Eggshell Membrane (Ovoderm^®-AS) Promotes Hair Growth via Upregulation of Growth Factors and Wnt/β-Catenin-Related...

This study investigated the effect of oral eggshell membrane (ESM) administration on hair health using an in vivo model. C57BL/6N mice were orally administered ESM at different doses for 6 weeks to assess hair growth. ESM treatment increased hair regrowth index and anagen/total ratio and improved hair length, diameter, weight, and density. Scanning electron microscopy revealed reduced hair damage in the ESM groups. At the gene level, ESM upregulated the mRNA expression of hair growth-promoting factors (insulin-like growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor-7), the Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related genes (Wnt family member 10b and catenin beta 1), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and extracellular matrix production-related factors (Has1, Has2, and Has3), while downregulating the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 beta. These findings suggest that ESM alleviates oxidative stress and promotes hair growth in vivo by modulating growth factors. Wnt/β-catenin signaling, antioxidant defense, and ECM-related pathways, highlighting its potential as a nutritional supplement for hair and scalp health.