Anti-hair loss and hair care properties from tropical halophyte, seablite (Suaeda maritima) root extract

Suaeda maritima root is acknowledged in Thai traditional medicine as prevention of hair loss and maintaining of hair colour. Nevertheless, there is a lack of scientific finding that has elucidating its possible applications in the realms of hair treatment. Our objectives of this study were to screen the active components contained in root extract; to assess its in vitro biological properties for prevention of hair loss and hair care. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC) and total saponins (TSC) contained in Suaeda maritima root extract (SMRE) were 13.26±0.21 mg GAE/g, 67.41±0.27 mg QE/g, 92.34±2.56 mg TE/g and 364.67±2.97 mg TS/g, respectively. SMRE was strongly inhibited the albumin degradation (IC₅₀ = 0.81±0.03 mg/ml) and the NO releasing from LPS-induced macrophage at 0.1 mg/ml (20.5±2.8%). However, SMRE was lack of anti-fungal activity against C. albicans and M. furfur when used of Kirby-Bauer method. SMRE (100 μg/ml) and dutasteride (10 μg/ml) were inhibited 19.71±0.48 and 51.91±3.35% of DNA intensity of 5α-reductase, respectively and implied less cytotoxicity. In conclusion, the use of S. maritima root as ingredient of hair cleansing and hair care products was considered by high content of saponins, antioxidant content and activity, and hair growth promotion.