Encyclopedia · botanical
AnaGain
AnaGain is a pea sprout extract with a small maker-run study and mouse data, plausible and low risk but without an independent controlled trial.
What it is
AnaGain is an extract of pea (Pisum sativum) sprouts sold by the Swiss supplier Mibelle as a topical active (AnaGain) and as an oral supplement ingredient (AnaGain Nu). It is a component of several serums (Merja 2024) and is sold as a cosmetic and supplement.
How it works
- In 10 volunteers, a 2% pea sprout extract fluid applied to a scalp zone raised expression of the growth-related genes FGF7 and noggin by 56% and 85% (Grothe 2020).
- A 2025 study in dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice found activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling, raised IGF-1 and FGF7, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Kim 2025).
What the studies show
- A manufacturer-authored study combined the gene-expression test in 10 volunteers with an oral pilot in 21 people. The oral part, 100 mg/day for 8 weeks, reported less hair loss from day 28, but it was small and apparently uncontrolled. Grothe 2020
- In mice and cells the extract extended anagen and modulated oxidative and inflammatory signalling. Kim 2025
- A 60-day open-label serum study in 32 people reported a 31.6% higher hair growth rate, with several actives and no control. Merja 2024
- A 120-day open-label serum study reported large improvements with no control, funded by the maker. Patel 2025
How it's used in studies
2% extract fluid on the scalp (gene-expression study) and 100 mg per day by mouth for 8 weeks (oral pilot).
Side effects and safety
No adverse events were reported in the pilot. Legume allergy is a theoretical consideration.
Bottom line
Limited evidence, leaning low. The best data are manufacturer-run and uncontrolled. It is fine as part of a serum, but do not rely on it for a diagnosed condition. An independent randomized placebo-controlled trial is needed.
Studies 4
Grothe T et al. Short communication: clinical evaluation of pea sprout extract in the treatment of hair loss. Phytother Res. 2020
Tested: 2% pea sprout extract fluid on the scalp; 100 mg/day orally for 8 weeks
Result: Topical use raised FGF7 and noggin expression by 56% and 85%; the oral part reported less hair loss from day 28. Manufacturer authors, small, apparently uncontrolled.
Read the study ↗Kim Y et al. Pea sprout extract promotes hair follicle regeneration via anagen phase prolongation and dual modulation of oxidative and inflammatory signaling. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025
Tested: pea sprout extract
Result: Extended anagen, activated Wnt/beta-catenin, raised IGF-1 and FGF7 and showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Read the study ↗Merja A et al. Safety and efficacy of REGENDIL infused hair growth promoting product. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024
Tested: serum with Redensyl, AnaGain, Procapil and other actives, open-label
Result: Hair growth rate rose 31.6% at day 60; no control group and company-linked.
Read the study ↗Patel M et al. Soulflower Rosemary Redensyl Hair Growth Serum (Tetragain) clinical evaluation. Cureus. 2025
Tested: multi-active rosemary and Redensyl serum, open-label single arm
Result: Large percentage improvements with no control group; funded by the product maker.
Read the study ↗Related
- RedensylRedensyl is a branded cosmetic blend marketed to wake follicle stem cells, with one small vehicle-controlled trial in a blend and several maker-linked open-label studies.
- ProcapilProcapil is a branded trio of a biotin-linked peptide, apigenin and oleanolic acid sold as a hair-anchoring active, with small studies that are mostly add-ons to other treatments.
- CapixylCapixyl is a branded blend of a peptide and a red clover isoflavone; one tiny trial of a similar blend matched 3% minoxidil, with no placebo arm.
- BaicapilBaicapil is a supplier-branded plant-extract active found in hair serums, with no published human trial behind it.