Compound extract with function of promoting hair growth as well as preparation method and application of compound extract

Abstract

The invention relates to a compound extract with a hair growth promoting function as well as a preparation method and application thereof. The compound extract is prepared by taking red dates, astragalus membranaceus, Chinese yam, poria cocos, sea-buckthorn and medlar as raw materials through extraction, concentration and drying. An alopecia areata model experiment proves that the compound extract prepared by the invention can remarkably reduce mouse hair follicle vacuolation, rare and unseen inflammation infiltration and hair follicle cell peripheral bleeding, and remarkably increase newborn hair follicles and newborn / mature quantity in a mouse alopecia areata skin area, so that the growth of the hair follicles can be promoted, and the compound extract has a remarkable treatment effect on alopecia areata and has the characteristics of simple production process, low cost and the like. The composition has the advantages of obvious functions, small dosage, safety in use, large-scale production and the like. Therefore, the method has a wide application prospect in the aspect of research and development of medicines and foods with the function of promoting hair growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pharmaceutical and food technology for promoting hair growth, specifically relating to a compound extract with hair growth-promoting function, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Hair loss has become a global health challenge, increasingly impacting people's quality of life and mental health. With the fast pace of modern life and increasing environmental pressures, hair loss is affecting younger people, expanding from the traditional middle-aged and elderly to a wide age range including teenagers. Studies indicate that approximately 50% of men and 30% of women worldwide suffer from hair loss, with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata being the most common, while postpartum hair loss and chemotherapy-induced hair loss are also receiving increasing attention. Currently, hair loss is not only considered a physiological problem but has also evolved into an important socio-psychological issue. Patients often experience feelings of inferiority and anxiety due to damaged appearance, which can even affect career development and interpersonal relationships. This phenomenon has driven the rapid growth of the hair loss treatment market, with consumers urgently demanding safe and effective solutions.

[0003] Alopecia areata (AA) is a sudden-onset, non-scarring hair loss disorder, belonging to the category of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Its characteristics include the formation of round or oval patches of hair loss, most commonly on the scalp, with well-defined borders, smooth skin, and no inflammation. It is usually painless and non-itchy, but can also occur in other hairy areas. Alopecia areata is generally considered an autoimmune disease, caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking hair follicles. Besides immune factors, genetics, stress, and endocrine disorders may also cause alopecia areata, but immune attack is currently the most mainstream explanation.

[0004] While existing treatments offer some effectiveness, they also have significant limitations. Mainstream methods such as minoxidil and finasteride can slow the progression of hair loss, but their effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. Some patients may experience side effects such as scalp irritation and sexual dysfunction, and relapse is common after discontinuation. Hair transplantation surgery, while directly improving appearance, is expensive, invasive, and does not address the underlying cause. Furthermore, the safety concerns surrounding long-term use of chemically synthesized drugs are increasingly prominent, prompting consumers to seek alternatives such as natural plant extracts. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas, with their advantages of multi-target and low toxicity, show unique potential in the field of hair growth; however, single ingredients or simple combinations are insufficient to meet the complex pathological needs, necessitating scientific formulation to improve efficacy.

[0005] Against this backdrop, the development of novel compound extracts has become a crucial breakthrough. Compound preparations, through synergistic mechanisms, can simultaneously regulate the hair follicle microenvironment, promote blood circulation, and inhibit inflammatory factors, thereby comprehensively activating the hair growth cycle. For example, traditional medicinal herbs such as ginseng and Polygonum multiflorum are rich in active ingredients such as saponins and polysaccharides, which can stimulate the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and prolong the growth phase, while Platycladus orientalis leaf extract protects hair follicles from damage through antioxidant effects. Modern research has confirmed that multi-component combinations can significantly enhance bioavailability, reduce the risk of drug resistance, and provide a safer and more lasting solution for hair loss treatment. Therefore, systematic research on compound extracts with hair growth-promoting functions not only helps fill gaps in existing therapies but also promotes the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine and meets the global consumer demand for natural and highly effective products. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compound extract with hair growth-promoting function, its preparation method, and its applications. This compound extract is obtained from jujube, astragalus, yam, poria cocos, sea buckthorn, and wolfberry as raw materials, through extraction, concentration, and drying. It can be formulated into drugs and foods with hair growth-promoting functions. Experiments in alopecia areata model have demonstrated that the compound extract prepared in this invention significantly reduces follicular vacuolation in mice, with little or no inflammatory infiltration or perifollicular hemorrhage, and significantly increases the number of new and mature hair follicles in the alopecia areata skin area, thereby promoting hair follicle growth and exhibiting a significant therapeutic effect on alopecia areata. This invention is the first to study the hair growth-promoting efficacy of this compound extract, which has advantages such as simple production process, prominent function, small dosage, safe use, and suitability for large-scale production. Therefore, it has broad application prospects in the development of drugs or functional foods that promote hair growth.

[0007] The present invention discloses a compound extract that promotes hair growth. The compound extract is made from the following ingredients by weight: 6-15 parts of jujube, 9-30 parts of astragalus, 15-30 parts of yam, 10-15 parts of poria cocos, 3-10 parts of sea buckthorn, and 6-12 parts of wolfberry.

[0008] The compound extract is made from the following ingredients by weight: 15 parts red dates, 12 parts astragalus, 15 parts yam, 10 parts poria cocos, 3 parts sea buckthorn, and 9 parts wolfberry.

[0009] The preparation method of the compound extract with hair growth promotion function is carried out according to the following steps: a. Extraction: The raw materials are weighed as follows: 6-15 parts red dates, 9-30 parts astragalus, 15-30 parts yam, 10-15 parts poria cocos, 3-10 parts sea buckthorn, and 6-12 parts wolfberry. The raw materials are refluxed once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours, filtered, and the supernatant is discarded. The residue is then decocted and extracted 1-3 times with a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:8-16, each extraction lasting 1-2 hours. The extracts are then filtered, and the supernatants are combined to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 50-60℃ to obtain a concentrate that is concentrated to 1 / 20 to 1 / 10 of the original total extract volume. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b is vacuum dried at a temperature of 50-60℃ and then pulverized to obtain the compound extract.

[0010] The application of the compound extract with hair growth-promoting function in the preparation of drugs that promote hair growth.

[0011] Application of the compound extract with hair growth-promoting function in the preparation of functional foods that promote hair growth.

[0012] This invention discloses a compound extract that promotes hair growth. The raw material composition of this compound extract consists of six medicinal materials: jujube, wolfberry, astragalus, yam, poria cocos, and sea buckthorn. The efficacy and bioactivity of each individual herb are described below: Red dates: Red dates ( Ziziphus Jujuba Mill. Ziziphus jujuba is the fruit of a plant in the Rhamnaceae family, genus Ziziphus. It has the effects of tonifying the middle energizer and replenishing qi, nourishing blood and calming the mind, nourishing yin and moistening dryness, and strengthening the body. It contains sugars, proteins, alkaloids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, as well as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and active substances. Modern research shows that it has various biological activities such as antioxidation, immune regulation, antitumor, hypoglycemia, hypolipidemia, and regulation of vaginal flora.

[0013] Goji berries: Goji berries are the fruit of the Solanaceae family plant *Lycium barbarum* (also known as Ningxia wolfberry). Lycium barbarum L The dried, ripe fruit of the plant has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and improving eyesight. It is rich in polysaccharides, betaine, pigments, proteins and other active ingredients, and has the effects of immune regulation, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, relieving eye fatigue and protecting the liver.

[0014] Astragalus: Astragalus is a species of Fabaceae (legume family, specifically Astragalus mongholicus). Astragalus membranaceus Fisch The dried root of Astragalus membranaceus has the effects of tonifying qi and raising yang, consolidating the exterior and stopping sweating, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, generating fluids and nourishing blood, and promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. It mainly contains three types of substances: saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which have the effects of enhancing immunity, calming nerves, improving sleep, improving memory, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, anti-radiation, anti-thrombosis, and protecting the liver.

[0015] Yam: Yam is a plant belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family, specifically the plant Dioscorea opposita (Dioscorea). Dioscorea opposita Thunb The dried rhizome of [the plant] has the effects of tonifying the spleen and stomach, promoting body fluid production and benefiting the lungs, and tonifying the kidneys and astringing essence. It mainly contains a variety of functional components such as polysaccharides, sterols, glycoproteins, saponins, allantoin, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which have the effects of enhancing immunity, lowering blood sugar, anti-oxidation, and improving gastrointestinal function.

[0016] Poria cocos: Poria cocos is a fungus belonging to the Polyporaceae family. Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf The dried sclerotium of the fungus has diuretic, spleen-strengthening, and calming effects. It mainly contains polysaccharide compounds, triterpenes and their esters, which enhance immunity, lower blood sugar and blood lipids, protect the liver, improve memory, and increase tolerance to hypoxia.

[0017] Sea buckthorn: Sea buckthorn is a plant of the Elaeagnaceae family (Hippophae rhamnoides). Hippophae rhamnoides L The dried, ripe fruit of the plant has the effects of strengthening the spleen and aiding digestion, relieving cough and expectoration, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. It contains flavonoids, sterols, vitamins, proteins, volatile oils, amino acids, and sugars, and has the effects of protecting the gastric mucosa, protecting the liver, anti-oxidation, enhancing immunity, and lowering blood lipids.

[0018] As can be seen from the descriptions of the individual medicinal materials in the raw material composition used in this invention, all of them have the effect of enhancing immunity. However, no research has been reported on the combined use of these six ingredients to promote hair growth. This invention is the first to study a compound extract prepared from six raw materials—jujube, astragalus, yam, poria cocos, sea buckthorn, and wolfberry—and its function in promoting hair growth. It has advantages such as simple production process, prominent health benefits, low dosage, safe use, and suitability for large-scale production. Therefore, it has broad application prospects in the preparation of drugs and functional foods that promote hair growth. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The images show alopecia areata in mice treated with the present invention for 1 week, where A is the normal control group; B is the model control group; C is the minoxidil tincture group; D is the low-dose compound extract group; E is the medium-dose compound extract group; and F is the high-dose compound extract group. Figure 2 The images show alopecia areata in mice that have been treated with the compound extract for 2 weeks. A. Normal control group; B. Model control group; C. Minoxidil tincture group; D. Low-dose compound extract group; E. Medium-dose compound extract group; F. High-dose compound extract group. Figure 3 The images show alopecia areata in mice that have been treated with the compound extract for 3 weeks. A. Normal control group; B. Model control group; C. Minoxidil tincture group; D. Low-dose compound extract group; E. Medium-dose compound extract group; F. High-dose compound extract group. Figure 4The images show alopecia areata in mice treated with the compound extract for 4 weeks; where A is the normal control group; B is the model control group; C is the minoxidil tincture group; D is the low-dose compound extract group; E is the medium-dose compound extract group; and F is the high-dose compound extract group. Figure 5 Skin images of mice with alopecia areata 4 weeks after administration of the drug according to this invention. Figure 6 The histopathological observation of the skin tissue of a mouse alopecia areata model by the compound extract of the present invention (HE staining, ×200). Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Example 1

[0021] a. Extraction: Weigh out 6 parts by weight of jujube, 9 parts of astragalus, 30 parts of yam, 10 parts of poria cocos, 3 parts of sea buckthorn, and 6 parts of wolfberry. Reflux once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours, filter, and discard the supernatant. Decoction of residue and water at a ratio of 1:8 for 2 hours, filter, and combine the supernatants to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 50°C to obtain a concentrate that is 1 / 10 of the original extract. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b was vacuum dried at 60°C and pulverized to obtain 8.64g of the compound extract. Example 2

[0022] a. Extraction: Weigh out 7 parts by weight of jujube, 13 parts of astragalus, 15 parts of yam, 11 parts of poria cocos, 6 parts of sea buckthorn, and 12 parts of wolfberry. Reflux once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours, filter, and discard the supernatant. Extract twice with the residue and water at a ratio of 1:8, each extraction lasting 1.5 hours. Filter, combine the supernatants to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 60°C to obtain a concentrate that is 1 / 20 of the original extract. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b is vacuum dried at 60°C and pulverized to obtain 10.37g of compound extract. Example 3

[0023] a. Extraction: Weigh out 12 parts by weight of jujube, 9 parts by weight of astragalus, 17 parts by weight of yam, 10 parts by weight of poria cocos, 10 parts by weight of sea buckthorn, and 6 parts by weight of wolfberry. Reflux once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours. Filter and discard the supernatant. Decoction of residue and water at a ratio of 1:12 for 1 hour. Filter and combine the supernatants to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 50°C to obtain a concentrate that is 1 / 15 of the original extract. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b was vacuum dried at 60°C and pulverized to obtain 9.47g of the compound extract. Example 4

[0024] a. Extraction: Weigh out 9 parts by weight of jujube, 14 parts of astragalus, 16 parts of yam, 15 parts of poria cocos, 5 parts of sea buckthorn, and 7 parts of wolfberry. Reflux once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours, filter, and discard the supernatant. Extract the residue and water at a ratio of 1:12 three times, each time for 1.5 hours, filter, and combine the supernatants to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 55°C to obtain a concentrate that is 1 / 20 of the original extract. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b was vacuum dried at 60°C and pulverized to obtain 11.58g of the compound extract. Example 5

[0025] a. Extraction: Weigh out 15 parts by weight of jujube, 12 parts by weight of astragalus, 15 parts by weight of yam, 10 parts by weight of poria cocos, 3 parts by weight of sea buckthorn and 9 parts by weight of wolfberry. Reflux once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours. Filter and discard the supernatant. Extract the residue with water at a ratio of 1:16 three times, 1 hour each time. Filter and combine the supernatants to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 60°C to obtain a concentrate that is 1 / 10 of the original extract. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b was vacuum dried at 50°C and pulverized to obtain 11.84g of the compound extract. Example 6

[0026] a. Extraction: Weigh out 6 parts by weight of jujube, 30 parts of astragalus, 15 parts of yam, 10 parts of poria cocos, 3 parts of sea buckthorn, and 6 parts of wolfberry. Reflux once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours, filter, and discard the supernatant. Extract twice with the residue and water at a ratio of 1:16, each time for 2 hours. Filter, combine the supernatants to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 50°C to obtain a concentrate that is 1 / 10 of the original extract. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b was vacuum dried at 55°C and pulverized to obtain 11.46g of the compound extract. Example 7

[0027] Effects of compound extracts on imiquimod-induced alopecia areata model in mice: This study was conducted in accordance with the pharmacodynamic technical guidelines issued by the National Medical Products Administration and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Eighth Edition) (2011) issued by The National Academies (Washington DC). Effects of compound extracts on body weight in a mouse model of alopecia areata: Forty-two qualified SPF-grade male C3H / HeN mice, weighing 16.4-20.8g, with intact fur, were selected and randomly divided into a normal control group (n=6) and a model group (n=36) according to their weight. Except for the normal control group, the neck hair of the other mice was shaved and imiquimod cream was applied, 50mg / mouse / time, covering an area of ​​1.5cm×1.5cm, 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. After 4 weeks, alopecia areata with an area >1cm×1cm in size was observed at the application site. Thirty mice with successfully induced alopecia areata were randomly divided into five groups based on body weight and alopecia areata score: a model control group, a minoxidil tincture group, and low, medium, and high dose groups of the compound extract (100, 200, and 400 mg / kg), with six mice in each group. Mice in the normal control and model control groups were administered the same volume of pure water by gavage (20 mL / kg). Mice in the minoxidil tincture group had minoxidil tincture applied to the alopecia areata area (55.6 μL / mice), twice daily at 6-hour intervals. Mice in the extract groups were administered the corresponding drug solution by gavage (20 mL / kg), once daily for four consecutive weeks. Hair condition was observed before and after administration, and body weight was measured weekly. Table 1. Effects of the compound extract on body weight in a mouse model of alopecia areata (x ± s, n=6)

[0028] As shown in Table 1, compared with the normal control group, the body weight of mice in the model control group showed no significant change on D0 and D28 after administration. Compared with the model control group, the body weight of mice in the low, medium, and high doses of the compound extract and the minoxidil tincture groups showed no significant change on D0-D28 after administration. Effects of compound extracts on hair loss scores in a mouse model of alopecia areata: The modeling and administration methods were the same as in Example 1. Before and after administration, the patchy hair loss in the alopecia areata area was observed and recorded. The hair loss was scored as follows: no hair loss, some hair loss (0-25%), relatively heavy hair loss (25-50%), severe hair loss (more than 50%), and complete hair loss, respectively, with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. At the same time, the changes in hair loss in the alopecia areata were recorded by taking pictures every week when scoring.

[0029] Table 2. Effects of the compound extract on alopecia areata skin scores in a mouse model of alopecia areata (x ± s, n=6)

[0030] Note: Compared with the normal control group, ++ P ≤0.01, compared with the model control group, * P ≤0.05,** P ≤0.01; As shown in Table 2, Figure 1-5 As shown, compared with the normal control group, the alopecia areata skin scores of mice in the model control group were significantly increased from D0 to D28 (P≤0.01). Compared with the model control group, the alopecia areata skin scores of mice in the low-dose compound extract group were significantly decreased from D21 to D28 (P≤0.01), the alopecia areata skin scores of mice in the medium- and high-dose compound extract groups were significantly decreased from D14 to D28 (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01), and the alopecia areata skin scores of mice in the minoxidil tincture group were significantly decreased from D7 to D28 (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01); there was no significant difference in alopecia areata skin scores among the groups compared with the minoxidil tincture group. The compound extract significantly and persistently reduced the hair loss severity score in the alopecia areata model, with an effect comparable to that of the positive control drug minoxidil, indicating that it has the effect of improving the clinical symptoms of alopecia areata. Effects of compound extracts on hair weight in mouse alopecia areata model: The modeling and administration methods were the same as in Example 1. Before and after administration, a 2cm×2cm area of ​​hair was taken and prepared using a shaver. The hair was weighed and the weight was recorded. Table 3. Effects of the compound extract on hair weight in a mouse model of alopecia areata (X±S, n=6)

[0031] Note: Compared with the normal control group, + P ≤0.05, ++ P ≤0.01, compared with the model control group, ** P ≤0.01; As shown in Table 3, compared with the normal control group, the hair weight of mice in the model control group was significantly reduced before and after drug administration (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01). Compared with the model control group, the hair weight of mice in the low, medium and high dose groups of the compound extract and the minoxidil tincture group was significantly increased after drug administration (P≤0.01). The compound extract can significantly increase the hair weight in the hair loss area of ​​the alopecia areata model, proving that it has the effect of promoting hair regeneration and increasing hair density. Effects of the compound extract on skin tissue pathology in a mouse model of alopecia areata: The modeling and administration methods were the same as in Example 1. After the last administration, mice in each group were dissected and skin from the alopecia areata area was taken for HE staining. Three fields of view were photographed for each animal to observe the number of new hair follicles, the number of mature hair follicles, the number of hair follicle bulbs, and the number of capillaries. The average values ​​were taken for statistical analysis. Table 4. Effects of the compound extract on skin histopathology in a mouse model of alopecia areata (X±SEM, n=5~6)

[0032] Note: Compared with the normal control group, + P ≤0.05, ++ P ≤0.01, compared with the model control group, * P ≤0.05,** P ≤0.01; As shown in Table 4, Figure 6 As shown, compared with the normal control group, the model control group mice showed epidermal thickening, vacuolization of hair follicle cells, inflammatory infiltration and perifollicular hemorrhage in the subepidermal layer, and a significant decrease in the number of newly formed hair follicles, mature hair follicles, newly formed / mature hair follicles, and capillaries in the alopecia areata area (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01). Compared with the model control group, the low, medium, and high dose groups of the compound and the minoxidil tincture group showed reduced skin vacuolization, with little or no inflammatory infiltration and perifollicular hemorrhage, and a significant increase in the number of newly formed hair follicles and newly formed / mature hair follicles in the alopecia areata area (P≤0.01); there was no significant difference among the groups compared with the minoxidil tincture group. The compound extract can effectively improve the histopathological state of the skin in the alopecia areata model, promote hair follicle regeneration and maturation, and local microvascular formation, thus confirming its mechanism of action in treating alopecia areata and promoting hair growth at the histological level.

[0033] The above embodiments demonstrate that the extract obtained by the method described in this invention, at low, medium, and high doses, can significantly reduce follicular vacuolation in mice, with little or no inflammatory infiltration and perifollicular hemorrhage, and significantly increase the number of new and mature hair follicles in the alopecia areata area of ​​mice. This indicates that the extract can promote hair follicle growth and has a significant therapeutic effect on alopecia areata.

Claims

1. A compound extract with hair growth promoting function, characterized in that, This compound extract is made from the following ingredients by weight: 6-15 parts red dates, 9-30 parts astragalus, 15-30 parts yam, 10-15 parts poria cocos, 3-10 parts sea buckthorn, and 6-12 parts wolfberry.

2. The compound extract with hair growth promoting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compound extract is made from the following ingredients by weight: 15 parts red dates, 12 parts astragalus, 15 parts yam, 10 parts poria cocos, 3 parts sea buckthorn, and 9 parts wolfberry.

3. A method for preparing the compound extract with hair growth promoting function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Follow these steps: a. Extraction: The raw materials are weighed as follows: 6-15 parts red dates, 9-30 parts astragalus, 15-30 parts yam, 10-15 parts poria cocos, 3-10 parts sea buckthorn, and 6-12 parts wolfberry. The raw materials are refluxed once with 80% ethanol for 2 hours, filtered, and the supernatant is discarded. The residue is then decocted and extracted 1-3 times with a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:8-16, each extraction lasting 1-2 hours. The extracts are then filtered and the supernatants are combined to obtain the total extract. b. Concentration: The total extract obtained in step a is concentrated under vacuum at a temperature of 50-60℃ to obtain a concentrate that is concentrated to 1 / 20 to 1 / 10 of the original total extract volume. c. Drying and pulverizing: The concentrate obtained in step b is vacuum dried at a temperature of 50-60℃ and then pulverized to obtain the compound extract.

4. The use of the compound extract with hair growth promoting function according to claim 1 in the preparation of a drug for promoting hair growth.

5. The application of the compound extract with hair growth promotion function according to claim 1 in the preparation of functional foods that promote hair growth.

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