Spirodela: Does it have intriguing effects on hair?

The greater duckweed, or Spirodela polyrhiza, is an aquatic plant from the Araceae family, one of the species to which water lentils belong. In recent years, its use in skincare has gradually increased. Indeed, the greater duckweed has several properties that are beneficial for topical application. Rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and especially in apiogalacturonans, pectins with a high hygroscopic potential, the water lentil is particularly studied for its soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant properties which could make it beneficial for dehydrated, sensitive, or even atopic skin.

As of now, no scientific study has been conducted to assess the hair properties of the Spirodela.

Despite the intriguing cosmetic potential of the Spirodela polyrhiza, very few scientific studies have been conducted on it, and none regarding its effects on the scalp or hair. However, based on the known action mechanisms of the spirodela, it is possible to formulate certain hypotheses about its potential hair benefits.

• Spirodela for hydrating the scalp and lengths?

  As mentioned above, the water lentil is rich in hydrophilic polysaccharides, particularly apiogalacturonans, compounds derived from its cell walls. These sugars have a strong ability to retain water, a useful property for limiting skin dehydration but which may also be of interest for the scalp and hair. Indeed, the hydrating virtues of the spirodela could help to protect the lengths from dehydration, especially if they are porous or sensitised by mechanical, chemical or thermal aggressions. This could limit the formation of split ends. For those with a dry scalp, the apiogalacturonan content of the water lentil could help to reduce the sensations of tightness associated with an impaired barrier and restore scalp comfort.

• Spirodela as an antioxidant protection?

  Contrary to what one might sometimes think, oxidative stress is not exclusive to the skin and can also have detrimental effects on the scalp and hair. Disruption of the hair growth cycle, intensification of hair loss, acceleration of fibre whitening (canities)... these are all effects that can be induced by free radicals. Therefore, there is a real interest in using antioxidants at the scalp level. Rich in flavonoids, molecules whose chemical structure gives them anti-radical properties, the spirodela could fulfil this protective antioxidant role. It should be noted that this is a hypothesis. While the antioxidant properties of the Spirodela polyrhiza have been demonstrated in vitro and the harmful effects of free radicals on the scalp are well known, no direct study has shown that this ingredient can prevent white hair or hair loss.

• Can Spirodela soothe a sensitive scalp?

  Spirodela extracts have shown promising activity on several skin pro-inflammatory pathways, particularly by inhibiting the production of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8 or TNF-α. These effects have been demonstrated in in vitro studies conducted on human HaCaT keratinocytes. Further research, carried out on mice with induced eczema, confirmed its soothing potential. This anti-inflammatory property of the Spirodela polyrhiza could be transcribed at the scalp level and help to soothe the redness or itching characteristic of an irritated scalp. Of course, studies would be necessary to confirm this, but Spirodela could emerge in the coming years as a beneficial ingredient for individuals with a sensitive scalp.