Pharmactive Biotech Products is making waves in the beauty-from-within market with the debut of its new nutricosmetic, Kyoh. This innovative product, featuring pure Eruca sativa rocket leaf extract, aims to support hair follicle health and will be showcased at Vitafoods Europe, happening from May 5 to 7 in Barcelona, Spain.
Recent preclinical studies highlight how the flavanol-rich compounds found in this common salad green can promote hair thickness and growth. Pharmactive suggests an initial daily dosage of 300 mg, followed by a maintenance dose of 100 mg.
Traditionally, rocket seed oil has been used in South Asia as a hair tonic. The dark green leaves are known as “nutrient-dense powerhouses,” abundant in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Pharmactive has seen promising results from preliminary studies examining Kyoh’s role as an oral agent for hair support. For instance, one recent laboratory trial revealed the extract’s capability to stimulate dermal papilla cell activity and influence the genes linked to hair follicle health.
“Eruca sativa is rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and glucosinolates, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects,” explains Marina Diez-Municio, head of R&D and QC at Pharmactive.
“These compounds have been linked to positive effects on hair biology, including protection against oxidative stress and modulation of pathways involved in hair follicle function. We’re just beginning to uncover this potential,” she added.
“Rocket fuel” for hair follicles
Kyoh is standardized to contain over 1.5% erucosides, a specific group of active compounds found in rocket varieties. This ingredient is notably the only Brassicaceae-derived extract that is backed by dedicated scientific research demonstrating its efficacy in promoting hair growth.
These active compounds are analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography to verify a total content of 1.5–3.0% flavonol glycosides, primarily including quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. This ensures consistent quality and reproducibility across batches.
Pharmactive underscores that these active ingredients are likely responsible for the stimulating effects on hair follicle cell growth.
A study published in the journal Molecules showcases some mechanisms through which the flavanol-rich extract may influence critical cellular processes linked to hair follicle functionality. In this study, Kyoh was tested on cultured human dermal papilla cells, which are crucial in regulating hair growth. The extract demonstrated the ability to modulate gene activity associated with hair growth and follicle cycling, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
VEGF plays a pivotal role in stimulating the blood vessels that provide oxygen and essential nutrients to the scalp.
The experiment resulted in the activation of growth factor “FGF7,” a protein important for the proliferation of keratinocytes, which are essential for producing keratin—the primary component of hair. Moreover, an antioxidant regulator, NRF2, was activated, enhancing the cells’ resistance to oxidative stress. FGF7 also signals hair follicles to initiate a new growth cycle.
Future clinical research
A clinical trial demonstrating the positive effects of Kyoh on hair integrity is expected to be published later this year.
“These preliminary results suggest that Kyoh may enhance hair growth through various synergistic mechanisms, including protection against oxidative stress, which adversely affects hair growth by damaging follicle cells,” Diez adds.
Statistics indicate that around 50% of women and 70% of men face hair thinning during midlife, particularly at the crown. Pharmactive notes that even younger individuals are actively seeking natural ways to prevent hair loss or improve hair thickness and appearance.
Pharmactive sources its raw materials from European farmers, enabling closer oversight of quality and consistency in the supply chain. Kyoh is non-GMO and non-irradiated, aligning with contemporary expectations for naturally derived ingredients.
“Kyoh was developed in response to the growing interest in hair health, particularly within the beauty-from-within segment, where more specialized solutions are emerging,” explains Carlos Rodriguez, communications manager for Pharmactive.
“Instead of a generic approach, we focused specifically on hair follicles. Kyoh is crafted as a nutricosmetic ingredient that offers a more targeted form of hair care, delivering natural support derived from botanicals through a rigorously defined composition.”
In other news, Pharmactive Biotech Products has received individual license approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for its flagship saffron extract, Affron. This recognition enables the ingredient to make scientifically supported claims regarding stress relief, making it the only one to receive such approval in the country.
