February 20, 2025, 2:12 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Gray hair is considered a sign of aging — a fact that many people would like to delay or conceal. But are there ways to stop the graying process? A recent study shows that although it cannot be stopped completely, it can be reduced. The right diet or application of a certain flavonoid probably plays a central role in this.
Some find their first gray hair in their twenties, others only decades later. But no matter when the time comes, many people are likely to be rather unhappy about it. The most obvious solution is to retouch the grey with a hair dye. However, according to a new study, this is not the only option — it may be possible to slow down or reduce graying hair. And with a very specific ingredient that can often be found in vegetables — at least that’s the finding of a recent study.
Overview
Flavonoid with Antioxidant Properties
The ingredient under study is the antioxidant luteolin, which can be found in vegetables such as celery, parsley, thyme, and artichokes. But why exactly was the focus on this plant substance? With increasing age, the expression of endothelins decreases. These are peptides that act as growth factors for melanocytic stem cells, i.e., cells that are responsible for producing the hair pigment melanin. At the same time, the quantity of the corresponding receptors in the melanocytic stem cells decreases. This process ultimately leads to a decrease in the pigment-forming cells and the hair turning gray.
As luteolin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, researchers wanted to find out whether it can stop or slow down this process. In addition to luteolin, flavonoids similar to hesperetin and diosmetin were also tested.1
Studies Could Reduce Graying Hair on Mice
The studies were carried out with genetically modified mice that turn grey with increasing age. The animals were divided into random groups to compare the effects of luteolin with those of hesperetin and diosmetin.
One group of mice received external treatment with luteolin by applying a one percent luteolin solution to the skin daily for 16 weeks. A second group received luteolin in the same dosage as a dietary supplement. In parallel, control groups were treated with hesperetin or diosmetin.
To evaluate the effects of the treatment, the scientists employed various analytical methods. An immunohistochemical method was used to examine how the stem cells in the hair follicles changed. The gene expression of relevant markers such as endothelins and the so-called age marker p16INK4A was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the proportion of gray hairs in the different groups was determined.
Luteolin Applications Reduce Graying of the Hair
The results showed that luteolin was able to significantly reduce the graying process in the mice. External application, in particular, led to a significant reduction in gray hair. The proportion of senescent stem cells (p16INK4A-positive cells) was lower in the hair follicles of the treated mice, while the signal transmission between the melanocytic and keratinocyte stem cells was improved. As a result, pigment production was maintained for longer.
Internal application of luteolin also demonstrated a protective effect, though not as pronounced as the external application. Hesperetin and diosmetin, on the other hand, had no effect on hair graying, although their chemical structures are similar to those of luteolin.
In addition, the researchers tested the influence of oxidative stress on hair graying. Mice subjected to an oxidative stressor turned gray more rapidly than their untreated counterparts. However, if luteolin was administered at the same time, this process was attenuated. This suggests that oxidative stress plays a role in hair graying and that luteolin can reduce this.
What Is the Significance of the Results?
This study provides initial evidence that luteolin could potentially be used as a means of preventing hair graying. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the mechanisms of action in mice are similar to those in humans.
If future studies on humans confirm the results, luteolin could possibly be used in cosmetic or medical products to prevent gray hair.
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Contextualizing the Study
Although the results are promising, there are some limitations. The study was conducted exclusively on mice, so it is unclear whether luteolin would have the same effect in humans. In addition, the question remains as to why luteolin showed an effect in contrast to hesperetin and diosmetin, although the chemical structures are similar.
Another practical problem could be the color of luteolin. The yellowish plant substance could change the external appearance of the hair if it is applied directly to the scalp. This could make it difficult for humans to use.
In addition, long-term effects and possible side effects have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Ensuring safe use in humans necessitates further research, particularly regarding the appropriate concentrations for topical and oral applications.