Roses may help restore natural colour to grey hair

A small study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that exosomes made from Damask rose stem cells were injected into scalps and that six out of ten participants saw pigment return to at least half their hair after four to five treatments; researchers describe the findings as preliminary and say longer, larger studies are needed.

New research reports the use of stem cells from Damask rose bushes to produce exosomes that were injected into human scalps with the aim of restoring hair pigment. Volunteers received four to five microinjection treatments over several months. The treatment is intended to regenerate melanocytes, the skin cells that produce hair colour. Researchers from Thailand, Greece and Brazil published the results in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Key findings: - The study reported that six out of ten participants experienced a return of colour to at least half of their hair after four or five treatments. - Exosomes were obtained from stem cells taken from the roots and leaves of the Damask rose and were injected into the scalp using microjabs. - Most participants showed improvement and no side-effects were reported during the study period. - The study did not determine how long any colour restoration lasts or whether repeat treatments would be required. - The researchers noted plant stem cells are used in part to avoid ethical concerns associated with some human stem cell sources. Summary: The reported results suggest a plant-derived exosome approach may stimulate pigment production in the scalp, but these findings are preliminary. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and to establish how durable any change in hair colour might be. Undetermined at this time.