Formulations for Melanocyte Function in Hair Follicles
4 patents in this list
Updated:
Melanocyte function in hair follicles involves complex cellular interactions that determine hair pigmentation. When melanocyte stem cells (MeSCs) become depleted or dysfunctional, it leads to progressive loss of hair pigmentation - with measurements showing that a 10-20% reduction in active melanocytes can trigger visible graying. These cellular changes are influenced by both intrinsic aging processes and external stressors, including oxidative damage and sympathetic nervous system activation.
The central challenge lies in maintaining melanocyte stem cell populations while promoting proper differentiation and melanin production without triggering premature exhaustion of the stem cell pool.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including targeted compounds like 2-O-feruloyl-L-malic acid that induce R-spondin1 production, adrenergic receptor modulation to prevent MeSC hyperproliferation, and traditional herbal formulations that support melanocyte function through multiple pathways. These and other approaches focus on practical interventions that can be incorporated into hair care products while addressing the underlying cellular mechanisms of pigmentation.
1. Inhibition of Melanocyte Stem Cell Hyperproliferation via Adrenergic Receptor Blockade
PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, 2023
Reducing hair greying by inhibiting melanocyte stem cell (MeSC) hyperproliferation to prevent premature graying of hair. The methods involve blocking melanocyte stem cell proliferation, such as by inhibiting adrenergic receptors like beta2 adrenergic receptors, to preserve melanocyte stem cells and prevent their excessive proliferation that leads to hair greying. Agents like beta blockers can be used to inhibit adrenergic receptors. The methods also include inhibiting secretion of norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter that triggers MeSC hyperproliferation. This can be achieved by reducing sympathetic nerve activity.
2. Herbal Shampoo Composition with Chinese Medicinal Ingredients Including Tangerine Peel, Salvia Miltiorrhiza, and Oolong Tea
GUANGXI RUJIN IND CO LTD, 2022
Herbal shampoo to prevent premature graying of hair and promote hair health and blackness. The shampoo contains specific Chinese herbal medicines like tangerine peel, Salvia miltiorrhiza, oolong tea, cinnamon, Chuanxiong, Huoxiang, and cloves. These herbs are soaked, scoured, filtered, and compounded to create the shampoo. The herbal composition promotes hair growth, melanin production, blood circulation, and prevents white hair.
3. Anti-Hair Graying Agent Comprising Aminocyclohexane Derivatives
SHISEIDO COMPANY LTD, 2008
An anti-hair graying agent containing aminocyclohexane derivatives like N,N-dimethylaminocyclohexanecarboxylate as the active ingredient to prevent hair graying. The compound stimulates melanocyte proliferation and migration, leading to increased melanin production and hair color. The agent can be formulated into hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and tonics.
4. Composition Containing Cyclic Nucleotide Derivative Salt and Surfactant with Specific HLB Range
LION CORP, 1995
Composition to prevent graying of hair and restore grayed hair to its natural color. The composition contains a salt of a specific cyclic nucleotide derivative and a surfactant. The cyclic nucleotide derivative is adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate or a derivative thereof. It improves absorption of the compound through the scalp. The surfactant is a nonionic or anionic type with a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 3-19. The composition prevents graying by activating melanocytes in the hair root to produce melanin and restores grayed hair by promoting melanin synthesis.
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