Tesco's 69p Vegetable Could Halt Grey Hair, Japanese Study Reveals
While the emergence of grey hair is often viewed as an inevitable hallmark of ageing, countless individuals invest significant effort and resources into combating this natural shift in pigmentation. From chemical hair dyes and strategic highlights to meticulous sun protection routines, the battle against silver strands is a multi-billion pound global industry. However, groundbreaking scientific research now suggests a remarkably simple and affordable solution may be found in the produce aisle of your local supermarket.
The Antioxidant Breakthrough in Hair Pigmentation
A dedicated research team from Nagoya University in Japan, spearheaded by Professors Masashi Kato and Takumi Kagawa, has identified a specific antioxidant with the potential to actively "suppress" the biological greying process. Their focus centred on luteolin, a natural compound abundantly present in common vegetables such as celery, broccoli, carrots, onions, and various peppers. Intriguingly, many of these luteolin-rich foods are readily available for less than £1 at major UK supermarkets. For instance, a standard bag of carrots is currently priced at just 69p at Tesco, making this potential anti-grey agent both accessible and economical.
Compelling Evidence from Laboratory Studies
The Japanese study, conducted in late 2024 and whose findings remain highly pertinent, involved a meticulous examination of three distinct antioxidants: luteolin, hesperetin, and diosmetin. Researchers evaluated their effects on specially bred mice that experience hair greying in a manner analogous to humans. The results were striking and unexpectedly specific. Mice that received luteolin treatments maintained their original black fur coloration, even as their untreated cage mates progressively turned grey. This anti-greying effect was consistently observed whether the luteolin was administered externally or consumed internally.
Professor Kato expressed clear astonishment at the outcome, stating, "This result was surprising. While we expected that antioxidants may also have anti-greying effects, only luteolin, not hesperetin or diosmetin, demonstrated significant effects. This finding suggests that luteolin may have a unique medicinal effect that prevents greying."
The Science Behind Luteolin's Targeted Action
The mechanism by which luteolin combats greying is intricately linked to its influence on endothelins, which are proteins crucial for effective cell-to-cell communication within hair follicles. The research revealed that luteolin treatments successfully maintained the expression of these endothelins and their corresponding receptors. This maintenance supports vital cellular signalling pathways, effectively halting the decline in melanocyte function that typically leads to loss of pigment and the emergence of grey hair.
Professor Kato further clarified the compound's targeted nature, noting, "Interestingly, luteolin had limited effects on hair cycles, indicating that its primary impact is on pigmentation rather than hair growth or shedding." This precise action makes luteolin an exceptionally intriguing candidate for developing treatments focused specifically on age-related hair greying, without interfering with other follicular processes.
Future Implications and Practical Applications
The researchers emphasise that the strong parallels between the greying process in the test mice and in humans provide promising potential for adapting these discoveries for practical human use. Beyond dietary intake from vegetables, luteolin is already commercially available as a supplement for both topical application and oral consumption, positioning it as a viable option for further development into dedicated anti-greying remedies.
As scientific investigations continue, this potent antioxidant may well become a cornerstone ingredient in future hair care formulations designed to help individuals retain their natural hair colour as they age. The implications of the research could extend even further. Dr. Kagawa remarked on the potential for broader applications, saying, "It would be interesting to investigate whether luteolin's anti-aging effects could also be applicable to other age-related changes, including balding."
This study not only illuminates a simple, diet-based approach to managing a common aesthetic concern but also opens new avenues in the scientific understanding of ageing and pigment biology, all rooted in an affordable vegetable costing less than 70 pence.
