
Whoever coined the phrase “Vanity, thy name is woman,” clearly was not a balding man. From implants to Rogaine, men (and some women) with thinning hair are willing to pay a lot of money to keep their cranium covered. A recent study suggest they might be better off making a trip to the greengrocer to return their locks to lusciousness.
Scientists at Kinki University (no, that’s not a joke, it’s a region in Japan) report that an extract from broccoli sprouts was used to promote the division of cells in the papilla, the base of a hair follicle where hair growth signals are regulated. This increased the production of a protein used in hair growth by 40 percent.
Sprouts have long been considered a healthy food, and the high level of antioxidants in broccoli sprouts have made them a target for various fields of research in recent years. In this study, researchers looked specifically at whether they might have benefits for hair restoration. Moving forward, they will attempt to identify the active ingredients in the extract and look at possible different formulations for application.
Before you head out to the supermarket, the study doesn’t indicate whether eating broccoli sprouts has the same benefits. I suppose you could always try rubbing them on your scalp, though…
Source: Zaeega
Images: Joseph Enterprises, Zaeega


Plant extract that may grow hair discovered by Japan’s Rohto Pharmaceutical
Our Japanese language reporter tries out hair replacement surgery (viewer discretion is advised)
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tiny house by Muji finally goes on sale in Japan
Japanese hotel has rooftop hot spring bath, unlimited sushi and alcohol, costs less than 80 bucks
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
The 10 best hotel hot springs in Japan, as chosen by Japanese travelers
Special edition UNO allows you to play with Mario and co. in a whole new way
Ultra-retro cafe in Tokyo is like a hidden hideout, serves up cheap breakfasts with great coffee
Summer nights at this amazing Tokyo open-air museum are like stepping back in time
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply