The Damascus rose is one of the most ancient types of roses, distinguished by its fragrant scent and wide uses in perfumes, traditional medicine, and beauty industries. A team of researchers has developed a treatment that uses stem cells extracted from rose bushes to reactivate human hair growth with its original color, a step that could change the way we deal with graying. According to the Daily Mail, this technique relies on extracting stem cells from the roots and leaves of the Damascus rose bush. These cells are treated with chemicals to stimulate them to produce tiny particles called 'exosomes,' which are nanovesicles rich in proteins and genetic material that can repair damaged cells. These exosomes are injected into the scalp to regenerate melanin-producing cells, which are responsible for hair color. (A person loses hair color when melanin cells stop working, usually due to aging or stress. Because plant stem cells are easy to obtain and safe, they can be used instead of human stem cells, bypassing ethical concerns related to embryos). An international study conducted by researchers in Thailand, Greece, and Brazil showed that 6 out of 10 people with gray hair regained at least half of their hair color after four or five treatment sessions using rose stem cells. Volunteers received exosome injections into their scalps using fine needles over several months, and a significant improvement in hair color was recorded without any side effects. However, it is not yet clear if the results are long-lasting or if the treatment needs to be repeated regularly, due to the short duration of the study. Dr. Christos Tsiotzius, a dermatology consultant in London, said: 'The idea of stimulating pigment production in the scalp this way is scientifically possible, but it is still in its early stages.' He warns against rushing to conclusions about its long-term effectiveness, explaining: 'We still need more studies to determine the longevity of these results and whether the treatment needs to be repeated regularly.' Experts confirm that genes play a significant role in the appearance of graying, as the hair of about 90% of people becomes partially or fully gray by the age of sixty. However, stress can accelerate color loss, although hair usually changes gradually. It is worth noting that plant exosomes are widely used in cosmetic dermatology to stimulate skin cell renewal, help in wound healing, and reduce scars.
