Ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd Regulate Proliferation of Mature Keratinocytes Through Induction of p63 Expression in Hair Follicles.

Phytother Res. 2012 Sep 25. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4828. [Epub ahead of print]
Ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd Regulate Proliferation of Mature Keratinocytes Through Induction of p63 Expression in Hair Follicles.
Li Z, Li JJ, Gu LJ, Zhang DL, Wang YB, Sung CK.

Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, South Korea.

Ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd are the two main types of ginsenosides in Panax ginseng and have been used as an additive to against alopecia. However, the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. To determine how ginsenosides prevent hair loss, we topically applied protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd over the shaved skin of B57CL/6 mice, and monitored and assessed them for 35 days. We then investigated the effects of ginsenosides on cell genesis in different phases of adult hair follicles (HFs), using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine as a marker for dividing cells. Moreover, p63, a specific marker and a major regulator of keratinocyte progenitor cells of the multi-layered epithelia, was detected in epidermis. Results indicated that treatment with ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd increased cell proliferation in both anagen and telogen of HFs. However, it had no significant effect on the survival of cells in the bulge and upper follicle region. Investigation of p63 demonstrated that up-regulation of p63 expression in the matrix and outer root sheath might be one of the mechanisms by which ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd promote cell proliferation in HFs. Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which ginsenoside promotes hair growth through p63 induction in follicular keratinocytes and indicates that ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd might be developed as a therapeutic agent for the prevention of hair loss.

who conducts all these obscure studies? Where did they even come up with an idea to for this specific study and why was this important?

CausticSymmetry wrote:

Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, South Korea.

That would be the who.

CausticSymmetry wrote:
Ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd are the two main types of ginsenosides in Panax ginseng and have been used as an additive to against alopecia. However, the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. To determine how ginsenosides prevent hair loss

This is where they came up with the idea.

CausticSymmetry wrote:
Results indicated that treatment with ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd increased cell proliferation in both anagen and telogen of HFs.

This and this

CausticSymmetry wrote:
Our study reveals a novel mechanism by which ginsenoside promotes hair growth through p63 induction in follicular keratinocytes and indicates that ginsenosides Rb(1) and Rd might be developed as a therapeutic agent for the prevention of hair loss.

are why it's important.

I will add that there was a previous study related to this:

https://immortalhair.forumotion.com/t5467-effects-of-ginseng-rhizome-and-ginsenoside-ro-on-testosterone-5945-reductase-and-hair-re-growth-in-testosterone-treated-mice

CS, this is probably a difficult question to answer, but what is the likelihood that this, or anything else, will work orally if it works topically?

I already tried this approach, and also had received some feedback about it. The results were mixed. I can't say that anyone noticed anything significant or even at all. Also, anyone I know who tried it, used it along with other things.

Some reported that after a period it would increase irritability or anxiousness, so as an "adaptagen," it's not exactly that for everyone. I found it to provide an extra boost of energy, however after a period it did seem to increase the tendency for a revved up sense of being.

Based on the research, it is most likely due to its dopaminergic activity. If your prolactin and dopamine levels are normal, it's not likely to benefit. However, if one has ADHD like tendencies, it maybe useful since this in theory reduce an anxious feeling and promote calmness.