X-Message-Number: 24181
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 12:54:49 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: human placental extract rejuvenates hair and skin

Int J Dermatol. 2002 Nov;41(11):760-7. Related Articles, Links
    A human placental extract: in vivo and in vitro assessments of its
melanocyte growth and pigment-inducing activities.
    BACKGROUND: The authenticity of various prototype human placental
extracts with biological activity, such as that inducing vitiligo
repigmentation, is under serious criticism, mainly due to a lack of
demonstration at the cellular level. Considering the present worldwide
scenario with regard to the occurrence and treatment of vitiligo, a
thorough scientific exploration of such extracts should be undertaken.
METHOD: One such prototype placental preparation was prepared, and was
evaluated with regard to its melanogenic action in C57BL/6J mice in vivo
and its mitogenic and melanogenic activity on B16F10 mouse melanoma
cells and normal human melanocytes in vitro. The extract was applied
topically to mice with age-induced prolonged telogenic phase of hair
growth (grey body coat hair). Standard 3H-thymidine incorporation and
spectrophotometric methods were followed to illustrate mitogenic and
melanogenic effects at the cellular level. RESULTS: The resurgence of
blue skin, followed by shiny black hair, at the regions of application
of the extract demonstrated the reversal of the age-induced prolonged
telogenic phase of hair growth to the anagenic phase after topical
application of the extract on C57BL/6J mice. Further support was
obtained from histology where, at the extract-treated sites, the
development of new melanogenic centers and hair follicles was observed.
During in vitro studies, the vehicle-free extract constituents
stimulated both mitogenesis and melanogenesis of B16F10 mouse melanoma
cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cell morphology and
extent of melanogenesis also showed significant changes. In addition,
two known melanocyte activity-modulating peptides, endothelin-1 (ET-1)
and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), were determined in the extract,
chiefly in the total lipid fraction, indicating their effective
cutaneous permeation. CONCLUSIONS: The extract was found to be a potent
mitogen in the in vitro condition and a potent melanogen in both the in
vitro and in vivo situations. This strongly suggests its therapeutic
potential for the repigmentation of vitiligo patches.

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