"Applying Grass Extract Cures Hair Loss"... National Research Institute Develops 'All-Purpose Cosmetic'

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Develops Grass Extract Cosmetics Proven to Block UV Rays with Effects on Hair Loss, Diabetes, and Skin Disease Treatment
Recently Completed Content Enhancement Technology, Establishing Research Institute Company for Independent Commercialization

＜Hair Growth Efficacy Test of Centipedegrass Extract＞
(From left) Control group, Minoxidil-treated group, Centipedegrass extract-treated group.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A "universal cosmetic" developed by a national research institute, made from natural substances extracted from grass that not only treats acne and atopy but is also effective for diabetes and hair loss, is expected to be commercially launched soon.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 16th that it has established a research institute company called "BioMaysin Co., Ltd." to develop and sell cosmetics using the naturally extracted substance "Maysin" from grass, which it developed independently.

Maysin is an antioxidant functional ingredient found in corn silk. In 2012, the Atomic Energy Research Institute succeeded for the first time in the world in isolating and purifying Maysin from a type of warm-season grass called Centipedegrass (scientific name Eremochloa ophiuroides). At that time, anti-aging functions were confirmed, and it was registered as a cosmetic ingredient with both the domestic and the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the United States.

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute - BioMaysin Co., Ltd. Research Company Establishment Agreement Ceremony. (From left) BioMaysin Co., Ltd. Vice President Seokgyu Choi, CEO Eunju Bang, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Director Wonseok Park, Principal Researcher Byungyeop Jeong.

Since then, the institute has additionally developed a "technology to increase Maysin content through radiation exposure." The principle is to increase the biosynthesis of Maysin by irradiating gamma rays, thereby raising its content. The research team produced a Maysin extract with approximately 2.7 times the content compared to natural Maysin. They also newly confirmed that the Maysin extract has effects such as ▲improvement of skin diseases ▲UV protection ▲prevention and treatment of diabetes ▲prevention and treatment of hair loss, and completed patent registrations not only domestically but also overseas in China, the United States, and Europe. In particular, it showed excellent soothing effects on acne and atopy, which are common skin concerns for modern people, and the extract alone recorded a 97.3% UV protection effect.

In addition, experiments on mice using Centipedegrass extract containing Maysin confirmed hair growth effects. This efficacy is similar to that of the commercially available hair loss treatment Minoxidil. Animal experiments showed that the hair growth effect was maintained even after discontinuing the use of the extract, demonstrating its potential as a hair growth promoter.

BioMaysin has secured a factory site of 4,446㎡ (1,345 pyeong) within the Advanced Science Industrial Complex in Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do. It plans to establish cosmetic production facilities by the first half of this year. In the future, it plans to develop health functional foods and natural new drugs by combining Maysin with traditional herbal ingredients.