Effects of Food Containing Pine Bark Extract on Scalp Condition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

Abstract

Background: Supporting a healthy scalp environment by properly moisturizing the scalp is important for maintaining quality of life. Pine bark extract has been reported to improve blood flow, and it is expected that improved skin blood flow contributes to maintaining scalp moisture. However, clinical studies evaluating the effects of pine bark extract on human scalp conditions are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a food containing pine bark extract on human scalp conditions. Methods : A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of pine bark extract on scalp conditions in healthy participants. Eighty healthy men and women were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. The active food group consumed a supplement containing pine bark extract (2.4 mg/day of procyanidins B1 and B3) for 12 weeks, while the placebo food group consumed a supplement without the extract for the same period. The primary endpoint measure was scalp transepidermal water loss. Secondary endpoint measures included scalp firmness and subjective questionnaire results. Results: At the end of the supplementation period, the active food group showed a statistically significant lower transepidermal water loss value compared to the placebo food group (P < 0.05). No adverse events related to the supplement were observed during the study period. Conclusions: These results suggest that taking food containing pine bark extract may have a positive effect on scalp moisture.