Cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals containing lactic acid bacteria that have hair growth and hair restoration effects.

Abstract

To prepare cosmetics, quasi-drugs or pharmaceuticals using lactic acid bacteria and develop cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals that have been confirmed to be useful for hair growth and the like by actually applying the cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals to the scalp in a human as a lotion and the like.SOLUTION: First, the present inventors screened multiple lactic acid bacteria using the activation of dermal papilla cells as an index by utilizing the fact that activation of dermal papilla cells is essential to obtain hair growth, hair restoration, and hair nourishing effects and selected the lactic acid bacterium (Lactobacillus plantarum sp.). Furthermore, the present inventors prepared a lotion (application agent) using the lactic acid bacteria, perform clinical trials by actually applying it to the scalp in a human (subject) to confirm its effectiveness, and completed cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals with a high hair-restoration effect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic, quasi-drug or drug containing a lactic acid bacterium of the Lactobacillus plantarum species, a culture solution thereof or a fermentation product, and is a cosmetic, quasi-drug or drug having a hair growth and hair nourishing effect on the human body.

Background Art

[0002] Hair serves to protect the head from external forces and from light rays such as ultraviolet rays and visible light. Moreover, it is not limited to this, and it is an element that greatly affects the appearance of the head from the viewpoints of fashion and beauty. Regarding hair, there is a hair cycle, and growth and shedding are repeated at a certain cycle. The hair cycle can also be divided into cycles of anagen, catagen, and telogen.

[0003] On the other hand, due to problems such as aging, hair loss may occur more easily depending on an individual's constitution. As a countermeasure against such hair loss and thinning of the head, various pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, etc. such as hair growth agents are used. Although various prior patent applications have been published as countermeasures against such hair loss and thinning, generally, for example, compounds such as minoxidil and finasteride are often used. On the other hand, as a method other than using such compounds, in recent years, research on lactic acid bacteria for the purpose of maintaining health has been vigorously promoted, and methods for the purpose of hair growth, hair nourishing, and hair loss suppression using lactic acid bacteria have also been disclosed. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Patent Document 1 describes a method that utilizes a specific strain of lactic acid bacteria belonging to a specific Lactococcus genus. However, it has been pointed out that the experimental results are based on measuring the production of growth factors FGF-7 and VEGF secreted from dermal papilla cells, and are not results obtained by actually administering the substance to humans. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, the inventors focused on a new type of lactic acid bacteria and set the goal of developing a method to obtain effects such as hair growth in the human body using this lactic acid bacteria.

[0007] In particular, the objective was to develop cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals that utilize the lactic acid bacteria in question, and to confirm that these cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals are effective in promoting hair growth when actually applied to the scalp by a person using lotions or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors screened various lactic acid bacteria and, first, utilized the fact that activation of dermal papilla cells is essential to obtain hair growth, hair nourishment, and hair care effects. Using the activation of dermal papilla cells as an indicator, they screened multiple lactic acid bacteria and selected the most suitable ones. Furthermore, by preparing a lotion (topical agent) using the lactic acid bacteria and conducting clinical trials in which actual people (subjects) applied it to their scalps, we were able to confirm its effectiveness and successfully developed a cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product with high hair growth efficacy. In other words, the first invention of this application is, "Cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals containing lactic acid bacteria, their culture solution, or fermentation products that have a hair growth or hair restoration effect in the human body."

[0009] Next, it is preferable that the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product containing the lactic acid bacteria of the present invention be a topical application. In other words, the second invention of this application is, "The cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product described in claim 1 contains lactic acid bacteria, its culture solution, or a fermentation product, wherein the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product is a topical application agent."

[0010] Next, the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product containing the lactic acid bacteria of the present invention is preferably an ointment, cream, or lotion among topical preparations. In other words, the third invention of this application is, "The cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product according to claim 2, wherein the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product is an ointment, cream, or lotion."

[0011] Next, it is preferable that the lactic acid bacteria are lactic acid bacteria belonging to the Lactobacillus plantarum species. In other words, the fourth invention of this application is, "The cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lactic acid bacteria, its culture solution, or fermentation product belongs to the Lactobacillus plantarum species."

[0012] Next, it is preferable that the lactic acid bacteria is Lactobacillus plantarum strain N793 (NITE BP-03233), which belongs to the Lactobacillus plantarum species. In other words, the fifth invention of this application is, "The lactic acid bacteria, its culture medium, or fermentation product is Lactobacillus plantarum strain N793 (NITE BP-03233), and the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product according to any one of claims 1 to 4." [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] By using cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals containing the lactic acid bacteria of the present invention, their culture solution, or fermentation products, and applying them to the body, it becomes possible to suppress hair loss and thinning hair without causing harm. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the results of evaluating the ability to activate dermal papilla cells in the examples. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the results of the total number of hairs in the hair analysis in the clinical trial. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the results of the hair thickness in the hair analysis in the clinical trial. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the results of the number of non-velutinous hairs in the hair analysis in the clinical trial. <000^087> [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the results of the telogen effluvium analysis in the hair analysis in the clinical trial. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the results of the feeling of hair loss during shampooing in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the results of the feeling of firmness and elasticity of the hair in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the results of the feeling of hair fineness in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the results of the feeling of lack of hair strength in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the results of the feeling of lack of hair volume in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the results of the visibility of the skin (scalp) in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the results of the visibility of the top of the head, hairline, and parting in the VAS questionnaire. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the results of the feeling of a decrease in the amount of hair loss in the VAS questionnaire.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The content of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. The first invention of the present application is "a cosmetic, quasi-drug or drug containing lactic acid bacteria having a hair growth or hair growth effect in the human body."

[0016] ○ Hair growth or hair restoration effect The hair growth or hair nourishment effect as used in this invention refers to effects such as increasing the number of hairs, increasing the thickness of hairs, or reducing hair loss, and may include any or more of these effects.

[0017] Lactic acid bacteria Examples of the present invention are described below. The present invention is not limited to the following examples. • Preparation of lactic acid bacteria As an example of lactic acid bacteria used in this invention, Lactobacillus species is preferred. More specifically, Lactobacillus plantarum species is preferred. In this invention, any lactic acid bacteria of the Lactobacillus plantarum species is acceptable, but among these, it is particularly preferable to use the following strains of Lactobacillus plantarum species.

[0018] 1. Lactobacillus plantarum strain N793 (NITE BP-03233) The lactic acid bacterium of the present invention is Lactobacillus plantarum. In particular, among the lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum, it is Lactobacillus plantarum strain N793 (NITE BP-03233). The symbol N793 used in this invention is a number uniquely assigned to the strain by Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., and this Lactobacillus plantarum strain N793 was first isolated by the inventors of this invention.

[0019] Furthermore, this Lactobacillus plantarum N793 strain has been identified as a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum.

[0020] The Lactobacillus plantarum N793 strain of the present invention was deposited with the Patent Microbial Depositary Center of the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) as NITE BP-03233 on June 18, 2020. The mycological properties of the Lactobacillus plantarum N793 strain of the present invention are shown in Tables 1 and 2. These mycological properties were determined according to the method described in Bergey's manual of systematic bacteriology Vol. 2 (1986). Table 1 shows the morphology and other characteristics of this strain, and Table 2 shows the results of sugar assimilation tests using Api 50CH and Api CHL (manufactured by bioMérieux). In Table 2, "+" indicates positive and "-" indicates negative.

[0021] [Table 1]

[0022] [Table 2] Lactic acid bacteria powder, its culture solution, or fermentation product The lactic acid bacteria of the present invention can be used in various forms. For example, if it is a lactic acid bacteria powder, a type in which the bacteria are freeze-dried or a type in which the bacteria are enzymatically treated and then freeze-dried can be used. Furthermore, in addition to lactic acid bacteria powder, the culture medium of the lactic acid bacteria of the present invention can also be used. Specifically, either the culture medium containing bacterial cells or the culture supernatant can be used. Of course, the above-mentioned bacterial cells may be subjected to centrifugation or enzymatic treatment with proteases or lipases as needed.

[0023] Furthermore, fermentation products utilizing lactic acid bacteria may also be used, along with lactic acid bacteria powder and its culture medium. In other words, fermentation products obtained by purifying compounds and peptides produced from the lactic acid bacteria during the fermentation process can also be used. Specifically, examples include equol and GABA.

[0024] Cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals The lactic acid bacteria powder, its culture solution, or fermentation product of the present invention can be used by incorporating it into cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals. Specifically, as a topical application, it can be used under trade names such as hair tonic, hair growth stimulant, or hair restoration agent. Specifically, it can be used in the form of ointments, creams, hair lotions, hair tonics, shampoos, and conditioners.

[0025] In other words, the lactic acid bacteria powder, its culture solution, or fermentation product of the present invention can be extracted or powdered by concentration, separation, etc., and then diluted or suspended in a predetermined solution, allowing it to be used as a cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product containing the active ingredient. For example, an ointment can be prepared by mixing the lactic acid bacteria powder or its suspension with an oily base. A cream can be manufactured by mixing it with an oil-in-water (O / W) or water-in-oil (W / O) liquid. Furthermore, lotions can be emulsion-type or suspension-type. Emulsions are emulsions, while suspension-type lotions are primarily composed of alcohols or water.

[0026] Furthermore, the bacterial cells, culture medium, or fermentation product of the present invention may be used as cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals. It is sufficient for the active ingredient to be present; of course, it is also acceptable for other ingredients (for example, sugars, proteins, amino acids, lipids, water, vitamins, minerals, etc.) to be present in addition to the active ingredient. [Examples]

[0027] 1. Lactic acid bacteria screening Lactic acid bacteria for use in cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals containing the lactic acid bacteria powder, culture medium, or fermentation product of the present invention were screened as follows. The hair cycle refers to the cycle in which hair goes through three phases: the growth phase, the regression phase, and the resting phase. The longest period in the hair cycle is the growth phase, which usually lasts about 3 to 6 years.

[0028] The growth phase is maintained by growth factors such as keratinocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These growth factors are produced by dermal papilla cells located deep within the hair follicle. Keratinocyte growth factor secreted from dermal papilla cells is known to act directly on hair matrix cells, which are the source of hair, and promotes the proliferation and division of these cells. Therefore, it is considered to be the growth factor that acts most directly on hair. From the above, it can be inferred that dermal papilla cells are cells necessary for hair growth, and that activating dermal papilla cells will lead to hair growth. For this reason, we evaluated the dermal papilla cell activating ability of various lactic acid bacteria.

[0029] The lactic acid bacteria species tested were Lactobacillus plantarum (3 species), Lactobacillus casei / paracasei (3 species), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (3 species), Lactobacillus fermentum (3 species), Lactobacillus reuteri (3 species), and Lactobacillus lactis (3 species).

[0030] 2. Hair papilla cell activation test <Preparation of the test sample (lactic acid bacteria powder suspension)> Lactic acid bacteria were cultured in MRS medium (Becton Dickinson) shown in Table 3 at 37°C for 24 hours. The cultured cells were then collected using a centrifuge. The collected cells were washed with sterile water and collected again using a centrifuge. This washing and collection process was repeated three times. After heat sterilization at 95°C for 15 minutes, the cells were collected again using a centrifuge. The collected cells were freeze-dried using a freeze-dryer to obtain lactic acid bacteria powder. The lactic acid bacteria powder was suspended in PBS (PBS(-) pH 7.4, Gibco) to a concentration of 1 mg / mL to obtain a lactic acid bacteria powder suspension.

[0031] [Table 3]

[0032] <Evaluation of hair papilla cell activation ability> The dermal papilla cell activating effect of the sample obtained above (lactic acid bacteria powder suspension) was evaluated. Specifically, 1.2 × 10⁶ wells were placed in a 96-well plate. 4 Human dermal papilla cells were seeded at a density of cells / well and cultured in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2, 37°C) for 6 hours. Then, 100 μL of D-MEM medium (4% FBS) containing each subject (final concentration 1%) was added. After addition, the culture was incubated in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2, 37°C) for 72 hours, and the number of dermal papilla cells in the culture medium was measured by spectrophotometric analysis. Cell Counting Kit-8 (Dojin Chemical Laboratories) was used for measurement. PBS (PBS(-) pH 7.4, Gibco) was used as a control. Dermal papilla cell activation ability was evaluated based on the dermal papilla cell activation rate, with the control set to 1. The measurement results are shown in Table 4. As shown in Table 4, Lactobacillus plantarum was found to have high dermal papilla cell activation ability. The test results are shown in Table 4. A graph of these results is shown in Figure 1. —Test Results—

[0033] [Table 4]

[0034] As a result, we found that Lactobacillus plantarum (3 species) possesses high dermal papilla cell activation ability.

[0035] 2. Topical application tests in clinical trials The aforementioned dermal papilla cell activation test revealed that Lactobacillus plantarum exhibits high activity. Of the three strains tested, strain N793 (NITE BP-03233), which showed the highest activity, was evaluated for its effectiveness in a clinical trial.

[0036] 2-1. Manufacturing of lactic acid bacteria-containing hair lotion Lactic acid bacteria culture Lactic acid bacteria were cultured in MRS medium (Becton Dickinson) shown in Table 3 at 37°C for 24 hours. The cultured cells were then collected using a centrifuge. The collected cells were washed with sterile water and collected again using a centrifuge. This washing and collection process was repeated three times. After heat sterilization at 95°C for 15 minutes, the cells were collected again using a centrifuge. The collected cells were freeze-dried using a freeze-dryer to obtain lactic acid bacteria powder.

[0037] ○ Manufacturing of the lotion in the example We manufactured a lactic acid bacteria-containing hair lotion (primarily water and alcohol) as a cosmetic and quasi-drug, formulated with lactic acid bacteria powder and other ingredients. In addition to the lactic acid bacteria powder, the other ingredients used were water, ethanol, DPG (dipropylene glycol), carbomer (carboxyvinyl polymer), calcium hydroxide, and PEG-hydrogenated castor oil. More specifically, the product was manufactured by heating and dissolving the lipid-soluble and water-soluble raw materials separately, and then stirring (emulsifying) them using a vacuum emulsifier. Additionally, 20 mg / 3 mL of lactic acid bacteria powder was added. In this way, the production of the lactic acid bacteria-containing hair lotion was completed. The following clinical trials were conducted using this hair lotion.

[0038] ·subject The subjects were selected based on the following criteria 1) to 4). 1) Japanese men and women aged 20 to 59 at the time of obtaining consent 2) Those who are aware of their thinning hair 3) Those who agree not to change their hair styling methods (hair length, hairstyle, perm, etc.), hair dyeing methods (hair dyes), and hair washing methods (shampoos) during the examination period. 4) Individuals who consent to a localized hair trim by a professional (a section of approximately 1cm x 1cm, approximately 3cm to the right and outside of the intersection of the midline of the head and the uppermost points of the earlobes (horizontal line), was trimmed with clippers, leaving a length of approximately 0.5mm). The actual number of participants was 12. Of these, 7 were male and 5 were female. The average age was 48.83 ± 1.91 years.

[0039] ·How to use The aforementioned test product was applied to the scalp as shown in Table 5.

[0040] [Table 5]

[0041] • Observation schedule of the subject's scalp hair The observation schedule for the subjects' scalp hair was as follows: Observations were conducted six times, at the following times: before use, 2 days after use, 12 weeks after use, 12 weeks and 2 days after use, 24 weeks after use, and 24 weeks and 2 days after use. The period of home use of the lactic acid bacteria-containing hair lotion was 168 days.

[0042] • Test results For the observation (hair analysis) of the subjects' scalp hair, a digital microscope (HIROX, KH-2000) was used to examine the hair in the aforementioned localized hair cutting area (1cm x 1cm). The examination items included hair analysis, which included total hair count, hair count, hair thickness, number of non-vellus hairs, and hair loss analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Dunnett's test before use and after 12 weeks of use, and before use and after 24 weeks of use (+: P < 0.1 *: P < 0.05 **: P < 0.01 ***: P < 0.001). A P < 0.1 result was judged as a significant trend, and a P < 0.05 result was judged as a significant difference. The results for each item are shown below.

[0043] Hair analysis / total number of hairs The number of tubes was 179.2±6.9 ​​before use, 182.6±7.8 after 12 weeks of use, and 193.3±7.2 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to before use, the increase was +3.4 after 12 weeks of use and +14.1 after 24 weeks of use, with a statistically significant difference observed at 24 weeks of use (P=0.002). The results are shown in Table 6.

[0044] [Table 6]

[0045] The graph is shown in Figure 2.

[0046] ○ Hair analysis / Hair thickness The average particle size was 60.4±3.1μm before use, 60.6±3.1μm after 12 weeks of use, and 62.9±3.4μm after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the average particle size was +0.2 after 12 weeks of use and +2.5 after 24 weeks of use, with a statistically significant trend observed at 24 weeks of use (P = 0.051). The results are shown in Table 7.

[0047] [Table 7] The graph is shown in Figure 3.

[0048] ○ Hair analysis / Number of non-vellus hairs (firm, coarse hairs, hair diameter 40 μm or larger) The results for the number of strong, stiff hairs with a diameter of 40 μm or more were 145.8 ± 8.8 before use, 146.9 ± 8.6 after 12 weeks of use, and 162.1 ± 9.5 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to before use, there was an increase of +1.1 after 12 weeks of use and +16.3 after 24 weeks of use, with a statistically significant difference observed at 24 weeks of use (P<0.001). The results are shown in Table 8.

[0049] [Table 8]

[0050] The graph is shown in Figure 4.

[0051] Hair analysis / hair loss analysis After shampooing and drying by a hairdresser, the fallen hairs were collected and counted. Before use, the count was 152.3 ± 31.5 hairs; after 12 weeks of use, it was 95.1 ± 20.4 hairs; and after 24 weeks, it was 84.5 ± 24.3 hairs. Compared to before use, the count was -57.2 after 12 weeks of use and -67.8 after 24 weeks of use. Significant differences were observed at 12 weeks (P=0.002) and 24 weeks (P<0.001). The results are shown in Table 9.

[0052] [Table 9] The graph is shown in Figure 5.

[0053] VAS Questionnaire A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire was conducted to assess the following: the feeling of hair loss during shampooing, lack of firmness and elasticity of the hair, thinness of the hair, strength of the hair (lack of strength), lack of hair volume, visibility of the scalp, visibility of the crown, hairline, and part, and the perceived reduction in hair loss.

[0054] Furthermore, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire involves having participants represent their subjective feelings at the time of completion with a single perpendicular line on a 100mm line segment, with the two extreme ends representing different states. The length from the end to this perpendicular line is then measured to obtain a VAS score. This method assesses the subjective feelings of the participants.

[0055] In this evaluation, for example, in the assessment of "hair loss during shampooing," the left end represented "a feeling of no hair loss at all during shampooing (hair in the drain, hair on the towel after drying hair, etc.)" (score 0), and the right end represented "a feeling of extremely poor hair loss during shampooing (hair in the drain, hair on the towel after drying hair, etc.)" (score 100). Participants were asked to answer on a 100mm line segment. Therefore, a smaller number indicates a better evaluation.

[0056] 1) Experiencing hair loss while washing your hair (hair in the drain, hair on the towel after drying your hair, etc.) The baseline values ​​were 65.8±7.8 before use, 55.0±7.1 after 12 weeks of use, and 50.7±4.6 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -10.8 after 12 weeks of use and -15.1 after 24 weeks of use, with a significant trend observed at 24 weeks of use (P<0.10). The results are shown in Table 10.

[0057] [Table 10] The graph is shown in Figure 6.

[0058] 2) Lack of firmness and body in the hair The baseline values ​​were 78.5±4.0 before use, 63.4±4.5 after 12 weeks of use, and 58.8±6.2 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -15.1 after 12 weeks of use and -19.7 after 24 weeks of use. Significant differences were observed at 12 weeks (P=0.015) and 24 weeks (P=0.002). The results are shown in Table 11.

[0059] [Table 11]

[0060] The graph is shown in Figure 7.

[0061] 3) The fineness of the hair The baseline values ​​were 78.0±3.8 before use, 66.0±5.3 after 12 weeks of use, and 61.3±5.8 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -12.0 after 12 weeks of use and -16.7 after 24 weeks of use, with significant differences observed at 12 weeks (P=0.026) and 24 weeks (P=0.002). The results are shown in Table 12.

[0062] [Table 12] The graph is shown in Figure 8.

[0063] 4) Lack of sturdiness in the hair The baseline values ​​were 77.1±3.7 before use, 62.4±4.6 after 12 weeks of use, and 56.3±5.5 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -14.7 after 12 weeks of use and -20.8 after 24 weeks of use. Significant differences were observed at 12 weeks (P=0.008) and 24 weeks (P<0.001). The results are shown in Table 13.

[0064] [Table 13] The graph is shown in Figure 9.

[0065] 5) Lack of hair volume The baseline values ​​were 83.3±3.5 before use, 72.6±6.5 after 12 weeks of use, and 66.3±4.9 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -10.7 after 12 weeks of use and -17.0 after 24 weeks of use, with a statistically significant difference observed at 24 weeks of use (P=0.006). The results are shown in Table 14.

[0066] [Table 14] The graph is shown in Figure 10.

[0067] 6) How visible the scalp is The baseline values ​​were 84.6±4.0 before use, 68.3±8.0 after 12 weeks of use, and 64.5±5.3 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -16.3 after 12 weeks of use and -20.1 after 24 weeks of use. Significant differences were observed at 12 weeks (P=0.024) and 24 weeks (P=0.006). The results are shown in Table 15.

[0068] [Table 15] The graph is shown in Figure 11.

[0069] 7) How noticeable the crown of the head, hairline, and parting are The baseline values ​​were 82.8±4.2 before use, 69.3±8.3 after 12 weeks of use, and 65.8±5.2 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -13.5 after 12 weeks of use and -17.0 after 24 weeks of use, with a statistically significant difference observed at 24 weeks of use (P=0.030). The results are shown in Table 16.

[0070] [Table 16] The graph is shown in Figure 12.

[0071] 8) I feel like the amount of hair loss has decreased. The baseline values ​​were 83.1±5.7 before use, 61.9±6.7 after 12 weeks of use, and 44.7±5.3 after 24 weeks of use. Compared to baseline, the values ​​were -21.2 after 12 weeks of use and -38.4 after 24 weeks of use. Significant differences were observed at 12 weeks (P=0.028) and 24 weeks (P<0.001). The results are shown in Table 17.

[0072] [Table 17] The graph is shown in Figure 13.

Claims

1. Cosmetics, quasi-drugs, or pharmaceuticals containing Lactobacillus plantarum N793 strain (NITE BP-03233), a lactic acid bacterium that has hair growth or hair restoration effects in the human body.

2. The cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product is a topical application agent, and contains lactic acid bacteria.

3. The cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product according to claim 2, wherein the cosmetic, quasi-drug, or pharmaceutical product is an ointment, cream, or lotion.

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