Madrid – September 04, 2026 -- Monteloeder, SL, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, SA, has published preclinical data showing its nutricosmetic ingredient Elissara® increases human dermal papilla cell proliferation to roughly 2.5 times that of untreated controls, extending the compound's known scalp benefits into follicular biology.
Study links Elissara to multiple hair-growth pathways under environmental stress
The three-part preclinical trial, published in the August 2026 issue of Biomolecules, tested human dermal papilla cells and scalp tissue exposed to pollution (PM2.5) and UVA light. Elissara® increased collagen and signaling proteins tied to follicle structure and function, while helping preserve IGF-1, a growth-signaling protein critical to hair-follicle development, under environmental stress. The ingredient also reduced markers of oxidative damage in stressed scalp tissue and showed activity modulating pathways linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with shortened growth cycles and follicle shrinkage.
Four-botanical formula builds on prior scalp-health clinical trial
Elissara® combines standardized extracts of lemon verbena, olive leaf, Japanese pagoda tree and rosemary, delivering compounds including verbascoside, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, quercetin and rosemary-derived diterpenes. In an earlier clinical trial involving 66 women, daily oral supplementation improved scalp moisturization and hydration and reduced sebum and redness; 79% of participants reported healthier-looking hair, 76% noted enhanced shine, and nearly 80% reported stronger-feeling hair. Daniel González-Hedström, PhD, R&D Director for SuanNutra, said the scalp results prompted the company to investigate hair-growth mechanisms further, with clinical validation of the new findings planned as a next step.
Ingredient targets growing demand for beauty-from-within supplements
Mariana Ortega, Science Marketing Manager for SuanNutra, said supplement brands are shifting from generic hair-skin-nail multivitamins toward targeted, science-backed formulations, positioning Elissara® within the company's Visible RadianceTM platform for beauty brands. Previously marketed as "Zeropollution®,