As we get older, grey hair often becomes a natural part of the journey. However, many individuals take significant measures to maintain their original hair color. From dyes and highlights to sun protection, numerous methods are employed to combat this inevitable change.
Recent research suggests that an antioxidant found in vegetables may help slow down the greying process. A team from Nagoya University in Japan, led by Masashi Kato and Takumi Kagawa, has identified luteolin—an antioxidant present in popular vegetables such as celery, broccoli, carrots, onions, and peppers—as a promising candidate for combating grey hair.
Many of these vegetables can be easily found for under £1 at local supermarkets; for instance, a bag of carrots at Tesco is currently priced at just 69p. The study examined three antioxidants—luteolin, hesperetin, and diosmetin—to evaluate their effects on greying in mice genetically modified to develop grey fur similar to humans.
The findings revealed that mice treated with luteolin retained their black fur, while their counterparts’ fur turned grey. This effect was consistent whether luteolin was applied externally or ingested, as reported by the Mirror.
The research, available here, was conducted in late 2024 but continues to offer insights for those eager to maintain their hair color as they age. Professor Kato remarked, “This result was unexpected. While we anticipated that antioxidants might possess anti-greying qualities, only luteolin, not hesperetin or diosmetin, showed significant effects. This suggests that luteolin may have a unique medicinal role in preventing greying.”
The efficacy of luteolin in preventing greying is closely linked to its impact on endothelins—proteins essential for intercellular communication. The study found that treatments with luteolin preserved both the expression of endothelins and their receptors.
This preservation upholds vital signaling pathways, which helps sustain the function of melanocytes, the cells responsible for hair pigmentation, that typically decline with the onset of greying. Prof Kato observed, “Interestingly, luteolin displayed minimal effects on hair cycles, indicating that its main influence is on pigmentation rather than growth or shedding.”
“This targeted action positions luteolin as a particularly intriguing option for addressing age-related hair greying,” he added.
The researchers emphasized that the parallels between how hair greys in laboratory mice and humans provide promising avenues for further exploration of these findings in human applications. Beyond vegetables, luteolin is now available as a supplement for both topical use and oral consumption, making it a plausible candidate for developing anti-greying solutions.
As investigations continue, this antioxidant may become a crucial ingredient in hair care products designed to postpone the emergence of silver strands as we age.
The implications could extend beyond hair greying, potentially influencing other aspects of aging. Dr. Kagawa noted, “It would be fascinating to explore whether luteolin’s anti-aging properties could also be relevant to other age-related issues, such as balding.”
In conclusion, the discovery of luteolin’s impact on greying hair opens up exciting possibilities in the field of hair care and aging. Its potential to delay this common sign of aging may encourage more people to explore natural options for maintaining their youthful appearance.
