Hair growth agent

Abstract

Provided is a new hair growth agent including a material derived from a natural product such as an edible material.　The hair growth agent according to the present invention contains an extract of a fish belonging to the genus Hippocampus or a fish powder of a fish belonging to the genus Hippocampus.

Description

Hair growth agent

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

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

[0003] On the other hand, the pipefish belonging to the genus Syngnathus, which is known as "tatsu-no-otoshi-go" or "seahorse" because of its unique appearance and is popular, is classified in the family Syngnathidae and mainly inhabits the coastal shallow seas and brackish waters in the tropical and temperate zones. Since ancient times, the pipefish belonging to the genus Syngnathus 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 pipefish belonging to the genus Syngnathus 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 pipefish belonging to the genus Syngnathus and contribute to the conservation of wild organisms, research on the aquaculture technology of pipefish belonging to the genus Syngnathus has been underway (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 2733980

[0005] Nobuhiko Akiyama, "Complete Aquaculture of Seahorses (Syngnathids)", Industry-Academia-Government Related Journal, May 2021

[0006] However, since the hair growth component described in Patent Document 1 was originally developed as a vasodilator, it has been reported that, in addition to side effects associated with vasodilation, side effects such as scalp itching and swelling occur. In addition, since the hair growth component described in Patent Document 1 is a component produced by chemical synthesis, there is still a demand for a hair growth agent derived from a natural product having high safety for the human body, for example, a hair growth agent derived from an edible material.

[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.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the hair growth agent of the present invention contains an extract or powder of a seahorse. The extract or powder of a seahorse 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, it is preferable that the hair growth agent of the present invention uses an extract of the internal organs of seahorses. This provides an extract of seahorses that has excellent 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.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the hair growth agent of the present invention uses an extract from the trunk of a seahorse. This allows for the production of a seahorse extract with superior hair growth promoting properties.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the hair growth agent of the present invention uses an extraction solvent selected from the group consisting of water, oily components that are liquid at room temperature, alcohols, and mixtures thereof as the extraction solvent for the seahorse extract described above. This allows for the selection of a suitable solvent for use when obtaining the extract from seahorse.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the extraction solvent for the seahorse extract of the present invention is water or vegetable oil. This allows for the selection of an even more suitable solvent as the extraction solvent used when obtaining the extract from seahorse.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The present invention provides 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 an active ingredient. (3) In the case of seahorse extract, a liquid type hair growth agent can be obtained simply by extracting seahorses with water, oily components that are liquid at room temperature such as vegetable oil, alcohol, or a mixture thereof as a solvent, making it easy to manufacture.

[0017] These are tables and photographs showing the evaluation criteria for hair growth scores in the hair growth promotion effect evaluation tests using C3H / He mice in Examples 2, 4, and 6. (a) A graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group (corn oil) and the test group (corn oil extract from the internal organs of seahorse fish prepared in Example 1) during the test period in Example 2, and (b) A graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group and the test group 18 days after the start of the test. (b) A graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group, positive control group (1% minoxidil), and each test group (various solvent extracts from the internal organs of seahorse fish prepared in Example 3) during the test period in Example 4. (c) A graph showing the hair growth scores of the control group, positive control group, and each test group (significance evaluation by Dunnett test) 17 days after the start of the test in Example 4. In the graphs, *** indicates p < 0.001, and * indicates p < 0.05 vs. control. This graph shows the hair growth scores of the control group and each test group (extract of Tasmanian pony prepared in Example 5 or extract of seahorse fish prepared in Example 3) during the test period in Example 6. This graph shows the hair growth scores of the control group and each test group (significance evaluation by Dunnett test) 12 days after the start of the test in Example 6. In the graph, **** indicates p < 0.0001, *** indicates p < 0.001, and * indicates p < 0.05 vs. control.

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail. The hair growth agent of the present invention contains an extract of a seahorse or a powder of a seahorse.

[0019] In this invention, the seahorse fish used to obtain the extract or powder of the seahorse fish refers to fish classified under the genus Hippocampus. While not particularly limited, seahorses of the genus Hippocampus are preferably used, such as the Japanese seahorse (Hippocampus coronatas), Tasmanian pony (Hippocampus abdominalis), giant seahorse (Hippocampus kelloggi), Takakura's seahorse (Hippocampus trimaculatus), Japanese seahorse (Hippocampus sindonis), coral seahorse (Hippocampus mohnikei), thorny seahorse (Hippocampus histrix), and black seahorse (Hippocampus kuda). Of these, the Tasmanian pony (Hippocampus abdominalis) is preferred for its superior hair growth effect.

[0020] Any part of the seahorse used to obtain the extract or fish powder according to the present invention may be used, including the head, trunk, internal organs, or a combination thereof, or the whole fish. Of these, the internal organs, trunk, or a combination thereof are preferably used from the viewpoint of having excellent hair growth effects, and the trunk is particularly preferred. On the other hand, the trunk of the seahorse is mainly used as an ingredient in Chinese medicine and medicinal cuisine, but the internal organs are usually discarded. As shown in the examples described later, the internal organs of the seahorse have excellent hair growth effects, so from the viewpoint of utilizing waste materials, it is also preferable to use the internal organs of the seahorse.

[0021] Next, the extract of seahorses according to the present invention will be described. The extract of seahorses according to the present 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] As for the extraction method from seahorses, it is preferable to immerse the seahorses in an extraction solvent and extract the components. For example, when 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, when 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 components that promote hair growth 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 to 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 and 30°C, preferably 10 to 30°C, and more preferably 20 to 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.

[0027] 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 powdered extracts obtained by drying processes such as freeze-drying or spray-drying.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, 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.

[0033] 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, gender, 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 to 3000 μg / cm³ ２ - Preferably, it should be 1.5 to 1500 μg / cm³. ２ It is preferable to use "day".

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] [Example 1] 1. Preparation of oil extract from seahorses In this example, farmed adult seahorses with a dark brown body color and a total length of approximately 10-15 cm were used as the seahorse species. The raw fish were gutted and separated into the trunk and internal organs, and each was freeze-dried and preserved. 11.52 mg of the freeze-dried internal organs of the seahorses were taken and added to 5.75 mL of corn oil (for biochemistry, product of Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) as the extraction solvent (concentration of seahorse internal organs: 0.2 w / v%). The fish internal organs and corn oil were mixed for about 1 minute at 4°C using an electric homogenizer. After mixing, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the recovered filtrate was obtained as a corn oil extract of seahorses. The seahorses used in this Example 1 are available from the applicant, CCT Japan Co., Ltd.

[0037] [Example 2] 2. Promotion of hair growth in mice using oil extract from seahorses In this invention, the corn oil extract from seahorses obtained in Example 1 above was applied to C3H / He mice, which have the characteristics of synchronized hair cycles and a relatively long resting phase, and it was evaluated whether this corn oil extract has a hair growth effect that shifts the hair cycle from the resting phase to the growth phase. Specifically, the test was carried out as follows.

[0038] 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 the 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 significance of the 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. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the number of days since the start of the study, and the vertical axis represents 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] [Example 3] 3. Examination of Extraction Solvents - Preparation of Various Solvent Extracts - Examples 1 and 2 described above confirmed that oil extracts from seahorse fish have a hair growth effect. Therefore, in this example, extracts from seahorse fish were prepared using various extraction solvents, and the obtained extracts and their hair growth effects were examined.

[0041] As the fish of the genus **Tatsunootoshigo**, the same fish as that used in Example 1 was used. This raw fish was opened to collect the internal organs, which were homogenized at 4°C using an electric homogenizer, and then 11 g portions were dispensed into weighing dishes. After freezing this at -80°C, it was freeze-dried over 12 hours and pulverized with a mill to obtain a freeze-dried powder of the internal organs of the fish of the genus **Tatsunootoshigo**. Using this, the following extracts were prepared.

[0042] <Preparation of aqueous extract> 22 mL of purified water was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and 2.37 g of the freeze-dried powder of the internal organs of the fish of the genus **Tatsunootoshigo** (an amount corresponding to 11 g in the raw state before drying) was added. Using a stirrer, this mixture was stirred at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the recovered filtrate was obtained as the aqueous extract of the fish of the genus **Tatsunootoshigo**. The dry solid content per 1 mL of the obtained aqueous extract was 85.8 mg (8.58 w / v%). This was dispensed in 700 μL portions into 1.5 mL tubes and stored at -30°C.

[0043] <Preparation of hydroalcoholic extract> 22 mL of 70% ethanol (water content concentration 30%, the same hereinafter) was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and 2.30 g of the freeze-dried powder of the internal organs of the fish of the genus **Tatsunootoshigo** (an amount corresponding to 11 g in the raw state before drying) was added. Using a stirrer, this mixture was stirred at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was allowed to stand to precipitate the solid matter, and the supernatant was separated into a glass bottle and stored at 4°C. Subsequently, 22 mL of 70% ethanol was added to the residue, and this mixture was stirred at 600 rpm at room temperature with a stirrer for 48 hours. After 48 hours, after the mixture was allowed to stand, the supernatant was recovered and added to the previously recovered and stored supernatant, and stored at 4°C. After distilling off the solvent of this solution with N ２ gas, the one obtained by adding 22 mL of 70% ethanol was obtained as the hydroalcoholic extract of the fish of the genus **Tatsunootoshigo**. The dry solid content per 1 mL of the obtained hydroalcoholic extract was 13.6 mg (1.36 w / v%). This was dispensed in 7,00 μL portions into 1.5 mL tubes and stored at -30°C.

[0044] <Preparation of Oil Extract> 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 in its raw state before drying) was added. The mixture was stirred at 600 rpm at room temperature using a stirrer for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the collected filtrate was obtained as the oil extract of seahorse. This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0045] [Example 4] 4. Examination of extraction solvents - Promotion of hair growth in mice using various solvent extracts of seahorse fish - Seven-week-old C3H / Heslc male mice were divided into 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 application test, the body hair of the mice 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 control group, a solution of 50 mL of 99.5% ethanol, 30 mL of Milli-Q water, and 20 mL of propylene glycol was used. For the positive control group, a 1% minoxidil solution was used, prepared by dissolving 100 mg of minoxidil in 10 mL of the solution used in the control group (a solution of 50 mL of 99.5% ethanol, 30 mL of Milli-Q water, and 20 mL of propylene glycol). For the water extract test group, the water extract obtained in Example 3 was used. For the aqueous alcohol extract test group, the aqueous alcohol extract obtained in Example 3 was used. For the oil extract test group, the oil extract obtained in Example 3 was used. 60 μL / day of each solution was applied once daily to the shaved area of ​​each mouse for 21 days. 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 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 study. The horizontal axis of the graph represents the number of days since the start of the study, and the vertical axis represents the hair growth score. Figure 4 shows the hair growth scores for each test group, positive control group, and control group at 17 days from the start of the study (significance evaluation by Dunnett test).

[0046] According to these results, excellent hair growth effects were observed for all of the water extract, hydroalcoholic extract, and oil extract, as compared to the control. Among these, the water extract using water as the extraction solvent and the oil extract using corn oil as the extraction solvent showed hair growth effects superior to those of the 1% minoxidil solution, which is the positive control. From this, it was shown that water or liquid oil is preferable as the extraction solvent for obtaining an extract of the genus Hippocampus with an excellent hair growth effect.

[0047] [Example 5] 5. Examination of the fish species of the genus Hippocampus - Preparation of an extract of the Australian seahorse - In the following examples, it was examined whether similar hair growth effects could be observed for other types of fish of the genus Hippocampus.

[0048] In this example, cultured Australian seahorses (Hippocampus abdominalis) were obtained as fish of the genus Hippocampus, and extracts were obtained using these. Australian seahorses are known as large fish of the genus Hippocampus that can reach a maximum total length of 35 cm. The raw Australian seahorses were processed and divided into internal organs and the trunk, and each was homogenized at 4°C using an electric homogenizer, and then 11 g portions were taken and placed in weighing dishes. After freezing this at -80°C, it was freeze-dried over 12 hours and pulverized with a mill to obtain freeze-dried powder of the internal organs of the Australian seahorse and freeze-dried powder of the trunk of the Australian seahorse, respectively. Using these, the following extracts were prepared.

[0049] <Preparation of the oil extract of the internal organs of the Australian seahorse> 22 mL of corn oil was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, and an amount corresponding to 11 g in the raw state before drying of the freeze-dried powder of the internal organs of the Australian seahorse was added. Using a stirrer, this mixture was stirred 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 internal organs of the Australian seahorse. This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes at 700 μL each and stored at -30°C.

[0050] <Preparation of Tasmanian Pony Trunk Oil Extract> 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 at 600 rpm at room temperature for 24 hours using a stirrer. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through gauze, and the collected filtrate was obtained as the Tasmanian pony trunk oil extract. This was dispensed into 1.5 mL tubes in 700 μL portions and stored at -30°C.

[0051] [Example 6] 6. Examination of seahorse species - Promoting hair growth in mice with 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 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, Milli-Q water: 30 mL, and propylene glycol: 20 mL was used, and 60 μL / day was applied once a day 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 test).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 extract or powder of a fish of the genus Euphyllia.

2. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the extract of the seahorse is an internal organ extract.

3. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the extract of the seahorse is a trunk extract.

4. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the extraction solvent for the extract of the seahorse is at least one selected from the group consisting of water, oily components that are liquid at room temperature, alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

5. The hair growth agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the extraction solvent for the extract of the seahorse is water or vegetable oil.

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

7. An external composition characterized by containing an effective amount of the hair growth agent described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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