Khaberni - A team of researchers has developed a treatment that uses stem cells derived from rose bushes to reactivate the growth of human hair in its original color, potentially changing the way grey hair is treated.
This technique relies on extracting stem cells from the roots and leaves of the Damask rose bush. These cells are treated with chemicals to stimulate them to produce tiny particles called "exosomes", which are nanobubbles rich in proteins and genetic material that repair damaged cells. These "exosomes" are injected into the scalp to rejuvenate the melanin cells, which are responsible for hair color. (Humans lose their hair color when melanin cells stop functioning, usually due to aging or stress. As plant stem cells are easy to obtain and safe, they can be used instead of human stem cells, bypassing ethical concerns related to embryos).
An international study involving researchers from Thailand, Greece, and Brazil showed that six out of ten people with grey hair regained at least half of their hair color after four or five treatment sessions using rose stem cells. Volunteers underwent injections of "exosomes" into their scalp using micro-needles over several months, with significant improvement in hair color and no side effects.
However, it is not yet clear whether the results are long-term or whether the treatment needs to be repeated regularly, due to the short duration of the study.
Dr. Christos Tziotzios, a consultant dermatologist in London, said: "The idea of stimulating pigment production in the scalp in this manner is scientifically possible, but it is still in its early stages." He warns against rushing to conclude its long-term effectiveness, explaining: "We still need more studies to determine the durability of these results, and whether the treatment needs to be repeated regularly."
Experts confirm that genes play an important role in the appearance of grey hair, with about 90% of people developing partially or fully grey hair by the age of sixty. However, stress can accelerate color loss, although hair usually changes gradually.
It is worth noting that plant "exosomes" are widely used in cosmetic dermatology to stimulate skin cell renewal, aid in wound healing, and reduce scarring.
