Monteloeder nutricosmetic found to lift hair follicle cell growth 2.5-fold

Elissara, a nutricosmetic by Monteloeder, was found to exhibit multifactorial activity associated with healthy hair and follicle function. According to a preclinical study examining scalp and hair growth, the four-botanical polyphenol-enriched ingredients featured in Elissara demonstrated support of hair follicle function and resilience.

The findings arrive as consumers are increasingly concerned about their hair’s appearance and are seeking natural, science-backed solutions that support hair vitality. Monteloeder, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, believes Elissara could be a viable solution to this growing market. 

The study showed that the nutricosmetic complex influenced multiple biological pathways associated with healthy follicle function and the hair growth cycle. In human dermal papilla cells, Elissara increased cell proliferation to approximately 2.5 times that of untreated controls. 

Beauty’s next “plug-in”

Mariana Ortega, science marketing manager for SuanNutra, says the company and other brands are responding to the burgeoning demand for hair health solutions. 

“The category is evolving from multivitamins targeting hair, skin, and nails toward more advanced, targeted products. We offer supplement brands a complete beauty-from-within toolkit, enabling them to develop next-generation solutions that complement consumers’ healthy lifestyles and go beyond topical care.”

Preclinical findings demonstrate that a nutricosmetic by Monteloeder offers broad support to hair resilience.Elissara is a part of Visible Radiance, SuanNutra’s branded beauty-from-within line. The science-driven platform is designed as a “plug-in” line for beauty brands, allowing them to expand into the ingestible beauty arena, says Ortega. 

Elissara is a proprietary combination of four herbs formulated to work together to support the scalp’s environment for more vibrant and healthier-looking hair. It includes standardized extracts of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), olive leaf (Olea europaea), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). 

The formulation delivers a specific fingerprint of bioactive compounds, including: verbascoside, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, quercetin, and rosemary-derived diterpenes (carnosol and carnosic acid). Together, these phenolic compounds are said to provide a broad spectrum of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. 

Getting to the root of hair growth

The new three-pronged preclinical trial, published in Biomolecules, involved laboratory assessments of human dermal papilla cells and scalp tissue samples exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution and UV light. 

According to the study, Elissara increased collagen and signaling proteins associated with healthy hair-follicle function, including markers involved in cell proliferation, structural support, and follicular signaling in human scalp explants. 

Elissara was also shown to help preserve growth-signaling IGF-1 protein levels important for hair-follicle development under environmental stress. It also reduced markers of oxidative damage in scalp tissue exposed to PM2.5 pollution and UVA-induced environmental stress.

“Elissara was initially developed as a natural inner beauty botanical formula to support the skin against pollution and UV exposure,” says Daniel González-Hedström, PhD, R&D director for SuanNutra. 

Elissara later exhibited scalp health benefits in a clinical study involving 66 women. Daily oral supplementation significantly improved scalp moisturization and hydration, and reduced sebum levels and scalp redness, he notes. 

The benefits were also reflected in participants’ self-assessments, with almost 79% reporting healthier-looking hair and 76% noting enhanced shine. Close to 80% of them reported that their hair felt stronger. 

The science of hair growth

Hair growth and follicular function are complex, shaped by a mix of genetics, hormonal changes, and inflammation, alongside lifestyle and environmental factors. 

Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are known to contribute to shortening the anagen (growth) phase and shrinking hair follicles. Meanwhile, declining

Hair loss is a major concern affecting millions of men and women worldwide and has a substantial impact on self-esteem and social confidence. 

estrogen levels in women, particularly during menopause, may lead to hair thinning. 

The research demonstrated that Elissara may help support a healthier hormonal environment around the hair follicle by modulating pathways linked to DHT. 

“Rather than relying on a single pathway, Elissara combines four standardized, polyphenol-rich botanicals selected to provide complementary biological activity,” says González-Hedström. 

“The findings of the preclinical trial provide insights into its pathways of action and help us understand how the composition may support healthy follicular function. The next step is to investigate whether these mechanistic findings translate into measurable hair benefits in a clinical setting.”

Previously marketed under the name Zeropollution, Elissara is backed by two clinical trials demonstrating its positive impact on scalp condition and the hair’s overall appearance. At a daily dose of 250 mg, it is available in tablet, capsule, or softgel formats. 

Monteloeder will present the study results at SupplySide Global, in Las Vegas, US, next month.