Hair Loss Solution: Beehive Compound Propolis

A substance from honeybee hives called propolis, which bees use to repair their hives, can very well be the answer to hair loss. A new study conducted in Japan found that propolis can boost hair growth.

Less known than honey, propolis is a natural product made by honeybees to coat their hives. It is used for many purposes, including tumor treatment, though primarily to fight wound infections, according to Medical Daily.

Scientists from Hokkaido University in Japan, headed by Dr. Ken Kobayashi, tested the natural sealant on mice that were previously shaved or waxed. Results revealed that mice given propolis grew back their fur faster than those that did not receive topical application of the compound.

The experts said the number of special cells involved in growing hair increased after propolis was applied, writes Daily News. They said growth "occurred without any detectable abnormalities in the shape of the follicles."

"These results indicate that propolis stimulates hair growth by inducing hair keratinocyte proliferation," concluded the authors.

Despite only testing propolis on shaved mice and not balding ones, the researchers are positive that it could also apply to baldness since hair loss is often the result of inflammation and propolis contains anti-inflammatory properties.

The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.