Name Ingredients:
Lactobacillus plantarum is a type of lactic acid bacteria commonly found in fermented foods. It increases the production of various hair growth factors, including VEGF, KGF, and IGF-1. L.plantarum is sold by itself and as an ingredient in probiotics that claim to promote hair growth.
Key insights:
- The in vitro evidence suggests that L.plantarum can increase mitochondrial activity and hair follicle cell growth. Its hydrolysates also increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
- The clinical evidence shows that L.plantarum can improve hair loss in individuals defined as having hair loss or thinning hair.
- One study showed that taking L. Plantarum orally for 12 weeks significantly increased hair root diameter and improved hair fall and scalp redness compared to a placebo group.
- Another study found that daily topical application of L.plantarum over 24 weeks did not improve hair density compared to a placebo. However, a further analysis conducted on participants with a relatively mild progression of thinning hair showed significantly better hair density than the placebo, indicating a potentially positive outcome on hair growth.
Additional links:
- Lactobacillus plantarum: Evidence Quality (Rubric)
- Effect of applying Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum N793 to the scalps of men and women with thinning hair: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study
- Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI999 Probiotic Promoted Hair Growth and Regulated Gut Microbiome: Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial