Hair growth stimulant

Abstract

This invention provides a novel hair growth agent made from natural materials such as food ingredients. [Solution] The hair growth agent of the present invention contains an extract of a seahorse or a powder of a seahorse.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel hair growth agent and an external composition containing the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the number of men and women troubled by a decrease in hair volume such as hair loss and thinning hair on the head has been increasing. In order to improve such symptoms, research on the mechanism of hair growth and the hair cycle has been conducted, and hair growth has been promoted by shortening the period of the telogen phase in the hair cycle, and the development of components that promote hair growth in the anagen phase has been advanced. Currently, as a typical hair growth component, minoxidil (see Patent Document 1) is cited, and a large number of external preparations containing this as a hair growth component are commercially available.

[0003] On the other hand, the goby fish, which is known as "tatsu-no-otoshi-go" or "seahorse" because of its unique appearance and is popular, is classified in the family Gobiidae and mainly inhabits the coastal shallow seas and brackish waters in the tropical and temperate zones. Since ancient times, the goby fish has been known to have a nourishing and strengthening effect and has been used as a material for traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal cuisine, and is distributed in the form of dried fish powder. However, since the number of goby fish in the natural world is not abundant, in recent years, it has been listed in Appendix II of the Washington Convention, and international trade is restricted. Therefore, in order to meet the demand for goby fish and contribute to the conservation of wild organisms, research on the aquaculture technology of goby fish has been advanced (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] However, the hair growth ingredient described in Patent Document 1 was originally developed as a vasodilator, and in addition to side effects associated with vasodilation, it has been reported to cause side effects such as scalp itching and rashes. Furthermore, since the hair growth ingredient described in Patent Document 1 is manufactured by chemical synthesis, there is still a need for hair growth ingredients derived from natural products that have high safety for the human body, such as those derived from food ingredients.

[0007] Furthermore, as described in Non-Patent Document 1, research into aquaculture techniques for seahorses has made complete cultivation of seahorses possible. Therefore, research into new functions of seahorses and the development of applications based on these functions are expected. However, no studies have been conducted on using seahorses for the treatment of alopecia or to promote hair growth, and their effectiveness remains completely unknown.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and its object is to provide a novel hair growth agent made from natural materials such as food ingredients. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the hair growth agent of the present invention contains an oily extract of seahorse fish using oil as a solvent. The oily extract of seahorse fish using oil as a solvent has a hair growth promoting effect, shortening the resting phase in the hair cycle and promoting hair growth. Therefore, it is useful for the treatment, prevention, or improvement of alopecia and thinning hair.

[0010] Furthermore, the hair growth agent of the present invention preferably uses a vegetable oil as the solvent. This allows for the production of an extract of seahorse fish that has excellent hair growth promoting properties.

[0011] Furthermore, the hair growth agent of the present invention preferably contains an oily extract of the internal organs of seahorses. This allows for the acquisition of a seahorse extract with superior hair growth promoting properties. In addition, since the internal organs of seahorses are usually discarded and not used as food, this invention makes effective use of the unwanted parts of seahorses, which are a valuable resource.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the seahorse species used in the hair growth agent of the present invention is the Tasmanian pony. This allows for the selection of a suitable fish species to be used as the seahorse species.

[0013] Furthermore, the topical composition of the present invention contains an effective amount of the hair growth agent described above. This provides a topical composition containing an extract or powder of a seahorse, which is highly safe for the human body, as a hair growth agent.

[0014] Furthermore, a method for producing the hair growth agent of the present invention preferably includes the steps of freeze-drying the above-mentioned seahorse fish, adding the freeze-dried seahorse fish to the above-mentioned oil and fat, grinding and mixing the seahorse fish and oil and fat, and filtering the ground mixture after grinding and mixing. This makes it possible to efficiently produce the hair growth agent of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hair growth agent and an external composition containing the same that have the following excellent effects. (1) It has excellent hair growth effects and can treat, prevent, or improve alopecia and thinning hair. (2) It is highly safe because it contains an extract or powder of seahorses, which have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times, as the active ingredient. (3) Regarding the extract of fish of the genus Monopterus, since a hair-growing agent in liquid form can be obtained simply by extracting fish of the genus Monopterus using water, an oily component that is liquid at room temperature such as vegetable oil, alcohol, or a mixture thereof as a solvent, the production is easy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a table and photograph showing the evaluation criteria for hair growth scores in the hair growth promoting effect evaluation test using C3H / He mice in Example 2, Example 4, and Example 6. [Figure 2] In Example 2, (a) a graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group (corn oil) and the test group (the corn oil extract of the viscera of fish of the genus Monopterus prepared in Example 1) during the test period, and (b) a graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group and the test group on the 18th day from the start of the test. [Figure 3] In Example 4, it is a graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group, the positive control group (1% minoxidil), and each test group (various solvent extracts of the viscera of fish of the genus Monopterus prepared in Example 3) during the test period. [Figure 4] In Example 4, it is a graph showing the hair growth scores (evaluation of significant differences by Dunnett's test) of the control group, the positive control group, and each test group on the 17th day from the start of the test. *** in the graph: p < 0.001, *: p < 0.05 vs. control. [Figure 5] In Example 6, it is a graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group and each test group (the extract of Tasmanian pony prepared in Example 5 or the extract of fish of the genus Monopterus prepared in Example 3) during the test period. [Figure 6] In Example 6, it is a graph showing the hair growth scores (evaluation of significant differences by Dunnett's test) of the control group and each test group on the 12th day from the start of the test. **** in the graph: p < 0.0001, ***: p < 0.001, *: p < 0.05 vs. control.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The present invention will be described in detail below. The hair growth agent of the present invention contains an extract of a fish of the genus Hippocampus or a powder of a fish of the genus Hippocampus.

[0018] The fish of the genus Hippocampus used to obtain the extract of the fish of the genus Hippocampus or the powder of the fish of the genus Hippocampus in the present invention refers to fish classified in the genus Hippocampus. The fish of the genus Hippocampus is not particularly limited, but Hippocampus coronatus, Hippocampus abdominalis, Hippocampus kelloggi, Hippocampus trimaculatus, Hippocampus sindonis, Hippocampus mohnikei, Hippocampus histrix, Hippocampus kuda, etc. are preferably used. Among these, from the viewpoint of excellent hair growth effect, Hippocampus abdominalis is preferably used.

[0019] The part of the fish of the genus Hippocampus used to obtain the extract or fish powder according to the present invention may be any part, such as the head, trunk, internal organs, or a combination thereof, or even the whole fish. Among these, from the viewpoint of excellent hair growth effect, the internal organs, trunk, or a combination thereof are preferably used, and the trunk is particularly preferred. On the other hand, the trunk of the fish of the genus Hippocampus is mainly used as a material for traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal diet, but usually the internal organs are discarded parts. As shown in the examples described later, since the internal organs of the fish of the genus Hippocampus have an excellent hair growth effect, it is also preferable to use the internal organs of the fish of the genus Hippocampus from the viewpoint of waste utilization.

[0020] Next, the extract of seahorses in this invention will be described. The extract of seahorses in this invention refers to an extract obtained by adding an extraction solvent to seahorses, which are the extraction material, and subjecting them to an extraction treatment. The extraction treatment is performed on the extraction material in its raw state (including those that have been frozen and thawed) or in a dried state after drying treatment, but it is also possible to perform the extraction treatment on the extraction material that has undergone various pretreatments in order to improve the extraction efficiency or to facilitate handling. Pretreatments are not particularly limited, but include washing, freezing, degreasing, shredding, grinding, drying, freeze-drying, or a combination thereof, and seahorses that have undergone these pretreatments may be subjected to the extraction treatment to obtain an extract of seahorses.

[0021] The extraction solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can extract components that promote hair growth from seahorses, and water, oily components that are liquid at room temperature, alcohols, or combinations thereof are preferably used.

[0022] Here, examples of oily components that are liquid at room temperature include vegetable oils, waxes, ester oils, hydrocarbon oils, higher alcohols, and silicone oils, and it is possible to use one or more of these in combination. Among these, examples of vegetable oils include corn oil, olive oil, avocado oil, camellia oil, macadamia seed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, castor oil, canola oil, linseed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, cottonseed oil, and rice germ oil. Examples of waxes include jojoba oil. Examples of ester oils include isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, isostearyl laurate, isocetyl myristate, isostearyl myristate, octyldodecyl myristate, octyl palmitate, octyl stearate, octyldodecyl oleate, ethyl isostearate, cetyl isooctanoate, ethylene glycol dioctanoate, ethylene glycol dioleate, propylene glycol dicaprylate, glyceryl tricaprylate and medium-chain triglycerides such as caprylic / capric triglyceride, glyceryl triisostearate, trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, triethyl citrate, dioctyl succinate, diisopropyl adipate, and diethoxyethyl succinate. Examples of hydrocarbon oils include liquid paraffin (mineral oil), squalene, and squalane. Furthermore, examples of higher alcohols include hexyldodecanol, octyldodecanol, and oleyl alcohol. Examples of silicone oils include methylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, and cyclopentasiloxane. Of the oily components mentioned above, vegetable oils are particularly preferred as extraction solvents in this invention, and it is also possible to use one or more of these in combination. Vegetable oils are highly safe for the human body and have excellent affinity to the skin and spreadability when applied, making them suitable as extraction solvents for obtaining extracts of seahorse fish.

[0023] Examples of alcohols include lower monohydric alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, or 2-butanol, and liquid polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or 1,3-butylene glycol. It is also possible to use a mixed solvent consisting of one or more of these. Of these, ethyl alcohol is preferably selected from the viewpoint of extraction efficiency and safety for the human body. In particular, when using alcohols as an extraction solvent, it is preferable to use a mixture of water and the alcohol. For example, it is preferable to use an aqueous alcohol containing 0.5% to 50% by volume of water, and even more preferable to use an aqueous alcohol containing 20% ​​to 40% by volume of water.

[0024] Furthermore, the extraction solvent may also contain other components such as pH adjusters, extraction aids, or preservatives, to the extent that they do not interfere with the extraction of useful components from the seahorse fish, which are the extraction material.

[0025] As for the extraction method from seahorses, it is preferable to immerse the seahorses in an extraction solvent and extract the components. For example, if the extraction material is dried and pulverized seahorses with a water content of less than 10%, it is preferable to use 1 to 100 mL of extraction solvent per 1 g of extraction material, more preferably 2 to 50 mL, and particularly preferable 5 to 20 mL. On the other hand, if the extraction material is shredded raw seahorses, it is preferable to use 5 to 200 mL of extraction solvent per 10 g of extraction material, more preferably 10 to 100 mL, and particularly preferable 10 to 50 mL. Furthermore, the extraction conditions can be set in various ways depending on the extraction method, the state of the extraction material, the type of extraction solvent, or the extraction temperature, and are not particularly limited as long as they allow for the extraction of hair-growth-promoting components from seahorses. When using an oily component that is liquid at room temperature as the extraction solvent, it is preferable to extract at room temperature (for example, 10-30°C) where the oily component is liquid. Furthermore, when using water, an alcohol such as ethanol, or a combination thereof as the extraction solvent, extraction can be performed at room temperature between 1-30°C, preferably 10-30°C, and more preferably 20-30°C. The extraction time is preferably, for example, 30 seconds to 5 days, more preferably 1 minute to 3 days, and particularly preferably 1 hour to 48 hours. Additionally, it is possible to perform extraction-promoting treatments such as mixing and stirring or ultrasonic treatment while the extraction material is immersed in the extraction solvent.

[0026] After the extraction process described above, the residue is removed by decantation, centrifugation, or filtration to obtain an extract of seahorses. The extract of the present invention includes not only the extract itself obtained by the extraction process, but also concentrated extracts obtained by concentration processes such as vacuum concentration, and solid or powdery extracts obtained by drying processes such as freeze-drying or spray-drying.

[0027] On the other hand, the seahorse fish powder in this invention refers to a dried product obtained by pulverizing a predetermined part or the whole fish of a seahorse. The seahorse fish to be pulverized undergoes a predetermined drying process, but it is also possible to perform the drying process on materials that have undergone various pretreatments to facilitate handling. The pretreatments are not particularly limited, but include washing, freezing, degreasing, shredding, or a combination thereof. The seahorse fish that has undergone these pretreatments may be dried and then pulverized to obtain seahorse fish powder.

[0028] The hair growth agent of the present invention contains the above-mentioned seahorse fish extract or seahorse fish powder as an active ingredient. The hair growth effect in the present invention means that, compared to a control state in which the hair growth agent of the present invention is not added or administered, hair growth is promoted by shortening the resting phase period in the hair cycle, or hair elongation in the growth phase is promoted. Therefore, the concept of the hair growth agent according to the present invention also includes hair growth promoters. This hair growth effect is not particularly limited, but can be evaluated, for example, by the hair growth effect evaluation method using C3H / He mice performed in the examples described later. More specifically, it is preferable that the hair growth score value 10 to 20 days after the start of the test is 0.5 or higher than the hair growth score value of the control mouse, more preferably 1.0 or higher, and even more preferably 1.5 or higher. Therefore, by applying the hair growth agent of the present invention to the scalp, hair growth is promoted, and alopecia and thinning hair can be treated, prevented, or improved. The hair growth agent of the present invention can be used as a functional ingredient material for cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals that have a hair growth promoting effect.

[0029] The topical composition of the present invention includes the hair growth agent described above, namely, a hair growth agent containing seahorse fish extract or seahorse fish powder. The topical composition of the present invention can be used as a cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product having a hair growth promoting effect, and is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be used as a hair growth agent, hair tonic, hair care agent, or hair care cosmetic. By applying the topical composition of the present invention to the scalp, hair growth is promoted, and alopecia and thinning hair can be treated, prevented, or improved.

[0030] Furthermore, in addition to the components described above, the hair growth agent and topical composition of the present invention may contain one or more components selected from various commonly used pharmacoactive and functional components, such as other hair growth agents, hair tonics, moisturizers, anti-inflammatory agents, blood circulation promoters, vitamins, antioxidants, and UV protection agents, to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the present invention. In addition, components commonly used in topical skin preparations and cosmetics, such as water, oils and fats, waxes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, higher alcohols, esters, plant extracts, vitamins, water-soluble polymers, surfactants, metal soaps, alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, pH adjusters, preservatives, fragrances, powders, thickeners, pigments, or chelating agents, may be appropriately blended.

[0031] In the hair growth agent and topical composition of the present invention, the content of seahorse extract or seahorse powder is preferably 0.002% to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.01% to 10% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.01% to 5% by mass, on a solid content basis. By setting the amount of seahorse extract or seahorse powder within this range, a high efficacy can be achieved. Furthermore, with regard to seahorse extract, it is also possible to use the extract itself, obtained by adding seahorse fish, which are the raw material for extraction, to an extraction solvent and extracting it, as the hair growth agent or topical composition. In this case, the content can be 0.01% to 100% by volume, more preferably 0.1% to 70% by volume, and particularly preferably 0.5% to 50% by volume.

[0032] The amount of hair growth agent and topical composition to be used in the present invention cannot be specified in general terms, as it varies depending on the target hair growth effect, administration method, sex, age, etc. However, based on the solid content of the seahorse extract or seahorse powder, the amount per unit area of ​​the epidermis (1 cm²) is... 2 ) 0.3~3000 μg / cm³ per unit 2 It is preferable to use a daily dose of 1.5 to 1500 μg / cm³. 2 It is preferable to use "day".

[0033] The dosage forms of the hair growth agent and topical composition of the present invention are not particularly limited and include, for example, low-viscosity liquids, liquid formulations such as lotions, oils, tinctures, emulsions, gels, pastes, creams, foams, ointments, powders, aerosols, etc. Specific products are not particularly limited but include lotions, massage oils, emulsions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, or hair care products. Furthermore, when the hair growth agent and topical composition of the present invention are used as pharmaceuticals or quasi-drugs, they can be prepared in various forms by conventionally used methods. In this case, formulations can be made using additives that are generally accepted as pharmaceutical additives, such as pharmacokinetically acceptable carriers, excipients, lubricants, dispersants, disintegrants, buffers, solvents, fillers, preservatives, fragrances, or stabilizers. In addition, to improve the bioavailability and stability of this compound, drug delivery systems including formulation technologies such as microcapsules, liposome formulations, micronization, or inclusion using cyclodextrin, etc., can also be used.

[0034] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way by these examples. [Examples]

[0035] [Example 1] 1. Preparation of oil extract from seahorses In this example, farmed adult seahorses of the genus *Euphyllia*, with a dark brown body color and a total length of approximately 10-15 cm, were used. The raw fish were gutted and separated into the trunk and internal organs, and both were freeze-dried and preserved. 11.52 mg of the freeze-dried internal organs of the *Euphyllia* fish were taken and added to 5.75 mL of corn oil (for biochemical use, product of Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) as the extraction solvent (concentration of *Euphyllia* fish internal organs: 0.2 w / v%). The fish internal organs and corn oil were mixed for approximately 1 minute at 4°C using an electric homogenizer. After mixing, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the recovered filtrate was obtained as the corn oil extract of *Euphyllia* fish. The *Euphyllia* fish used in this Example 1 are available from the applicant, CCT Japan Co., Ltd.

[0036] [Example 2] 2. Promoting hair growth in mice using oil extract from seahorses. In this invention, we applied the corn oil extract from seahorse fish obtained in Example 1 described above to C3H / He mice, which have the characteristics of synchronized hair cycles and a relatively long resting phase, and evaluated whether this corn oil extract has a hair growth effect that transitions the hair cycle from the resting phase to the growth phase. Specifically, the test was conducted as follows.

[0037] Seven-week-old C3H / Heslc male mice were divided into a test group (n=6) and a control group (n=10). Three days before the start of the application test, the mice's body hair was shaved under anesthesia using clippers and a safety razor to create a shaved area of ​​approximately 2 cm x 2 cm. The shaved area was marked with an oil-based pen. The test group was treated with corn oil extract from seahorses obtained in Example 1, while the control group was treated with only the corn oil used as the extraction solvent in Example 1. Both were applied once a day for 20 days to the shaved area of ​​each mouse. The application amount was 60 μL / day. From the day after the start of the test, the density and elongation of the body hair in the shaved area of ​​each mouse were observed visually, and a hair growth score was calculated based on the criteria shown in Figure 1. The significant difference in hair growth scores between the control group and the test group was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test at a significance level of 5%. The results are shown in Figure 2. Figure 2(a) shows the hair growth scores of the control group and the test group from the start date to the end date of the study, with the horizontal axis of the graph representing the number of days since the start of the study and the vertical axis representing the hair growth score. Figure 2(b) shows the hair growth scores of the control group and the test group on day 18 from the start of the study.

[0038] These results clearly showed that mice treated with corn oil extract from seahorses exhibited significantly superior hair growth and elongation compared to mice in the control group. Furthermore, the p-value comparing the two groups was p<0.05 (p=0.0174), indicating statistical significance.

[0039] [Example 3] 3. Examination of extraction solvents - Preparation of extracts using various solvents - Examples 1 and 2 described above confirmed that oil extracts from seahorses have a hair growth effect. Therefore, in this example, seahorse extracts were prepared using various extraction solvents, and the obtained extracts and their hair growth effects were investigated.

[0040] The same type of seahorse used in Example 1 was employed. The raw fish was opened, the internal organs were collected, and the mixture was homogenized at 4°C using an electric homogenizer. The mixture was then divided into 11g portions on a weighing dish. This mixture was frozen at -80°C, freeze-dried for 12 hours, and then ground in a mill to obtain freeze-dried powder of seahorse internal organs. The following extracts were prepared using this powder.

[0041] <Preparation of aqueous extract> 22 mL of purified water was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and 2.37 g of freeze-dried powder of seahorse entrails (equivalent to 11 g in its raw state before drying) was added. The mixture was stirred using a stirrer at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the collected filtrate was obtained as an aqueous extract of seahorse entrails. The dry solid content per 1 mL of the obtained aqueous extract was 85.8 mg (8.58 w / v%). This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0042] <Preparation of aqueous alcohol extract> 22 mL of 70% ethanol (30% water content, the same applies hereafter) was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and 2.30 g of freeze-dried powder of seahorse entrails (equivalent to 11 g in its raw state before drying) was added. Using a stirrer, the mixture was stirred at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was allowed to stand to allow the solid matter to settle, and the supernatant was transferred to a glass bottle and stored at 4°C. Subsequently, 22 mL of 70% ethanol was added to the residue, and the mixture was stirred with a stirrer at 600 rpm at room temperature for 48 hours. After 48 hours, the mixture was allowed to stand, the supernatant was collected, and added to the supernatant that had been collected and stored earlier, and stored at 4°C. The solvent was removed from this solution with N2 gas, and then 22 mL of 70% ethanol was added to obtain an aqueous alcohol extract of seahorse entrails. The dry solid content per 1 mL of the obtained aqueous alcohol extract was 13.6 mg (1.36 w / v%). This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0043] <Preparation of oil extracts> 22 mL of corn oil was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and 2.56 g of freeze-dried powder of seahorse entrails (equivalent to 11 g of raw entrails before drying) was added. The mixture was stirred using a stirrer at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the collected filtrate was obtained as the oil extract of seahorses. This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0044] [Example 4] 4. Examination of extraction solvents - Promotion of hair growth in mice using various solvent extracts from seahorse fish - Seven-week-old C3H / Heslc male mice were divided into four groups: a water extract test group (n=10), a water-containing alcohol extract test group (n=10), an oil extract test group (n=10), a control group (n=12), and a positive control group (1% minoxidil solution, n=10). Three days before the start of the topical test, the mice's body hair was shaved under anesthesia using clippers and a safety razor to create a shaved area of ​​approximately 2 cm x 2 cm. The shaved area was marked with an oil-based pen. The control group was given a solution of 50 mL of 99.5% ethanol, 30 mL of MilliQ water, and 20 mL of propylene glycol. The positive control group was given a 1% minoxidil solution prepared by dissolving 100 mg of minoxidil in 10 mL of the solution used in the control group (a mixture of 50 mL of 99.5% ethanol, 30 mL of MilliQ water, and 20 mL of propylene glycol). The aqueous extract test group used the aqueous extract obtained in Example 3, the aqueous alcohol extract test group used the aqueous alcohol extract obtained in Example 3, and the oil extract test group used the oil extract obtained in Example 3. Each mouse was treated with 60 μL / day of the extracted solution once daily for 21 days on the shaved area. From the day after the start of the experiment, the density and elongation of the body hair on the shaved area of ​​each mouse were observed visually, and a hair growth score was calculated based on the criteria shown in Figure 1. The results are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the hair growth scores for each test group, positive control group, and control group from the start date to the end date of the experiment. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the number of days from the start of the experiment (days), and the vertical axis represents the hair growth score. Figure 4 shows the hair growth scores (significance evaluation by Dunnett's test) for each test group, positive control group, and control group on day 17 from the start of the experiment.

[0045] According to these results, all three extracts—water extract, aqueous alcohol extract, and oil extract—showed superior hair growth effects compared to the control. Of these, the water extract obtained using water as the extraction solvent and the oil extract obtained using corn oil as the extraction solvent showed superior hair growth effects compared to the positive control, a 1% minoxidil solution. This indicates that water or liquid oil is preferred as the extraction solvent for obtaining seahorse extracts with superior hair growth effects.

[0046] [Example 5] 5. Examination of seahorse species - Preparation of Tasmanian pony extract - In the following examples, we investigated whether similar hair growth effects could be observed in other species of seahorses.

[0047] In this example, farmed Tasmanian ponies (Hippocampus abdominalis) were obtained as seahorses, and extracts were prepared using them. Tasmanian ponies are known as large seahorses, sometimes reaching a maximum length of 35 cm. A raw Tasmanian pony was gutted and separated into internal organs and trunk, and each was homogenized at 4°C using an electric homogenizer. 11 g portions were then placed in weighing dishes. These were frozen at -80°C, freeze-dried for 12 hours, and then ground in a mill to obtain freeze-dried powder of Tasmanian pony internal organs and freeze-dried powder of Tasmanian pony trunk. The following extracts were prepared using these.

[0048] <Preparation of oil extract from Tasmanian pony viscera> 22 mL of corn oil was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and an amount equivalent to 11 g of freeze-dried Tasmanian pony entrails powder (in its raw, undried state) was added. The mixture was stirred using a stirrer at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the collected filtrate was obtained as the oil extract of Tasmanian pony entrails. This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0049] <Preparation of oil extract from the trunk of the Tasmanian pony> 22 mL of corn oil was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and an amount equivalent to 11 g of freeze-dried Tasmanian pony trunk powder (in its raw, undried state) was added. The mixture was stirred using a stirrer at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the collected filtrate was obtained as the oil extract of the Tasmanian pony trunk. This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0050] [Example 6] 6. Examination of seahorse species - Promoting hair growth in mice using various extracts - Seven-week-old C3H / Heslc male mice were divided into four groups: a 1% Tasmanian pony viscera extract group (n=10), a 10% Tasmanian pony viscera extract group (n=10), a 100% Tasmanian pony viscera extract group (n=10), a 100% Tasmanian pony trunk extract group (n=10), a 100% seahorse viscera extract group (n=10), and a control group (n=12). Three days before the start of the topical application test, the mice's body hair was shaved under anesthesia using clippers and a safety razor to create a shaved area of ​​approximately 2 cm x 2 cm. The shaved area was marked with an oil-based pen. For the 100% Tasmanian pony viscera extract test group, the oil extract of Tasmanian pony viscera obtained in Example 5 described above was used. This was diluted 10 times (by volume) with corn oil for the 10% test group, and diluted 100 times (by volume) with corn oil for the 1% test group. For the 100% Tasmanian pony trunk extract test group, the oil extract of Tasmanian pony trunk obtained in Example 5 was used. On the other hand, for the 100% seahorse viscera extract test group, the oil extract of seahorse viscera prepared in Example 3 was used. For the control group, a solution of 99.5% ethanol: 50 mL, MilliQ water: 30 mL, and propylene glycol: 20 mL was used, and 60 μL / day was applied once daily to the shaved area of ​​each mouse for 21 days. From the day after the start of the experiment, the density and elongation of the body hair in the shaved area of ​​each mouse were observed visually, and a hair growth score was calculated based on the criteria shown in Figure 1. The results are shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the hair growth scores of each test group and the control group from the start date to the end date of the experiment, with the horizontal axis of the graph representing the number of days since the start of the experiment and the vertical axis representing the hair growth score. Figure 6 shows the hair growth scores of each test group and the control group on day 12 of the experiment (significance evaluation by Dunnett's test).

[0051] These results indicate that the Tasmanian pony extract has a hair growth effect similar to or better than the seahorse extract prepared in Example 3. More specifically, looking at the results of the Tasmanian pony viscera extract in test groups 1-3, the hair growth effect was maintained even at an extract concentration of only 1% (test group 1). Furthermore, according to the results of test group 4, the Tasmanian pony trunk extract reached a hair growth score of 3 12 days from the start of the test, demonstrating a particularly excellent hair growth effect. From these findings, it is clear that seahorse extracts have an excellent hair growth effect.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments or examples described above, and its technical scope also includes various design modifications that do not depart from the gist of the invention as described in the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] This invention provides a hair growth agent and an external composition containing the same, which have excellent hair growth effects and can treat, prevent, or improve alopecia and thinning hair, and is therefore widely useful in industries such as hair care, scalp cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and quasi-drugs.

Claims

1. A hair growth agent containing an oily extract from seahorse fish that uses oils and fats as a solvent.

2. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the oil is a vegetable oil.

3. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the oily extract is an oily extract of the internal organs of a fish of the genus Euphyllia.

4. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the seahorse is a Tasmanian pony.

5. A topical composition characterized by containing an effective amount of the hair growth agent described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for producing a hair growth agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The process of freeze-drying the aforementioned seahorse fish, The steps include adding the freeze-dried seahorse to the oil and fat, A step of crushing and mixing the aforementioned seahorse fish and the aforementioned oil and fat, The process involves filtering the pulverized mixture after the pulverization and mixing, A method for manufacturing a hair growth agent containing [the specified ingredient].

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