The essential oils of Chamaecyparis obtusa promote hair growth

Fitoterapia. 2009 Jul 1.
The essential oils of Chamaecyparis obtusa promote hair growth through the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor gene.
Lee GS, Hong EJ, Gwak KS, Park MJ, Choi KC, Choi IG, Jeung EB.

Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763 Republic of Korea.

Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa) is a conifer in the cypress family Cupressaceae, native to northeast Asia. The essential oils of C. obtusa have antibacterial and antifungal effects and several products such as hygienic bands, aromatics, and shampoos contain these oils as a natural source of antimicrobial/antifungal agents. Interestingly, some consumers suffering from baldness and/or other forms of hair loss have reported a hair growth promoting effect of shampoos containing these oils. In the present study, the hair growth promoting effect of C. obtusa oils was elucidated in an animal model. C. obtusa oils promoted the early phase of hair growth in shaved mice. In addition, we examined the molecular effect of C. obtuse oils on the regulation of hair morphogenesis and hair growth using the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. In current study of hair growth regulating genes, the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) have been analyzed by real-time PCR in HaCaT cells. The essential oils of C. obtusa were divided into seven fractions for treatment of HaCaT cells. VEGF transcripts were induced by fraction 6 and 7; however, TGFbeta1 and KGF mRNAs levels were unchanged by C. obtusa oils or fractions. Fraction 7 was separated into seven sub-fractions and studied further. Sub-fractions E and D significantly increased VEGF and KGF gene expression without up-regulating the hair growth inhibition factor, TGFbeta. The components of the two sub-fractions were further analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Cuminol, eucarvone, and calamenene were common to these two sub-fractions, although the effects of these individual components were not determined. Taken together, these results suggest that C. obtusa oils promote hair growth in an animal model and a positive regulator of hair growth, VEGF, was induced by particular components of these oils.

I'm always amazed when I read about yet another herb/mineral etc. that has potential to grow hair. Only 20 years ago it was generally accepted, in Western society at least, that when you started losing hair it was a non-stop progression to baldness, with nothing to be done about it.

Great stuff CS.

ataman - Yeah, it's a amazing how far we've come since the dark ages of Rogaine and before!

I found a site that sells this oil, so one could easily add this to their natural shampoo.

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/hinoki-wood-essential-oil-p-1587.html

Not heard of this one before, but i'm currently using a few drops of Rosemary, TTO, Lavender, Cederwood,and Peppermint mixed with my shampoo, rotating two essential oils at a time, 1 or 2 drops each. Scalp is in great condition, just wish I wasn't poor so I could add this, but I shall give it a go when i'm flush with cash again.