Ergothioneine, an antioxidant found in mushrooms, reduced hair graying and loss in aged mice and mice with chemically-induced gray hair by protecting hair follicle cells from oxidative damage. It boosted production of pigmentation-promoting factors and increased melanin content in skin cells. The compound worked by activating specific cellular pathways (SIRT1/Nrf2) that fight oxidative stress.

Researchers tested ergothioneine on human hair follicle cells in lab dishes, then on hair follicles grown in culture, and finally on aged mice and mice with chemically-induced graying to see if results translated in living systems.

Funding not disclosed in abstract