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pea sprout

Also known as: Pea sprout, Pea shoot extract, Pea sprout extract, Pisum sativum L. sprout extract

Overview

Pea sprout extract is derived from the young shoots or seedlings of the pea plant, *Pisum sativum* L. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as peptides, flavonoids, and growth factors. Primarily utilized as a dietary supplement, its main application is to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, particularly in individuals experiencing excessive hair shedding. The extract is believed to stimulate hair follicle activity and modulate gene expression related to hair growth. While research on pea sprout extract is emerging, with some clinical studies and pilot trials, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses are limited. The current quality of evidence is moderate, indicating a need for more extensive, well-powered studies to confirm its efficacy and establish standardized usage guidelines. It is often classified under botanical extracts or nutraceuticals due to its plant-derived nature and health-promoting properties.

Benefits

The primary documented benefit of pea sprout extract is its potential to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss in individuals experiencing excessive shedding. A pilot clinical evaluation indicated that pea sprout extract may safely promote hair growth by influencing gene expression related to hair follicle function. Specifically, it has been shown to upregulate fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), a key protein involved in hair follicle development and cycling. While secondary benefits are not well-established due to limited research, pea extracts generally possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially contribute to overall scalp health. The observed effect sizes in the available clinical trial were promising, with benefits typically observed over several weeks of supplementation. However, it's important to note that these findings are based on a pilot study with a limited sample size, meaning further validation through larger, more robust studies is required to confirm clinical significance and widespread applicability.

How it works

Pea sprout extract primarily acts by modulating gene expression within hair follicles, notably increasing the expression of fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7). FGF7 is a crucial signaling protein that plays a vital role in hair follicle development, growth, and cycling. By upregulating FGF7, the extract is thought to stimulate hair follicle cells, promoting their proliferation and extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Additionally, the bioactive peptides and phytochemicals present in the extract may exert antioxidant effects, protecting hair follicles from oxidative stress, and interact with other cellular pathways to reduce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in hair follicle cells. While the exact absorption and bioavailability specifics are not fully documented, oral administration is the common route used in clinical studies, suggesting systemic action.

Side effects

Pea sprout extract is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical studies to date. The available literature indicates that common side effects are rare or have not been documented. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications associated with its use. However, it is important to note that specific populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, have not been specifically studied. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult their doctor to ensure there are no unforeseen risks or interactions, although current research does not highlight any specific concerns.

Dosage

Clinical studies on pea sprout extract have primarily utilized oral supplementation, though exact dosing can vary. One pilot study that demonstrated efficacy used a standardized extract administered consistently over several weeks. Due to the limited research, the minimum effective dose and the maximum safe dose are not yet well-established. For optimal results, consistent daily intake over a period of several weeks is typically necessary to observe noticeable effects on hair growth, aligning with the natural hair growth cycle. There are no specific cofactors or absorption enhancers that have been identified as necessary for its efficacy. Users should adhere to the dosage recommendations provided by the manufacturer of specific pea sprout extract products, and ideally, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially given the nascent stage of research on precise dosing guidelines.

FAQs

Is pea sprout extract effective for hair loss?

Preliminary evidence suggests it may reduce hair shedding and promote growth, but larger, more robust randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy definitively.

Is pea sprout extract safe to use?

Yes, current data from clinical studies indicate a good safety profile with minimal to no reported side effects. No known drug interactions have been documented.

How long does it take to see results from pea sprout extract?

Several weeks of consistent daily use are typically required to observe noticeable effects on hair growth, aligning with the natural hair growth cycle.

Can pea sprout extract be combined with other hair loss treatments?

There are no reported contraindications for combining pea sprout extract with other treatments, but clinical evidence on such combinations is currently lacking.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31680356/ – This pilot clinical study investigated the effects of oral pea sprout extract on adults experiencing excessive hair shedding. The findings indicated that the extract increased hair growth and reduced shedding, likely through the upregulation of FGF7 gene expression. While promising, the study's limitations include a small sample size and short duration, suggesting the need for larger, more comprehensive research.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/13/2527 – This comprehensive review summarizes the chemical composition and various health effects of pea (*Pisum sativum* L.) and its derivatives. It highlights the antioxidant properties and potential hair growth-promoting attributes of pea sprout extracts, emphasizing the need for more focused and rigorous clinical trials to substantiate these effects.