth phase), the catagen phase (the period when growth ends and the hair bulb shrinks), the telogen phase (the period when the dermal papilla stops activity and the hair remains on the scalp), and the activating phase (the period when the dermal papilla begins activity or new hair is generated and old hair is shed). During the hair cycle, dermal papilla cells are connected to capillaries and sensory nerves, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the hair matrix cells. The hair matrix cells surround the dermal papilla cells, and the rate of the anagen phase is determined by continuous cell division and proliferation. In addition, the outer root sheath cells, located at the junction with the basal layer of the epidermis, protect the hair before the keratinization of the hair ends.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the peptide exhibits effects such as promoting the proliferation or activation of dermal papilla cells in hair follicles, promoting the activation of outer root sheath cells, promoting the activation of hair matrix cells, and inhibiting the expression of hair loss inducing factors such as DKK-1. Therefore, the peptide can be used as an effective ingredient in cosmetic compositions that improve hair loss or promote hair growth.

[0042] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving damaged hair, a method for improving hair loss, or a method for promoting hair growth, comprising: applying a cosmetic composition comprising a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient to the skin or hair of an individual.

[0043] In the description of the cosmetic composition, the terms or technical features that are the same as those already mentioned are as described above.

[0044] As used herein, the terms “application,” “serve,” and “apply” are used interchangeably and can refer to at least partially localizing a composition according to an embodiment onto a desired site or distributing a composition according to an embodiment into an individual via an application route.

[0045] Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating hair loss, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0046] In the description of the peptide, the same terms or technical features as those already mentioned are as described above.

[0047] As used herein, the term “prevention” refers to any action that inhibits or delays the occurrence of a disease by applying the composition described herein.

[0048] As used herein, the term "treatment" refers to any form of therapy that provides an effect to an individual who has a disease or is at risk of having a disease, including improving the individual's condition (e.g., at least one symptom), delaying disease progression, delaying the onset of symptoms, or slowing the progression of symptoms. Therefore, the terms "treatment" and "prevention" do not imply a cure or complete elimination of symptoms.

[0049] The term "individual" refers to an object requiring treatment for a disease, and more specifically to mammals such as humans or non-human primates, mice, dogs, cats, horses, and cattle.

[0050] The target disease "hair loss" prevented or treated by the pharmaceutical composition refers to the absence of hair in areas where hair should be present; specifically, it can mean the loss of terminal hairs (coarse, dark hairs) on the scalp. The causes of hair loss are unrestricted but can be caused by a variety of dietary and environmental factors, including genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, stress, exposure to air pollution, and consumption of processed foods. For example, hair loss includes hereditary androgenetic alopecia (baldness), alopecia areata, tinea capitis caused by fungal infections, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and hair growth disorders. Scarring alopecia can refer to hair loss caused by lupus, folliculitis alopecia, pore-forming lichen planus, burns, and trauma.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the peptide exhibits effects such as promoting the proliferation or activation of dermal papilla cells in hair follicles, promoting the activation of outer root sheath cells, promoting the activation of hair matrix cells, and inhibiting the expression of hair loss inducing factors such as DKK-1. Therefore, the peptide can be used as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of hair loss.

[0052] As an active ingredient of the pharmaceutical composition, it may include the peptide itself having the above-mentioned biological activity, a derivative with a protective group introduced therein, or a peptide whose terminal region is extended with the amino acid sequence of the peptide as the basic backbone (e.g., 10-mer, 9-mer, 8-mer, 7-mer, 6-mer, 5-mer peptides).

[0053] The pharmaceutical composition may include, but is not limited to, a pharmaceutically effective amount of the peptide; and / or a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0054] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical effective amount" can refer to an amount sufficient to achieve the effect of the pharmaceutical composition in preventing or treating hair loss.

[0055] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are commonly used in formulations and include, but are not limited to, lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, gum arabic, calcium phosphate, alginate, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, water, syrup, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and formulations are described in detail in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (19th edition, 1995).

[0056] The weight ratio between the peptide and the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be, for example, 500:1 to 1:500. As an example, the weight ratio can be 450:1 to 1:450, 400:1 to 1:400, 350:1 to 1:350, 300:1 to 1:300, 250:1 to 1:250, 200:1 to 1:200, 150:1 to 1:150, 100:1 to 1:100, 80:1 to 1:80, 60:1 to 1:60, 40:1 to 1:40, 20:1 to 1:20, 10:1 to 1:10, 8:1 to 1:8, 6:1 to 1:6, 4:1 to 1:4, or 2:1 to 1:2, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] In addition to the ingredients mentioned above, the pharmaceutical composition may further include, but is not limited to, lubricants, humectants, sweeteners, flavorings, emulsifiers, suspending agents, preservatives, etc.

[0058] The pharmaceutical composition can be administered orally or non-orally, preferably non-oral. For non-oral administration, it can be carried out by, but is not limited to, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection, local administration, transdermal administration, etc.

[0059] The daily dose of the pharmaceutical composition may be, but is not limited to, 0.0001 ug (microgram) to 1000 ug, 0.001 ug to 1000 ug, 0.01 ug to 1000 ug, 0.1 ug to 1000 ug, or 1.0 ug to 1000 ug, and may be prescribed in various ways according to factors such as formulation method, route of administration, patient's age, weight, sex, pathological condition, food, administration time, route of administration, excretion rate, and response sensitivity.

[0060] The pharmaceutical composition can be prepared by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and / or excipient and in unit dose form or in a multi-dose container, according to methods readily available to those skilled in the art.

[0061] The dosage form may be in the form of a solution, suspension or emulsion in an oil or aqueous medium, or may be in the form of an extractant, powder, granules, tablet or capsule, and may further include a dispersant and / or a stabilizer.

[0062] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating hair loss, comprising: administering to an individual a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide containing a therapeutically effective amount of an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0063] Among the terms or technical features mentioned in the description of the pharmaceutical composition, those terms or technical features that are the same as those already mentioned are as described above.

[0064] Another aspect of the present invention provides a food composition for improving damaged hair, preventing hair loss or promoting hair growth, comprising: a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) as an active ingredient.

[0065] In the description of the peptide, the same terms or technical features as those already mentioned are as described above.

[0066] The content of peptides as active ingredients in the food composition can be appropriately selected and is not limited according to the type of food, the intended use, etc., for example, it can be added in an amount of 0.01% to 15% by weight of the total weight of the food. In addition, for example, the addition ratio of the health beverage composition per 100 ml can be 0.02 g to 10 g, preferably 0.3 g to 1 g.

[0067] Beneficial effects

[0068] Based on one type of peptide, it can be used to improve damaged hair, improve hair loss, promote hair growth, and promote hair growth by promoting the proliferation or activation of dermal papilla cells, hair matrix cells, and outer root sheath cells that make up hair follicles, and inhibiting the expression of the hair loss-related factor DKK-1.

[0069] According to one aspect of the peptide, the peptide can be used as an active ingredient in compositions that improve damaged hair, improve hair loss, or promote hair growth.

[0070] Brief description of the attached diagram

[0071] Figure 1 To confirm the results of cell proliferation levels after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0072] Figure 2 To confirm the results of cell proliferation levels after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0073] Figure 3 To confirm the phosphorylation results of ERK and AKT, factors associated with the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells, after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0074] Figure 4 To confirm the phosphorylation results of ERK and AKT, factors associated with the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells, after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0075] Figure 5 To confirm the translocation of β-catenin, a factor associated with the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells, from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0076] Figure 6 To confirm the translocation of β-catenin, a factor associated with the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells, from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0077] Figure 7 The results were obtained by confirming the expression levels of c-Myc and cyclin D1, downstream target genes of the β-catenin activation mechanism, after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0078] Figure 8 The results were obtained by confirming the expression levels of downstream target genes LEF-1, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 of the β-catenin activation mechanism after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0079] Figure 9 The results were to confirm the expression level of the hair loss inducing factor DKK-1 after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0080] Figure 10 The results were to confirm the expression level of the hair loss inducing factor DKK-1 after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0081] Figure 11 The results were obtained to confirm the expression levels of activators Ha3-II, keratin 14, and keratin 19 in outer root sheath cells after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to outer root sheath cells.

[0082] Figure 12 The results were obtained by confirming the expression levels of activator Ha3-II, keratin 5, keratin 14, and keratin 19 in outer root sheath cells after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to outer root sheath cells.

[0083] Figure 13 The results were obtained by confirming the expression levels of the activating factors HOXC13, MSX2, and FOXN1 in hair follicle cells after adding peptide-1 according to one embodiment to hair follicle cells.

[0084] Figure 14 The results were obtained by confirming the expression levels of the activating factors MSX2 and FOXN1 in hair follicle cells after adding peptide-2 according to one embodiment to hair follicle cells.

[0085] Figure 15 The results show that the tensile strength of the hair was measured over time after the composition according to one embodiment (Example 1) was applied to human hair.

[0086] Figure 16 The results show that the tensile strength of the hair was measured over time after the composition according to one embodiment (Example 2) was applied to human hair.

[0087] Figure 17 The image shows the result of taking a digital camera after applying the composition according to one embodiment (Example 1) to a human hair wig.

[0088] Figure 18 The image shows the result of taking a digital camera after applying the composition according to one embodiment (Example 2) to a human hair wig.

[0089] Figure 19 The results of observing the change in hair roughness (stratum corneum) over time using an electron microscope after applying the composition according to one embodiment (Example 1) to human hair were obtained.

[0090] Figure 20 The results of observing the change in hair roughness (stratum corneum) over time using an electron microscope after applying the composition according to one embodiment (Example 2) to human hair were obtained. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0092] Experimental Example 1: Peptide Synthesis

[0093] The peptides listed in Table 1 were synthesized using an automated peptide synthesizer (Milligen 9050, Millipore, USA), and these synthesized peptides were purified and separated using C18 reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (μaters Associates, USA). The chromatographic column used was an ACQUITY UPLC BEH300 C18 (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 μm, WatersCo, USA).

[0094] Table 1

[0095] Peptide-1 RCCG Peptide-2 EE

[0096] Experiment Example 2: Confirming the effect of promoting the proliferation or activity of hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0097] 2-1. Confirm the effect of promoting the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0098] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) was confirmed by assessing changes in the survival rate of HFDPCs. Specifically, human hair follicle dermal papilla cells were cultured at a rate of 4 × 10⁶ cells / year. 3Cells / well were seeded at a density of 96-well plates and cultured in mesenchymal stem cell complete media for 24 hours. The culture medium was then replaced with serum-free mesenchymal stem cell complete media, and the cells were cultured for another 24 hours. Then, 500 mM, 5 μM, or 50 μM of a peptide according to one embodiment were added, and the cells were cultured at 37°C for 72 hours. Next, the cultures were washed with PBS, and 10 μL of 5 mg / ml MTT solution was added to each well. The cultures were cultured in a CO2 incubator for 4 hours, and after removing the medium, 100 μL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. The absorbance was then measured at 540 nm using a spectrophotometer. On the other hand, an untreated group served as a control group, and a group treated with 1 μM EGF served as a positive control group.

[0099] As a result, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the proliferation of dermal papilla cells was confirmed to be promoted by either peptide-1 or peptide-2.

[0100] 2-2. Confirm the activation effect of hair follicle dermal papilla cell proliferation-related factors.

[0101] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the activation of proliferation-related factors in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells was confirmed. Specifically, human hair follicle dermal papilla cells were subjected to a reaction at a concentration of 4 × 10⁶ cells / year. 5Cells were seeded at a density of 6-well plates and cultured in mesenchymal stem cell complete media for 24 hours. Then, 500 mM, 5 μM, or 50 μM of a peptide according to one embodiment were added, and the plates were cultured at 37°C for 24 hours. The cultures were then washed with PBS and treated with 100 μL of lysis buffer to prepare cell lysates. Subsequently, bicinchoninic acid (BCA) was quantified to prepare equal volumes of protein samples, which were then subjected to electrophoresis using a 10% SDS-PAGE gel. Next, the proteins separated by the SDS-PAGE were transferred to a PVDF membrane and blocked with 5% skim milk at room temperature for 30 minutes. Next, phosphorylated AKT (phospho-AKT) and phosphorylated ERK (phospho-ERK) antibodies (cellsignaling, USA) were diluted 1:1000 in 3% BSA and reacted with the blocked PVDF membrane at 4°C for 16 hours. Subsequently, the reactants were washed with 0.1% PBS-T (0.1% Tween-20 in PBS) for 15 minutes, repeated 3 times, and the secondary antibody was diluted 1:2000 in 5% skim milk and reacted with the reactants for 1 hour. Next, the reactants were washed with 0.1% PBS-T (0.1% Tween-20 in PBS) for 15 minutes, repeated 3 times, and ECL solution (GE Healthcare, USA) was added to confirm protein expression levels. On the other hand, the untreated group served as the control group, and the group treated with 1 μM minoxidil served as the positive control group.

[0102] As a result, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it was confirmed that peptide-1 or peptide-2 induces phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, factors associated with the proliferation of hair follicle papilla cells.

[0103] 2-3. Confirm the effect of promoting the proliferation mechanism of hair follicle dermal papilla cells.

[0104] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the proliferation mechanism of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells was confirmed. Specifically, human hair follicle dermal papilla cells were cultured in the same manner as in Experiment 2-2, and after treatment with the peptide according to one embodiment, nuclear proteins were isolated from the culture using a nuclear protein extraction kit (Thermo Scientific, USA). Then, the expression levels of the proteins were confirmed in the same manner as in Experiment 2-2 using β-catenin (cell signaling, USA) and HDAC1 (Santa Cruz, USA) antibodies. On the other hand, the untreated group served as the control group, and the group treated with 10 ng / mL of recombinant human Wnt-3a protein (rhWnt-3a) (R&D systems, Minnesota, USA) served as the positive control group.

[0105] Furthermore, changes in the levels of downstream target genes Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF-1), c-Myc, or cyclin D1, induced by the activation mechanism of the β-catenin, were confirmed. For this purpose, human hair follicle dermal papilla cells were cultured in the same manner as in Experimental Examples 2-2, and the peptide according to one embodiment was processed. Subsequently, the culture was washed with PBS and treated with 300 μL of easy blue (Intron, Korea) to isolate RNA. Next, the isolated RNA was quantified with Nanodrop, and then cDNA was synthesized from the RNA template using a cDNA synthesis kit (Enzynomics, Korea). PCR was then performed using the primers and PCR premix (Enzynomics, Korea) listed in Table 2, followed by electrophoresis on a 1.5% agarose gel. Gene expression at the RNA level was confirmed using the Bio-Rad gel image system.

[0106] Table 2

[0107]

[0108] As a result, Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, increased translocation of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was confirmed through either peptide-1 or peptide-2. Additionally, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, β-catenin is activated by peptide-1 or peptide-2, which in turn increases the expression of its downstream target genes LEF-1, c-Myc and / or cyclin D1.

[0109] Experiment 3: Confirming the effect of inhibiting the expression of hair loss-related factors

[0110] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the expression of the hair loss inducing factor DKK-1 (Dickkopf-1) was confirmed. Specifically, human hair follicle dermal papilla cells were cultured in the same manner as in Experiment 2-2, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a DKK-1 expression inducing substance, was added along with 500 mM, 5 μM, or 50 μM of the peptide according to one embodiment. Then, the protein expression level was confirmed using a DKK-1 (cellsignaling, USA) antibody in the same manner as in Experiment 2-2. On the other hand, the untreated group served as the control group, and the group treated with 5 μM finasteride served as the positive control group.

[0111] As a result, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the expression of the hair loss inducing factor DKK-1 was confirmed to be inhibited by peptide-1 or peptide-2.

[0112] Experiment Example 4: Confirming the effect of promoting the activation of outer root sheath cells

[0113] In this experimental example, the effects of the peptide according to one embodiment on the expression of cytokeratin Ha3-II (type I keratin Ha3-II), keratin 5, keratin 14, and keratin 19, which are associated with activation in human hairouter root sheath cells (HHORSCs), were confirmed. Specifically, human hairouter root sheath cells were used at a concentration of 4 × 10⁻⁶ cells / year. 5Cells were seeded at a density of 6-well plates and cultured in mesenchymal stem cell complete media for 24 hours. The culture medium was then replaced with serum-free mesenchymal stem cell complete media, and the cells were cultured for another 24 hours. Then, 500 mM, 5 μM, or 50 μM of a peptide according to one embodiment were added, and the cells were cultured at 37°C for 24 hours. Subsequently, gene expression at the RNA level was confirmed using primers listed in Table 3, following the same procedure as in Examples 2-3. On the other hand, the untreated group served as the control group, and the group treated with 50 nM EGF served as the positive control group.

[0114] Table 3

[0115]

[0116] As a result, Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, increased expression of activating factors Ha3-II, keratin 14, and keratin 19 in outer root sheath cells was confirmed by peptide-1 or peptide-2.

[0117] Experiment 5: Confirming the effect of promoting hair follicle cell activation

[0118] In this experimental example, the effects of the peptide according to one embodiment on the expression of transcription factors associated with activation of human hair germinal matrix cells (HHGMCs), namely homeobox protein Hox-C13 (HOXC13), Msh homeobox 2 (MSX2), and forkhead box protein N1 (FOXN1), were confirmed. Specifically, human hair germinal matrix cells were used at a concentration of 4 × 10⁻⁶ cells / year. 5Cells were seeded at a density of 6-well plates and cultured in mesenchymal stem cell complete media for 24 hours. The culture medium was then replaced with serum-free mesenchymal stem cell complete media, and the cells were cultured for another 24 hours. Then, 500 mM, 5 μM, or 50 μM of a peptide according to one embodiment were added, and the cells were cultured at 37°C for 24 hours. Subsequently, gene expression at the RNA level was confirmed using primers listed in Table 4, following the same procedure as in Examples 2-3. On the other hand, the untreated group served as the control group, and the group treated with 50 nM EGF served as the positive control group.

[0119] Table 4

[0120]

[0121] As a result, Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, increased expression of hair follicle activating factors HOXC13, MSX2, and FOXN1 was confirmed by peptide-1 or peptide-2.

[0122] Example 6: Preparation of a composition for improving damaged hair

[0123] In this experimental example, a composition for improving damaged hair was prepared, comprising a peptide (Peptide-1) according to one embodiment as an active ingredient. Specifically, the toner formulation of Example 1 was prepared using methods known in the art, according to the ingredients and amounts described in Table 5 below. Additionally, the emulsion formulation of Example 2 was prepared using methods known in the art, according to the ingredients and amounts described in Table 6 below.

[0124] Table 5

[0125]

[0126] Table 6

[0127]

[0128] Experiment 7: Confirming the effect of improving the tensile strength of damaged hair.

[0129] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the tensile strength (elasticity) of damaged hair was confirmed. Specifically, 23 subjects were tested. After washing and drying their hair once a day for three consecutive days, the composition of Example 1 or the composition of Example 2 was evenly applied to the hair, massaged, combed, and left for 5 minutes. Subsequently, hair was collected from the back of the subject's head, and the breaking load (BPeak Load, the force strength at which hair breaks, gmf) value over time was measured using an MTT175 (Miniature Tensile Tester, DiastPon Ltd., UK).

[0130] The results of Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Tables 7 and 8 below, respectively. The results of Example 1 and Example 2 for one subject are shown in Tables 7 and 8, respectively. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The increase in the breaking load value indicates an improvement in the tensile strength of the hair.

[0131] Table 7

[0132] 1 87.60 115.00 122.00 2 99.30 114.50 162.20 3 75.10 109.30 118.30 4 110.70 118.10 127.00 5 170.00 172.90 202.10 6 102.10 112.70 165.40 7 94.10 115.40 127.50 8 114.70 124.30 130.30 9 123.80 157.90 163.10 10 103.10 128.40 173.70 11 188.60 208.10 222.10 12 149.20 157.60 161.70 13 133.40 142.40 149.10 14 110.70 133.40 161.90 15 115.00 125.60 136.20 16 105.70 126.60 154.20 17 82.30 118.80 160.40 18 109.30 114.90 115.10 19 131.90 143.40 174.30 20 101.80 124.90 137.80 21 102.80 120.50 127.90 22 137.10 140.00 197.10 23 70.20 107.70 115.80 average 113.85 131.84 152.40 Standard deviation 28.33 23.77 29.03

[0133] Table 8

[0134] 1 128.20 141.40 170.40 2 128.40 131.20 161.70 3 128.00 164.40 167.10 4 104.40 137.90 153.90 5 151.30 152.30 168.60 6 168.80 171.30 198.80 7 131.70 137.60 140.60 8 91.90 109.40 163.80 9 102.60 143.80 178.50 10 105.60 145.00 172.20 11 132.10 138.40 149.90 12 111.40 125.30 174.90 13 157.30 168.80 181.40 14 140.40 148.40 170.90 15 62.10 111.60 160.90 16 67.30 108.70 145.40 17 81.10 128.70 133.40 18 111.00 114.80 125.20 19 110.00 132.30 133.80 20 124.40 146.50 184.60 21 93.80 120.50 158.30 22 143.10 157.40 165.60 23 86.50 110.50 138.40 average 115.71 136.79 160.80 Standard deviation 27.83 18.92 18.43

[0135] As shown in Tables 7 and 8, it was confirmed that when the composition of Example 1 was treated, the mean breaking load value increased by 15.81% immediately after one use and by 33.86% after 3 days of use. When the composition of Example 2 was treated, it increased by 18.22% immediately after one use and by 38.96% after 3 days of use. Both Examples 1 and Example 2 showed statistically significant differences compared to before use, both after one use and after 3 days of use (p<0.001).

[0136] The results confirm that the peptide according to one embodiment is effective in improving the tensile strength (elasticity) of damaged hair.

[0137] Experiment Example 8: Confirming the effect of improving hair shine

[0138] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the angel ring of damaged hair was confirmed. Specifically, 20 human hair wigs were tested. After washing and drying, the composition of Example 1 or the composition of Example 2 was evenly applied to the human hair wigs, and after massaging and combing, the application was completed within 5 minutes. Subsequently, the angel ring value at a 60° angle was measured using a gloss meter (Multi Gloss 268PLUS, Konica Minolta, Japan).

[0139] The results of Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Tables 9 and 10 below, respectively. The increase in the gloss unit value indicates an improvement in hair gloss. Furthermore, in Figure 17 and 18 The images show digital camera shots taken after applying a human hair wig in Examples 1 and 2, respectively.

[0140] Table 9

[0141] 1 0.21 0.33 2 0.27 0.31 3 0.24 0.33 4 0.22 0.46 5 0.22 0.39 6 0.23 0.37 7 0.25 0.44 8 0.31 0.50 9 0.20 0.39 10 0.21 0.44 11 0.24 0.50 12 0.19 0.34 13 0.26 0.44 14 0.21 0.46 15 0.19 0.43 16 0.25 0.48 17 0.22 0.42 18 0.24 0.45 19 0.25 0.31 20 0.20 0.45 average 0.23 0.41 Standard deviation 0.03 0.06

[0142] Table 10

[0143] 1 0.24 0.42 2 0.26 0.38 3 0.24 0.49 4 0.21 0.36 5 0.24 0.49 6 0.23 0.42 7 0.25 0.50 8 0.27 0.44 9 0.25 0.51 10 0.25 0.36 11 0.23 0.51 12 0.20 0.41 13 0.23 0.36 14 0.28 0.54 15 0.24 0.36 16 0.27 0.38 17 0.23 0.41 18 0.21 0.50 19 0.23 0.43 20 0.24 0.46 average 0.24 0.44 Standard deviation 0.02 0.06

[0144] As shown in Tables 9 and 10, it was confirmed that when the composition of Example 1 was treated, the average gloss unit value increased by 78.61% immediately after one use, and when the composition of Example 2 was treated, it increased by 82.15% immediately after one use. Both Examples 1 and Example 2 showed statistically significant differences immediately after one use compared to before use (p<0.001).

[0145] The results confirm that the peptide according to one embodiment is effective in improving the angel ring of damaged hair.

[0146] Experiment 9: Confirming the effect of improving the roughness of damaged hair.

[0147] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the roughness (keratin layer) of damaged hair was confirmed. Specifically, the composition of Example 1 or the composition of Example 2 was applied to 23 subjects according to the same method as in Experiment 7. Then, the hair on the back of the subject's head was photographed using a scanning electron microscope (S-4700, Hitachi, Japan) at 700x magnification, and the variable value Ra (μm), which represents the change of hair surface roughness over time, was measured using an image analysis program (Image J, National Institutes of Health, USA).

[0148] The results of Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Tables 11 and 12 below, respectively. The decrease in Ra value indicates an improvement in hair cuticle and hair roughness. Furthermore, Figure 19 and Figure 20 Electron microscopy images of a subject after treatment in Examples 1 and 2 are shown respectively.

[0149] Table 11

[0150] 1 18.40 17.86 14.86 2 20.95 14.96 15.82 3 20.64 14.01 10.65 4 21.48 14.82 10.39 5 25.11 16.22 16.46 6 21.47 20.34 13.72 7 20.86 12.98 10.25 8 22.91 23.45 13.08 9 23.71 20.52 10.81 10 19.02 15.09 11.85 11 21.48 17.30 13.71 12 19.59 13.20 12.07 13 19.76 15.54 14.89 14 20.22 16.76 12.05 15 22.06 19.40 13.45 16 21.12 15.94 17.70 17 18.89 17.93 16.37 18 19.70 14.27 13.14 19 25.64 16.63 17.78 20 21.84 13.01 11.99 21 24.54 23.95 11.88 22 18.48 17.64 12.78 23 17.13 15.99 16.44 average 21.09 16.86 13.57 Standard deviation 2.20 3.03 2.33

[0151] Table 12

[0152] 1 22.41 19.08 12.64 2 24.32 20.85 17.53 3 27.68 21.12 12.05 4 23.57 17.36 15.69 5 22.99 17.92 13.46 6 24.88 19.32 10.27 7 21.46 20.34 12.21 8 25.94 24.53 19.41 9 20.37 16.12 14.16 10 24.03 17.94 14.84 11 23.53 16.01 14.36 12 21.35 16.77 14.79 13 22.97 14.71 14.76 14 25.93 15.64 15.24 15 27.73 16.11 14.90 16 20.45 13.24 12.06 17 21.74 13.11 10.11 18 23.23 20.60 17.07 19 24.85 19.50 15.49 20 23.62 17.51 15.73 21 20.78 18.41 17.89 22 22.32 16.28 13.33 23 22.72 19.28 16.46 average 23.43 17.90 14.54 Standard deviation 2.07 2.69 2.34

[0153] As shown in Tables 11 and 12, it was confirmed that when treating the composition of Example 1, the average Ra value decreased by 20.04% immediately after one use and by 35.64% after 3 days of use; when treating the composition of Example 2, the value decreased by 23.59% immediately after one use and by 37.94% after 3 days of use. Both Examples 1 and 2 showed statistically significant differences compared to before use, both after one use and after 3 days of use (p<0.001).

[0154] The results confirm that the peptide according to one embodiment is effective in improving the roughness (stratum corneum) of damaged hair.

[0155] Experiment 10: Confirming the effect of improving the friction of damaged hair.

[0156] In this experimental example, the effect of the peptide according to one embodiment on the frictional force of damaged hair was confirmed. Specifically, except that 20 human hair sections (bleached hair) were used, the composition of Example 1 or the composition of Example 2 were applied to the human hair sections (bleached hair) according to the same method as in Experimental Example 8. Then, the mean horizontal forceout (gmf / mm) value, which represents the mean horizontal frictional force of the hair at the hair root of the human hair section (bleached hair), was measured using an MTT175 (Miniature Tensile Tester, Diastron Ltd., UK).

[0157] The results of Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Tables 13 and 14 below, respectively. The decrease in the Mean Horizontal Force Out value indicates that the friction of the hair has been improved.

[0158] Table 13

[0159] 1 96.13 58.63 2 158.20 152.30 3 105.60 97.28 4 101.60 68.30 5 104.00 100.30 6 54.24 37.37 7 118.90 69.48 8 95.70 53.57 9 113.90 70.50 10 113.10 97.47 11 65.53 43.99 12 100.40 49.79 13 100.10 83.20 14 118.10 99.35 15 102.80 62.16 16 87.78 68.73 17 101.70 70.38 18 94.08 59.51 19 109.50 74.54 20 118.70 88.21 average 103.00 75.25 Standard deviation 20.85 25.91

[0160] Table 14

[0161] 1 119.00 64.62 2 117.30 61.97 3 133.20 78.48 4 145.30 115.47 5 75.09 58.23 6 102.50 83.89 7 82.54 65.59 8 136.80 89.77 9 141.50 105.92 10 142.80 119.79 11 128.50 71.38 12 137.60 108.15 13 151.90 124.15 14 152.00 90.77 15 133.50 67.72 16 132.80 99.06 17 127.20 71.85 18 120.90 103.24 19 124.60 65.39 20 128.20 100.90 average 126.66 87.32 Standard deviation 20.31 21.15

[0162] As shown in Tables 13 and 14, when treated with the composition of Example 1, the Mean Horizontal Force Out value decreased by 26.94% immediately after one use, and when treated with the composition of Example 2, it decreased by 31.06% immediately after one use. Both Examples 1 and 2 showed statistically significant differences immediately after one use compared to before use (p<0.001).

[0163] The results confirm that the peptide according to one embodiment is effective in improving the friction of damaged hair.

[0164] Experimental Example 11: Evaluation of Abnormal Skin Reactions

[0165] For the 23 subjects in Experimental Example 7, the occurrence of any abnormal skin reactions after application of the composition was observed. The results confirmed that no abnormal reactions of allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis occurred. Furthermore, the subjects were asked to report erythema (redness), edema (swelling), scaling (keratinization), itching, stinging (pain), burning sensation, stiffness, or itching; the results confirmed that no abnormal skin reactions were reported.

[0166] The above results confirm that the composition containing the peptide according to one embodiment is suitable for skin application.

[0167] Dosage Form Example 1: Preparation of Peptide Nanobody

[0168] 50 mg of the peptide from Example 1 was dissolved in 500 ml of distilled water by thorough stirring. The complex solution was then mixed with 5 g of lecithin, 0.3 ml of sodium oleate, 50 ml of ethanol, and a small amount of oil phase. The mixture was then brought to a final volume of 1 L with distilled water and emulsified under high pressure using a microfluidic apparatus to prepare peptide nanobody particles with a size of approximately 100 nm.

[0169] Dosage form example 2: Toner

[0170] A toner comprising a peptide according to one embodiment and composed of the following ingredients was prepared using methods known in the art.

[0171] Table 15

[0172] Peptide 1.0 1,3-Butanediol 6.0 Glycerin 4.0 PEG 1500 1.0 Steareth-10 1.0 Polysorbate 20 0.5 Ethanol 8.0 Benzophenone-9 0.05 Preservatives, pigments Appropriate amount spices Appropriate amount purified water margin total 100

[0173] Dosage form example 3: Nourishing cream

[0174] A nourishing cream comprising a peptide according to one embodiment and consisting of the following ingredients was prepared using methods known in the art.

[0175] Table 16

[0176] Peptide 2.0 Glycerin 10.0 1,3-Butanediol 5.0 PEG 1500 2.0 Allantoin 0.1 DL-Panthenol 0.3 EDTA-2Na 0.02 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.1 Sodium hyaluronate 8.0 Carboxy vinyl polymer 0.2 Triethalamine (ID) 0.18 Octyldodecanol-16 0.4 Ethanol 6 Preservatives, pigments Appropriate amount spices Appropriate amount purified water margin total 100

[0177] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A peptide, which consists of an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G).

2. The peptide according to claim 1, wherein, The N-terminus of the peptide is bound to any one of the protecting groups selected from acetyl, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, formyl, palmitoyl, myristoyl, stearoyl, butoxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl, and polyethylene glycol.

3. The peptide according to claim 1, wherein, The C-terminus of the peptide is bound to a protecting group selected from amino, tertiary alkyl, and hydrazine groups.

4. A cosmetic composition for improving damaged hair, improving hair loss, or promoting hair growth, comprising: Peptides containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) are used as active ingredients.

5. The cosmetic composition according to claim 4, wherein, The N-terminus of the peptide is bound to any one of the protecting groups selected from acetyl, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, formyl, palmitoyl, myristoyl, stearoyl, butoxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl, and polyethylene glycol.

6. The cosmetic composition according to claim 4, wherein, The C-terminus of the peptide is bound to a protecting group selected from amino, tertiary alkyl, and hydrazine groups.

7. A pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of hair loss, comprising: Peptides containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) are used as active ingredients.

8. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 7, wherein, The N-terminus of the peptide is bound to any one of the protecting groups selected from acetyl, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, formyl, palmitoyl, myristoyl, stearoyl, butoxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl, and polyethylene glycol.

9. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 7, wherein, The C-terminus of the peptide is bound to a protecting group selected from amino, tertiary alkyl, and hydrazine groups.

10. Use of a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) in the preparation of a cosmetic composition for improving damaged hair, improving hair loss or promoting hair growth.

11. Use of a peptide containing an amino acid sequence represented by Arg(R)-Cys(C)-Cys(C)-Gly(G) or Glu(E)-Glu(E) in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of hair loss.

12. The use according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The N-terminus of the peptide is bound to any one of the protecting groups selected from acetyl, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, formyl, palmitoyl, myristoyl, stearoyl, butoxycarbonyl, allyloxycarbonyl, and polyethylene glycol.

13. The use according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The C-terminus of the peptide is bound to a protecting group selected from amino, tertiary alkyl, and hydrazine groups.

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